During that time she got a masters degree in psychology and also made an extensive study of our family history. In The Bipolar Disorder FAQ , there are some questions you can ask yourself to help you decide whether to consult with a doctor. Another place to get good information on the varieties of mood disorder is Dr. Ivan Goldberg's Depression Central . The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, NAMI, has information about the Stanley Foundation Bipolar Network , which may be helpful. If you can tolerate medical terminology, there is a good interview posted by with Dr. Akiskal .
Identification seems even more difficult with children.
Children who have extremes of behavior, going into wild rages one day, and acting sleepy, uninterested in food or play the next, are easier to identify as possibly bipolar. There are also other possible explanations for such behavior, from medical allergies to family stress. Erratic school performance excelling in all subjects, then losing interest in everything, then jumping into action again is also a signal. However, children's interests can swerve all over the map and still be healthy. All rights reserved .