Bipolar disorder is a serious disorder that should be treated immediately after it has been found. There are medical treatments depending on how extensive the disorder has become.
Firstly, I'm sorry that your son has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Secondly, your doctor should have given you information, and pamphlets with needed information about bipolar disorder, if not you should ask him for them.
You should continue taking medication for Bipolar Disorder for the rest of your life. It's like having diabetes and needing to take insulin.
Bipolar Disorder is a common mental illness that can be controlled by the use of medicine. To find out if you have bipolar disorder you should first consult your physician for an prescription to see a psychologist. If you are looking for other routes, you can always search Web MD.
You should see a psychologist for the emotional/mental aspect of Bipolar Disorder, and a psychiatrist for the medicine(s) you will need to deal with the symptoms.
Bipolar - mood disorder, involves cycles of extremely exaggerated high and low moodDepression - mood disorder, involves periods of extremely exaggerated low moodAnxiety - anxiety disorder, involves extreme anxiety and fears that does not correspond to real world dangers
Oppositional defiance disorder is something one grows out of unlike bipolar disorder which is permanent. Bipolar disorder is accompanied by mood swings being on top of the world one moments and in despair the next and these moods can last for weeks without signs of improvement. There are other symptoms as well that can help a parent distinguish whether or that is the case. Bipolar disorder is very difficult to live with and should be diagnosed as soon as possible. The book 'the bipolar child' will tell you what you need to know.
Manic-depression. Bi-Polar Disorder can be difficult for the individual experiencing the symptoms and for their friends and family. Bipolar Disorder is a complex illness and there is a range of severity. There are many different symptoms -- and several different types -- of bipolar disorder. The most common symptoms of the disorder are dramatic and unpredictable mood swings. The various types of bipolar disorder range from mild to severe. If you think that you or someone you know is expereincing symptoms of Bi-polar Disorder then you should reach out to a professional. The symptoms of Bi-Polar Disorder can be treated effectively with counseling and medication.
If you show severe changes in mood, thinking, or behavior you may have bipolar disorder. If these symptoms regularly interfere with your job, relationships or daily life you should talk with your doctor or psychiatrist.
Bipolar disorder causes changes in moods. These changes include states of depression and mania (an elevated energy level). The biggest question that one should ask before dating a person who suffers from this disorder is if they can be a support for the person suffering this disorder.
The site http://www.helpguide.org has lots of useful information. I would also suggest you convince him to schedule an appointment with his doctor for an evaluation and treatment options if needed. Bipolar disorder can be dangerous and should not be ignored.
There is no cure for bipolar disorder, but if you really think you have it you should schedule an appointment with a psychologist. Depending on your case, you might get prescribed pills to level out your moods.