Bipolar Disorder

So, the DSM-V is proposing an alternative diagnosis (to bipolar) for children - "temper dysregulation disorder with dysphoria" - because many people are concerned that bipolar disorder is being over-diagnosed in children. And there is the obvious backlash that this proposal has created: "people are minimizing and denying a real problem and that this will keep children from getting the treatment they need." The DSM-V is still in process so things could change again, but this is where we are.

I have to admit that I am on the side of the fence that says "hmm, I think we ARE over-diagnosing bipolar in children."

Many layers to my thoughts. I think that I have seen teens diagnosed as bipolar who were just intense teens. Adolescence in America is prone to intensity and moodiness - we as a culture have emphasized those aspects. People feel an intensity in adolescence that for most will not continue past their twenties. There are other teens who I have seen diagnosed as bipolar who were reacting to chaotic (sometimes abusive) environments. They were irritable and violent, but bipolar? Perhaps - but if so it will take time to tease out. There are other adolescents where alcohol and drugs are playing a role in their behavior and diagnosis.

I am not denying bipolar disease. But I also think it is a disease of our culture. As such I think it is difficult to have enough of a perspective to see it accurately.