ADHD/Bi-Polar - Need Advice Please

[rugcrumbs]

Hi All

Please can anyone help me.

My daughter is 14. ASD Diagnosis.

I have strongly suspected for a few years that she also has ADHD, we are on a waiting list for this, but will probably end up having to see someone privately due to waiting lists being so long and that her GCSE year starts in September.

However, over the last few months I’ve been wondering if it could actually be Bi-Polar?

I’d like to know if anyone has any experience of this?

ADHD/BP cross over in so many ways, what was was the point or situation that made it a BP diagnosis rather that an ADHD diagnosis or made you think actually this isn’t ADHD.

Interestingly, my daughter has refused to see a GP, have bloods to check for hormonal/thyroid etc problems until she spoke with a support worker at school, who suggested her problems may be deeper than ASD and they themselves have suggested Bi-Polar. (Despite me begging school to believe me for 10 years that she is unwell).

My daughter is now on board with getting medical advice and I will be phoning the GP tomorrow.

Any insights gratefully received and if I’ve used the wrong words, I apologise, this is all new to me. Thanks

Hello, my DD saw a private psych for OCD and escalating self harm and some other issues. We thought ADHD however she is extremely bright and socially aware empathic etc so not really sure that fit.
She was able to explain very clearly periods of highs and lows lasting weeks and other things that lead to a mood disorder diagnosis so early BP possibly.
She has some anti Depressant and a mood stabiliser which has vastly improved her life and she seems so much more balanced.
She still has some low periods or odd days off school but I feel that's OK with what she deals with.
We kept a mood diary for a month or so to show the patterns.
It does help if the teen will engage in their treatment as the psych said this was a huge part in diagnosis.
You won't get anywhere in the current system I'm afraid, all we had from the GP was go to A&E if she escalates.
We finally had a first call back from Camhs about 12 weeks later when we were already on medication and doing well.
Happy to answer any questions as I know how lonely and terrifying it can be.