Early-Onset Bipolar Disorder

Image via WikipediaThere has been a recent interest in Early-Onset Bipolar Disorder. According to two psychologists, a husband and wife team believes that children who exhibit certain childhood traits may actually be presenting the early signs of Bipolar Disorder.

According to the article, children who show separation anxiety, tantrums (when told "no"), hyperactivity, being inattentive, and distractibility are at risk. Now let me get this straight - these "symptoms" are normal for nearly every 2 year old and toddler - so are we to assume ALL children are Bipolar?

A toddler being mad because they are told no means they are - heaven forbid - "NORMAL." If that is not enough, the article refers to the idea of NOT telling a toddler or young child no, because it might "trigger a meltdown." Heaven forbid they should be disciplined!

These ideas and beliefs do nothing but harm to children and the stigma that goes along with mental illness. These beliefs are only good for one thing....the drug companies, since they are the ones who will benefit, in addition to giving these "psychologists" more money.

I am still trying to understand the concept of these so called doctors, preying on children who are being taught right from wrong, discipline and growing up with respect and honesty. What a concept!

And they want to say the children need medication. I would like to know where they received their degrees, lets find a could disease to give everyone? (Don't get me wrong, I do know and understand that there are children and adolescents that are Bipolar, but to come to the point where these doctors are is, I think, a bit of a stretch.)