Hi

I can relate to what you are going through. As a child around age 5 i knew i was differant. They tested me and not much was done back then.
I have bipolar. I was dignossed 11 years ago after many boats of depression and highs.
I'm doing fine these days but my problem is this!

My son is 14. He was dignossed ADHD in grade 2. Put on meds for 2 or more years with no inprovement.
I have been working hard all these years tring to get a proper dignosses for my son. I'm sure i know more about ADD, ADHD and BIPOLAR than the doctors do most times. All they want to look at my son and tell me he is ADHD.

When ever i talk about him posably showing early signs of child hood bipolar they dismise it as if i know knowthing. Let me tell you a know a great deal. I have studied this topic for years. I've read most books and first and formost , i have hands on expereance.

My son has consistantly shown signs of both ADD and bipolar sence he was young. Just like i did when i was young. The doctors do talk about ADD or ADHD coexisting with BIPOLAR at the same time but as they say and as i have studied, no one knows as of yet if the to realy do overlap each other in some people.

I mean lets be realistic here. It is a proven fact that a bipolar child exibits all or most of ADD or ADHD simtums, and an ADD or ADHD child shows only some of the simtums. So how would anyone be able to suggest the to coexist.

I beleave my son has bipolar disorder. Yes he does have ADHD simtums at times but many times he is just fine for long periods of time. How can he be ADHD and have long streaches of perfect behavior. I think the doctors need to open up ther eyes and ears and lesson to what i tell them, but no. I'm not a doctor so what do i know. LOTS but its like beating a dead horse. It gets me no where. Mean while my son started a new ADHD medication, even though his behavior, consentration ect. has been perfect these past fue months.

Ive read ADHD medication can cause havic in someone who is bipolar and that bipolar should be ruled out before a dignosses of things like ADHD is given. Expessialy when bipolar illness runs in the family.

WELL LETS JUST HOPE THE DOCTORS ARE RIGHT AND IM THE WRONG ONE. IF MY SON GETS ANY WORSE OVER THIS I WILL BE HOLDING SOMEONE ACOUNTABLE.

JACQUI