Ask Dr. Schwartz
Psychotherapy and Mental Health questions

Background,

My son was diagnosed with ADHD since age 5. Last December, then 14, his girlfriend dumped him and he had meltdown at school. I picked him up, and immediately took to our family doctor. He mentioned suicide, and was then admitted to the hospital for evaluation. They diagnosed as having bipolar disorder.

Now he is 15. Since then, he has been taken off ADHD meds and put on Lithium, Lamotrigine and Zyprexa. 

He is now a completely different person. He no longer does homework and has no drive. He is flunking out of school and is even getting in trouble in school. He says "he enjoys acting out..it feels good."

Is this normal? Do you think he may not be bipolar and misdiagnosed? He is also very immature. He is 15 but acts like a small child. He jumps up and down when he is excited, talks loud and does otherstuff not age appropriate. Is a second opinion needed??

I know he is also going through puberty...but gee. CK

 

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