Help defining difference between ODD and Bipolar in Children?

I have read many forums, websites, books, white papers regarding both disorders and have completed assessments/questionnaires as well. Many common behaviors are EXTREMELY similar. Also, since ADHD often accompanies ODD, the diagnosis is further complicated. After all, whatever behaviors are missing from an ODD diagnosis can be "made up" when you throw ADHD into the equation!


So...what is the differential diagnosis between ODD and BIPOLAR in Children?


My son is 8. I would suggest that depression is unique to Bipolar but how does depression manifest itself in an extremely active child who's always on the go? He would never sit in his room doing nothing - yet he has mentioned wanting to die, hating himself, and threatened to hit himself in the head w/a hammer during one tantrum. Those behaviors are more common with Bipolar. But again, there's never lethargy, lack of activity, hopelessness, etc. Psych appt (made 3 months ago) is still 3 months away - getting desperate

Help defining difference between ODD and Bipolar in Children?
Hi I know the label helps us to understand but to be honest the label really does not matter its the treatment that matters the most. It is more common then you think to have a bipolar child that whats to die whats to hurt you/them selves. but because you say its always a hyper state he is in I don't think your looking at bipolar (but only time will tell) keep with the therapy and if things don't get better maybe see a doctor and see what they say about it all. I know its hard I have a daughter that's 7 and ADHD/bipolar but she really does get lows with it. Remember your a good parent and doing the best that you can for your son. take care good luck
Reply:I highly recommend tow things- see a counselor now, while he is young and before too many habits develop.


Second look seriously into nutrition.


My daughter, from age 5, had all of the above symptoms, ADD, ODD, highs and lows- (the funny thing is, she could show symptoms of depression but still be hyperactive.)


We talked to doctors , teachers, pastors and never was able to get any serious answers regarding her issues. She began to have serious anger outbursts that would end as abruptly and without warning as it started.


After years of no answers and believing her to have behavior problems that would not come to an end , at age 13 she began to become physically ill. We were advised to have allergy and intolerance testing done- after allergy tests, blood tests and testing through enterolab we found she was gluten intolerant- the gluten affected her is such a way that her brain was literally starving and could not function properly- she was not able to absorb the nutrients she consumed.


My youngest was tested also and tested positive for Celiac (it is genetic)


She has been on a gluten free diet for 2 years now and the ODD symptoms are completely gone, the ADD symptoms are almost nonexistent, the anger outbursts are gone and the bipolar symptoms have improved greatly. The bipolar symptoms are still there but MUCH MUCH milder than they ever were.


We will be going to see a doctor again regarding this, at this point there may still need to be healing from the damage done by the years of gluten that her body could not handle or she may need additional treatment for bipolar- the gluten just exacerbated the problem.


In hte meantime we are seeing a counselor to help her to manage the mood swings and learn to break habits that were formed after years of behaving in a way that she had little control over and learn to respond to change and stressful issues in a positive and productive way. The couseling is also helping my husband and I to deal with her in a way that will get through to her and will not have us tearing out our hair.





I hope this helps you some- from my own experience and hearing and seeing the stories of others, I highly recommend testing for Celiac or gluten intolerance and/ or other food allergies and intolerances (an allergy and an intolerance are two different things- make sure that both are tested for - the intolerance can be worse than an allergy but manifests itself in a very different, sometimes subtle or very unexpected way)





If you can afford it, I highly recommend the testing through Enterolab


www.enterolab.com
Reply:It sounds like you are going through what I did 2 and 3 years ago....EXACTLY!!! please e-mail me and I will try to help you out as best as I can..at least give you assurance that it does get better!!


I think that you have answered your own question about the difference between he two dx's, by telling us that he has no lethargy, hopelessness, and so on.





Good Luck


Momma P
Reply:get him to a very excellent cognitive therapist - don't give him sugar or caffeinated drinks like coke.





test him for any food allergies.





ADD and Bi-Polar labels are what is used for anyone who doesn't act like they are drugged out - it is a pharmaceutical scam.





feed him food w/o preservatives - we live in a high tech society that bombards are children with growth hormones, sugar and artificial preservatives.





you may also benefit from family counseling so everyone is on the same page - consistency - natural foods and allergy testing.





i am sorry you and your son are having such a hard time.





also monitor his t-v viewing keep it calm - over stimulation can unhinge both kids and adults making them adrenaline junkies.