Misdiagnosed ADHD or co-existing ADHD/bipolar?

scatterbrained04 · Feb 23, 2015 at 10:58 PM

Was anyone initially diagnosed ADHD as a kid but later diagnosed bipolar (or later diagnosed with both)? My son was diagnosed ADHD/ODD 3 years ago, but sometimes the severity of his symptoms just seem too much for just that. It seems like a lot of doctors aren't comfortable diagnosing bipolar in children. Sometimes I think he may be bipolar in addition to ADHD. He's currently taking risperdal in addition to his stimulant for ADHD. Just curious if any of you have any experience in this or with pediatric bipolar disorder?

Crazy Hitch · Feb 23, 2015 at 11:15 PM

Hi scatterbrained

Yeah I reckon some diagnosis change after some time, don't think that would be as "uncommon" as I'd like to think or additional diagnosis could be added.

Perhaps members with the same diagnosis one previous / then a rediagnosis can step forward and help us out on this one.

Thanks for asking.

Victoria'smom · Feb 23, 2015 at 11:21 PM

My son's dx is ASD, ADHD, but former Pdoc said it's bipolar but she wont dx it until he needs hospitalizations.

BlueInanna · Feb 23, 2015 at 11:47 PM

My son same thing add & bipolar dx's. Since age 11 maybe 8 hospitalizations which I wish I could've avoided somehow. He's 19 now. The episodes are longer in between but still happening. He won't do meds. Risperdal gave him breast tissue he wouldn't take off his shirt in public for years. He's a skinny guy. We tried many meds.
I feel so bad what you must be feeling. I'm so sorry. My advice get him an IEP in school as early as possible to support his self esteem. And nurturing. That's what I'd go back & do if I could roll back time.
Big hugs

scatterbrained04 · Feb 24, 2015 at 12:02 AM

Thanks...my son has been on an IEP since only a few months into kindergarten and is now in 3rd grade. He's currently attending a school for kids with behavorial health problems. He's been doing pretty well the last several months, but it's been a ROUGH road. I'm just curious as to what people may have experienced bipolar looking like at this age. In a way, it kind of helps me being bipolar with some of the battles (such as taking meds) because he sees me doing it too. In fact, he went to my pdoc appointment with me today! He says mine is cooler then his because he offeres hot tea lol

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Crazy Hitch ɘvlovƎ Member Since Nov 2013 Location: Australia Posts: 19,257 (SuperPoster!) 11 15k hugs given	Feb 23, 2015 at 11:15 PM #2 Hi scatterbrained Yeah I reckon some diagnosis change after some time, don't think that would be as "uncommon" as I'd like to think or additional diagnosis could be added. Perhaps members with the same diagnosis one previous / then a rediagnosis can step forward and help us out on this one. Thanks for asking.
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Victoria'smom Legendary Member Since Apr 2012 Location: Earth Posts: 15,320 (SuperPoster!) 12 5,638 hugs given	Feb 23, 2015 at 11:21 PM #3 My son's dx is ASD, ADHD, but former Pdoc said it's bipolar but she wont dx it until he needs hospitalizations. __________________ Dx: Me- SzA Husband- Bipolar 1 Daughter- mood disorder+ Comfortable broken and happy "So I don't know why I'm tongue tied At the wrong time when I need this."- P!nk My blog
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