A distinction that I heard recently (by a psychologist) is that the bipolar cycling will be over the course of weeks - meaning weeks up and then weeks down. So if what you're seeing is ups or downs that last for a few hours or days, that isn't bipolar.

The other thing to be aware of is that there is controversy about whether bipolar has been over-diagnosed in kids, so the momentum is swinging the other way to eliminate all other possibilities first. I think some of the new behavioral disorders in the new DSM are meant to rectify this.

And there are no blood tests or other bio-markers. Diagnosis is just based on behavior.

Anonymous wrote:DD is 9, starting puberty- no menstral cycle yet. She's adopted, always been dramatic. How do they decipher this disorder? Blood test, no family history here.

Likely more to be an attachment disorder or issue then bipolar. They present the same. I would investigate the attachment issue before bipolar. Seek out therapists trained with adoption and attachment issues for evaluation. Even if you don't agree, if you seek a bipolar diagnosis, once they hear she is adopted, they will first want her evaluate for attachment issues.

Umm. Drama is normal in puberty and adolescence.

There is no blood test or other definitive test for bipolar.

Bipolar is pretty unusual in young kids. It involves more than drama. Clear cycling between up and down. Mania. Depression. Sleep problems. Language changes.

Educate yourself if you think this could be a concern:

NAMI has a good website and info and classes for parents and other family members

NIMH website is a a highly reliable source for all kinds of Mental Illnesses -- https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/bipolar-disorder-in-children-and-teens-qf-15-6380/index.shtml


The book, "The Bipolar Child" by the Papolos' is consider one of the early comprehensive books diagnosis. http://bipolarchild.com

Usually there is a family history or more going on.

Anonymous wrote:DD is 9, starting puberty- no menstral cycle yet. She's adopted, always been dramatic. How do they decipher this disorder? Blood test, no family history here.

She's starting puberty at age 9? What makes you think that?

Being "dramatic" isn't a qualifier for bipolar.

A blood test? She's "dramatic"? You sound like you need to educate yourself a little.

If she is having mental health problems, she should be seen by a child psychiatrist.

There are a lot of behavioral treatments that should be tried before jumping to a diagnosis. Kids can be diagnosed much younger than 9, but I'm not sure that's the best course of action. Good luck.

DD is 9, starting puberty- no menstral cycle yet. She's adopted, always been dramatic. How do they decipher this disorder? Blood test, no family history here.