What do you think about toddlers being labeled bi-polar or ADHD?

Question

I can't believe any doctor would prescribe drugs to babies...

Not talking about my child - I would personally sue any doctor who tried that..but I have heard that it is happening.

Answer 1

I can't believe any doctor would make a diagnosis at that early of an age. Toddlers are full of energy and are just discovering the world around them. Bi-polar they don't even label until the child is like 16 at the very youngest. ADHD I don't think would label until like 2nd or 3rd grade. At least that has been my experience.

Answer 2

Any good, reputible physician with an understanding of either disorder will NEVER diagnose a child before the age of 4.

My youngest nephew is ADHD - he was diagnosed at the age of 5. The doctor that treats him is one of the leading doctors in the state of WI that deals with ADD and ADHD, so he has a definite understanding of the condition. He even told my sister that he would never diagnose a child before the age of 4.

But don't write off those drugs. Because of those drugs, my nephew - now 11 - excells in school and can sit and pay attention in class. He is able to function in his day to day life, and has helped his self esteem (he thought he was stupid because he couldn't sit and listen). When done right, those drugs are a God-send. Children shouldn't be "sedated", and if they are, they are over medicated. My nephew is still extremely active, but he is able to sit still long enough to do homework or read a book.

But no one should be giving those drugs to "babies". Over the age of 5, fine. That is when they are going to need it - in school. But a parent has to make sure that they speak up for their child, and keep a handle on it. Make sure an active child isn't being diagnosed by a lazy teacher so they get medication to keep them calm. That isn't the way to go. A good teacher will give their observations, and work with a parent and doctor to make sure the child is properly treated. But it is ultimately up to the parent to make sure that all is done right, and the child is the most important one in the treatment.

Bi-polar disorder is typically not diagnosed until the teens or early 20's. The reason is that it typically takes an "event" of some sort to trigger the disorder in the brain for the individual. Many have bipolar disorder and don't know it because they don't have the symptoms or the symptoms are so slight they go unnoticed by the person. To diagnose a child with the disorder is highly unusual.

Answer 3

You need a new doctor. A toddler is too young to be diagnosed with ADHD & especially bi-polar. I think ADHD is usually diagnosed in grade school, & bi-polar, not until much older, like around High School. I would never give a toddler medication for either or these diagnosis - it's just too hard to tell if they have either of them when they're that young. Young kids don't know how to handle changes, they are going through so many at that age, that their actions can be "crazy", when they're really not.

Answer 4

Children under age 6 are rarely given the label of ADHD. I would think that the child's behavior would be extreme if he was given this label prior to turning 6. It's hard to tell if a toddler is just very busy or if he is hyperactive. Generally when a child starts school there are other indicators (inability to focus in class, social difficulties, trouble with peers, etc.) that point to ADHD.

Sorry, I don't know much about bipolarity so I can't help there.

Answer 5

I can tell you from experience that my son's preschool teacher told us to expect a diagnosis of ADHD with our son. He was about 4. She was right. He was showing signs of it when he was 3 and 4. No one was considering medicating him at that time though. We also were not seeking a diagnosis. She just could tell that he didn't quite follow the rest of the group with the activities. (She was a previous elementary teacher). I would not have allowed any medication at that point. You are right. He has been treated since he was 6 for ADHD and just this year (he is 11), a new doctor wanted to treat him for being bi-polar. I'm not so sure about the entire medical system. Mothers need to follow their instincts!

Answer 6

In ref to ADHD-
I hate that this is such an issue for people. It's described as a neurological condition. Sometimes drugs are necessary at that age if the child cannot function in society or is a danger to others (I asked a Dr.)

The thinking is if you catch it early enough it's easier for them to learn to change their behavior. I figure even if the doctor is wrong it doesn't hurt to use behavior modification techniques. If nothing is done, they can have trouble scholastically, emotionally and socially.

Answer 7

I definitely believe that's premature. A very active baby, I can understand. Check what you're feeding her and if her activities are tiring enough. Bipolar? I don't know how you can diagnose that without talking to the patient. Every baby has instant changes of mood. They're overstimulated--cry
The dog comes--laugh
They realize they are hungry--cry

All I know is that if it were my toddler, I'd have her visiting a early child psychiatrist. Don't let anyone else give pills to your kids.

TX Mom
Mom of a bipolar, ADD & PDD child.

Answer 8

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Answer 9

I think is ridiculous and whoever diagnosed it at that age should be evaluated.

Answer 10

depends on how serious the problem is distressing the child; not the parents.