The number of kids seeking treatment for bi-polar disorder has increased 40-fold since 1994, according to recent surveys. Some believe that bi-polar has simply been misdiagnosed previously.

"'Given the preponderance of boys, their young age and the number of them also being diagnosed and treated for ADHD, all of these things are consistent with some misdiagnosis,' said Dr. Mark Olfson, senior author of the report and professor of clinical psychiatry at New York State Psychiatric Institute of Columbia University in New York. Factors such as irritability, rapid speech and distractibility are symptoms of mania in bipolar disorder but also of ADHD, he said."

Careful diagnosis is vital, not only for correct treatment, but to prevent treatment which may aggravate the condition. Antidepressants, for example, can worsen manic episodes in someone who's bi-polar.

Labels: bi-polar, diagnosis, misdiagnosis