Q: Hi David,
I am writing in concern for my 23 yr old son. When he was around 7, he was
diagnosed with ADD,learning disability, and he placed on Ritalin. It didnt work.
We have been to several doctors,counselors,tutors,psych, and not once has he
been tested for bipolar. He does have several of the symptoms, such as mood
swings, lack of concentration, depression, etc.Currently he is taking 1mg xanax
for depression/anxiety attacks. When he takes it, he becomes more depressed,
isolated from everyone. He doesnt sleep much,eating disorders,constant
headaches, Its a freaking emotional rollercoaster ride now a days. I forgot to
mention that he was also diagnosed with having dyslexia at 16. Always struggled
in school, quit at 17. His marriage is a wreck(she needs help too)but,his wishy
washy attitude is driving us all insane. His moods change like the wind! We have
always been there for him and always will, but we dont know what to do, we are
concerned because he has said that he wishes he was dead on several occasions,
but then an hour later, he might be on top of the world. One minute he wants us
to help, and later he is grown and tells us he can take care of himself.( I
offered to go with him to the psychiatrists office since he asked me to go with
him to his MD)Is this possibly bipolar? And if so, why cant they see it, and get
him the proper medicine. Its like he is full of anger and his way is the only
way.Jumps to conclusions, assumes the worst, and never happy anymore. He thinks
he wants something, then when he gets it, he still isn't satisfied. Is there a
certain med that I could suggest to his doctor to let him try? I will do
anything to help him get better. I have read articles on bipolar, but still dont
understand. Is he ADD or bipolar? or NEITHER!!!!! I am seriously afraid he will
hurt himself or someone else soon. What do you suggest? I will keep researching,
but I am afraid I am on a short timeline before disaster stikes.
Thank you,
R.
Dear R,
If you have strong doubts about the diagnosis you have been given, getting
a second opinion is a good idea. Select a psychiatrist who is knowledgeable
about bipolar disorder and persistent in getting as much accurate information
from you as possible. Ask to accompany your son to back up or supplement any
information he provides to the doctor. Bipolar disorder is frequently
misdiagnosed as ADD in younger children. Understand that there are many reasons
why bipolar disorder can be hard to distinguish from other disorders..
If you do seek a second opinion, be prepared to be
asked some of the same questions about symptoms that were asked the first time.
Tell the new psychiatrist why you think your son has bipolar disorder and why
you don't think the diagnostic criteria for ADD don't fit. Bring along a close
family member, significant other, or trusted friend. This person can offer
a different perspective on your son's symptoms and life experiences, which may
be quite useful to the person making the diagnosis. Most of all, it's important
to work collaboratively with your doctor. Say what you can about your history
and report events and symptoms as accurately as possible even if what you are
reporting is sometimes embarrassing or painful.. Try to see things from the
doctor's perspective. If the doctor thinks you are bipolar, what is the
rationale behind that opinion? What diagnostic criteria does the doctor think
apply to you? Is he or she considering other diagnoses, and if not, why not?
Good luck.
David Schafer, M.Ed.
Staff Psychologist
Published June, 2006
