Posted by Toby on December 30, 1998, at 9:08:08
In reply to BiPolar child?, posted by Tam on December 19, 1998, at 14:20:50
Lithium wouldn't likely have caused ADD. Since I don't know your symptoms, I can't say for sure which diagnosis really fits, but it is true that the symptoms of ADD and Bipolar disorder mimic each other especially in childhood. Both illnesses can cause impulsive behavior, mood difficulties, depression can cause inattention to school work, etc. It is possible for even very young children to have bipolar disorder (not generally known until the last few years, though), but to get a diagnosis of ADD requires that symptoms start before age 7; so if there were no problems at all until say, age 10, then ADD wouldn't be even an option for a diagnosis.
poster:Toby
thread:1645
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19990401/msgs/1877.html