My daughter .. two diff dr.s two different diagnosis.. whats with this?
Answer:
As a psychologist, I can tell you that certain disorders are very difficult to diagnose. It sounds like you are seeing psychiatrists, which are medical doctors - and that they are prescribing medication (which psychologists do not do).
While psychiatrists are trained similarly (as are psychologists), you should realize that there are different programs for training. By that, I mean that there are child psychologists, school psychologists, clinical psychologists, neuropsychologists, etc. In the field of psychiatry, there are subspecialties having to do specifically with children (pediatric psychiatry), or neurology (how the brain functions), etc. That's why it's important to know WHAT KIND of doctor you are seeing, what his or her background and training are, and what kind of experience they have.
Furthermore, the field of mental conditions is constantly being updated with new research and theories. Perhaps one of your doctors keeps up with current research, while another is "old school" and is more entrenched in his or her theories.
Finally... psychiatrists (and psychologists) don't always do thorough assessments. Real testing and assessment can take a long time, especially in complicated cases. I as a psychologist often went to observe children at school in order to make sure my diagnoses were accurate... most psychiatrists or psychologists will not take that kind of time. Doctors (psychiatrists) who are being paid by insurance companies may only see people in 15 or 30 minute increments - hardly enough time to do a thorough examination in a complicated case.
Ask your doctors WHY they think what they do... as well as questions about their background, training and experience. If they look at you like you are stupid or act offended... find a new doctor. NO mental health professional should EVER dodge questions by parents... you are just trying to help your child as best you can.
dang ... yeah it's hard to understand the mind and not all doctors are equal grant you they learn the same stuff but everyone has days just like your girl! maybe she wasn't showing dr 1 the same symptoms as dr 2 your best bet is to get another opinion and follow up with the other 2 doctors tell them what the other 2 doctors say and ask your doctor to state what makes them beleive this not to the extent that your learning there job just enought to say enough for the other doctor to understand!
people don't see much of passion with some jobs so maybe your doctors don't feel like being at work we all have days like that I mean look at me i'm on here instead of working and i have some passion for my job i just don't feel like it today!
dr. s are just like us you would think they would be more careful with the sue happy people around!
here is a link from wikipedia on what bipolar disorder is because you are the parent you know her better.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/bipolar_dis...
I think bipolar is difficult to diagnose in young children. I think typically this wasn't diagnosed until people were in their twenties. In younger children, the mood differences could be attributed to many things. But to answer your question, not all docs are trained the same. Different schools have different philosophies and updates on mental illnesses come out frequently. Bipolar and Schizophrenia are strong labels for a little girl to have. In a lot of places the label of these types of mental illnesses can impact many things in the future, so be sure that they are accurate and concentrate on the right combination of therapy, behavior therapy, and medication. I would maybe try a third opinion and make the doctors explain to you why they came up with the diagnosis that they did. Keep asking questions until you completely understand. You are paying them to provide a service to you, so make sure you are comfortable with the decision. Good luck to you and your little girl!
Being I'm no Dr. either, I would have to go with my own common sense and look to at least 1-2 more Doctors to get a good idea.
Look for experience, you don't want a new comer, or someone who may not have dealt with this type of diagnosis.
BTW:
Suicidal behaviour is often linked to depression.
Aggression is commonly a way of gaining attention.
Medications can mask or limit these, but you would need to do something yourself, to help stop it.
Try being open without being lame?
Its hard to do, not everyone likes to talk.
It might also be an idea to take away any influences that might be fueling her aggression and Suicidal behaviour.
Again, I'm no Doctor, my interests were in biology =)
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