Troublesome Toddler

My 4 year old daughter is having difficulty with just about everything. I don't say that lightly either. I am a younger mother, at only 24. I am married and I try to consistantly have a open and supportive environment for her. Like every other family, we have our ups and downs but I am very concerned for her. She started preschool this last fall and seemed to do very well. She's always had a litle trouble paying attention and following directions to a tee. I thought it wasn't a big deal because, honestly what 4 year old is perfect? I'm 24 and I'm not so I can't just expect it from my daughter. That's my opinion though. Anyway- her teachers have come to me asking for more "help in the home" from me. They've voiced concern about her inability to take direction, follow rules, eat quietly at lunch, sit and pay attention during group activities, keep quiet if ever asked.. the list seems to be endless. They all say how wonderful she is to have in class and how much they love her but still, they're worried about her behavior. I think 4 is a really young age to be having such a difficult time and consider mental illness as a cause, yet at the same time, I am bi-polar. It runs deeply in my family amoung various others. I am terrified of this entire situation and the pain this causes for all of the individuals involved. I'm really not sure where to go from here and would like it if someone had some advice or input.  

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

The behaviors described by the school staff are more typical of ADHD than they are of Mood Disorder. The whole matter may be a moot point, however, because of her age. While it is not out of the question, one should be cautious about using medication to treat ADHD in such a young child. Only in extreme circumstances would this be considered. In any case, in no small part because of the family history, having her evaluated in Pediatric Behavioral Health would be wise.