This question is for the mental health pros out there. Why is it that a large percentage of young people who ask for mental health help here, are diagnosed with Bi-polar Disorder? I work as a substance abuse counsellor for dually diagnosed clients at a private facility and I'm trained to efficiently use the DSM-IV. I know that meeting the criteria for bi-polar is not a slam-dunk for adults, so why are so many adols. being diagnosed with it. Has it become some kind of catch-all for lazy workers who don't wish to spend the time required to make a proper diagnosis? I have a little experience with adols. and realize they can be difficult to work with. If all these diagnosis are legit, then bi-polar in children is reaching epidemic proportions and we should find out why. Labeling a child bi-polar can have devistating results later in life. It's as hard to shake as schizophrenia. Honest, civil replies only, please.
2007-01-25
22:07:18
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8 answers
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asked by
rick m
3
in
Mental Health