I have a friend who has done everything possible to help his son find a diagnosis. The recent diagnosis was bipolar disorder. His son lived in a treatment facility for a year, went to a special camp in the country, learned more effective communication techniques and truly tried hard to fit in with his family. I have been amazed at how hard my friend and his partner have worked to find out what is happening to their child. The bipolar disorder diagnosis was a catch all- as it often is. It’s not that the diagnosis was wrong, it’s just that it was so vague.
Finally, some answers: My friend just wrote and said that his son has a new diagnosis that makes more sense. It’s called Pervasive Developmental Disorder. Here is what I just read in Wikipedia:
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The diagnostic category pervasive developmental disorders (PDD), as opposed to specific developmental disorders (SDD), refers to a group of five disorders characterized by delays in the development of multiple basic functions including socialization and communication. The most commonly known PDD is (1) Autism, with the remaining identified as (2) Rett syndrome, (3) Childhood disintegrative disorder, (4) Asperger syndrome, and (5) Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (or PDD-NOS).
Parents may note symptoms of PDD as early as infancy and typically onset is prior to 3 years of age. PDD itself generally does not affect life expectancy.
There is a division among doctors on the use of the term PDD. Many use the term PDD as a short way of saying PDDNOS.Others use the general category label of PDD because they are hesitant to diagnose very young children with a specific type of PDD, such as autism. Both approaches contribute to confusion about the term, because the term PDD actually refers to a category of disorders and is not a diagnostic label.
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Wow, that is not exactly the same as bipolar is it! My friend’s son had symptoms of explosive anger, inability to socialize, trouble following rules, inappropriate behavior, etc. Or course, that comes with bipolar as well. I think the main difference is the delay factor. I’m not sure that children with bipolar disorder are delayed in these areas as much as they have problems in these areas. The bipolar disorder diagnosis in children is so very nebulous, who knows what will happen in the future.
What matters is that my friend now has some answers. PDD will be treated very, very differently from bipolar disorder. A correct diagnosis, such as whether a child has bipolar or just severe ADHD is essential for correct treatment.
Let me know what you think on this one. I am SO happy for my friend.
Julie
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