- 1. Ignore DSM-IV criteria for bipolar disorder
- 2. Make up your own criteria for bipolar disorder
- 3. Believe that because one parent has bipolar disorder a child probably has bipolar disorder
- 4. Assume that a child who is frequently angry is likely to have bipolar disorder
- 5. Assume that a child who is depressed is likely to have bipolar disorder
- 6. Interpret temper tantrums as mood swings
- 7. Administer to your patient's parents The Child Bipolar Questionnaire developed by Demitri F. Papolos
- 8. "Clarify" the diagnosis by having the patient psychiatrically hospitalized
- 9. Refer parents to the Child Bipolar Foundation for support and education
- 10. Consider poor response to stimulants evidence of bipolar disorder
- 11. Consider good response to anti-psychotics, anti-seizure meds or lithium evidence for bipolar disorder
