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Sussan & Greenwald
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
Practice limited to special education and related matters
BIPOLAR DISORDER
Not too long ago experts believed that Bipolar Disorder was a condition rarely found in children. That view is now rapidly changing with proof that it not only can occur in children, but does so with a frequency never before thought possible. The diagnosis of this illness is often confused with other conditions, such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), to name a few. The prompt recognition and treatment of Bipolar Disorder is critical as it relates to the proper education and maturation of a child. The information presented herein is intended to assist the reader in locating source materials dealing with this overlooked and misdiagnosed disease.
Essential Diagnostic Features as set forth in DSM-IV™ (The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition Text Revision, is published by the American Psychiatric Association).
Bipolar I Disorder--Diagnostic Features (DSM-IV, p. 350) The essential feature of Bipolar I Disorder is a clinical course that is characterized by the occurrence of one or more Manic Episodes or Mixed Episodes. Often individuals have also had one or more Major Depressive Episodes. Episodes of Substance-Induced Mood Disorder (due to the direct effects of a medication, or other somatic treatments for depression, a drug of abuse, or toxin exposure) or of Mood Disorder Due to a General Medical Condition do not count toward a diagnosis of Bipolar I Disorder. In addition, the episodes are not better accounted for by Schizoaffective Disorder and are not superimposed on Schizophrenia, Schizophreniform Disorder, Delusional Disorder, or Psychotic Disorder Not Otherwise Specified.
Bipolar II Disorder--Diagnostic Features (DSM-IV, p. 359) The essential feature of Bipolar II Disorder is a clinical course that is characterized by the occurrence of one or more Major Depressive Episodes accompanied by at least one Hypomanic Episode. Hypomanic Episodes should not be confused with the several days of euthymia that may follow remission of a Major Depressive Episode. Episodes of Substance- Induced Mood Disorder (due to the direct effects of a medication, or other somatic treatments for depression, a drug of abuse, or toxin exposure) or of Mood Disorder Due to a General Medical Condition do not count toward a diagnosis of Bipolar I Disorder. In addition, the episodes are not better accounted for by Schizoaffective Disorder and are not superimposed on Schizophrenia, Schizophreniform Disorder, Delusional Disorder, or Psychotic Disorder Not Otherwise Specified.
See Internet Mental Health for more on diagnostic features.
RESOURCES
The Bipolar Child A must read text written by Demitri Papolos, M.D., and Janice Papolos, experts in this area.
Psychology Net An interactive site that guides the reader towards a better understanding of Bipolar Disorder.
IEP Form of IEP for a Bipolar child.
Bipolar Disorders Information Center
National Institute of Mental Health
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)
Phone: 732-238-0900 620 Cranbury Road
Suite 212
Fax: 732-238-0970 East Brunswick, N.J. 08816
The information presented herein is intended to be informational, and not legal advice. Obtain competent legal representation for your particular matter. See full disclaimer.
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