Angela

In regards to your question.

Yes my son is now showing signs of depressive episodes. He has been for about the past year or so.
Unfortunately prier to these depressive episodes he had your classic simptoms of which do not fall into the DSM-IV criteria which was not created to dignoss children but only adults. Children are mentioned, but they are to be diagnosed basically according to the adult criteria.
Bipolar disorder in children presents its self in a very differant pattern. This pattern often bears little resemblance to classical cycles of mania and depression as they are expressed in adulthood. Most children with bipolar do not show signs of depression until late adolescence.
Unfortunately this has been the case with my son as well as myself when i was a child . Now that he is showing signs of depression, already having a dignosses of ADHD, the doctors continue to look for strong signs of mania and sever depression, there for the dignosses stays the same .
Unfortunately i will have to sit and watch him struggle and suffer as i did untill someone decides to open up ther brain and look at the pattern in which he poses.
By no means do i wish the dignosses of bipolar on my son, but i can not egnor the behavior he has shown over the past 7 years or so. ADHD whould be easier to except but i live with my son 24/7 and can not egnor what is right in front of my face.

Jacqui