Test Your Knowledge

Preparing questions in advance can help parents and patients have more meaningful discussions with their physicians regarding their conditions. Parents may wish to ask their doctor the following questions related to bipolar disorder in children:

1. How will I know if my child’s mood swings are more serious than typical childhood angst?
   
   
2. Do you have experience treating children with bipolar disorder?
   
   
3. How will you distinguish between possible bipolar disorder and another condition my child may have?
   
   
4. What form of bipolar disorder does my child have?
   
   
5. How severe is my child’s bipolar disorder?
   
   
6. How can you differentiate between bipolar disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in my child?
   
   
7. What other mental health disorders do you suspect my child may have?
   
   
8. Which medications are right for my child?
   
   
9. What are the side effects of these medications?
   
   
10. How can I help teach my child to take his or her medication regularly?
    
    
11. Which psychotherapies might be beneficial to my child?
    
    
12. How will my child’s condition impact academics, extracurricular activities, etc.?
    
    
13. What does my child’s school need to know about his or her condition?
    
    
14. What is my child’s long-term prognosis?
    
    
15. Are my other children more likely to develop bipolar disorder?