Bipolar different in children?

Hi SarahP...My son was 8 when he was fully evaluated (although he doesn’t have the aggression issues), and the dx was initially clinical depression and severe ADHD (impulsivity and attention span being the main issues). By the grace of God, a phenomenal pdoc was recommended and he was very versed in “complex” cases like my son. First he got a handle on the depression. Then before just “assuming” the symptoms were ADHD, he first checked to rule out BP, because if he was BP – the symptoms could be manifesting like ADHD, or he could have also had that and the treatment would have to be different for the ADHD if he was BP too. Well…bottom line, he turned out to be both! THANK GOD HE CHECKED…kids with BP & ADHD can not take the normal meds for the ADHD (Ritalin and stuff) or you end up with a real problem. So…your son may be both, then again, he may not. My advice is to ask around at the universities and hospitals, call child therapists in your area…etc. for who is the BEST person around handling “complex” cases with young kids. Then, check out to see if there are any law suits against them with the AMA (or the equivalent depending on your country/state). Eventually, the same name will keep being recommended, he’ll check out great and then go see HIM/HER. I know how heart breaking this all is. My son is now 14, and I’d like to say it gets easier (and a lot of it can), but “easy” is never a word I would use. My son sees both a pdoc & therapist, and we work as a team all together for his benefit. He is developing into an amazing human being that I am proud of everyday. But there are STILL very heartbreaking times too. Socially it has always been hit and miss, and that is VERY hard. Just hang in there…when you find the right help, things can improve. Good luck to you. LFW (BTW...I have Fibro too!)