bi-polar vs. adolescence

How can one be sure if the diagnosis of bi-polar is correct for your teen vs. rebellious, manipulative adolescence?  I worry about putting my teen on meds. without being absolutely sure.  she seems so normal, and then she back into depression when things don't go her way, breaks the rules, doesn't want to go to school, etc. She been in counseling for 4/years, with different diagnosis; depressions, pstd, bipolar.  Others say she is just going through adolescence.  What do i do????? thanks for your help.

[HFHS.MD-AJ]

It can be difficult as a parent coping with one's children's behavioral problems. The diagnosis of bipolar disorder requires at least one manic or hypomanic episode.The diagnostic criteria for a manic episode include a distinct period of abnormally elevated, expansive, or irritable mood that lasts at least one week or requires hospitalization.

In addition, during manic episodes, at least 3 of the following symptoms must be present: grandiosity, decreased need for sleep, flight of ideas, racing thoughts, distractibility, increased goal-directed activity, and excessive involvement in pleasurable activities with painful consequences (such as spending sprees or indiscriminate sexual behavior). The mood disturbance must cause marked social/academic/occupational impairment, and is not due to the direct effect of drugs or medical conditions.

If your daughter has had such an episode, the diagnosis of bipolar disorder is likely. Teenagers are often irritable, but mania or hypomania (a less severe form of mania) require in addition the symptoms listed above. You may find it helpful to addresss your concerns about your daughter's diagnosis with her treating psychiatrist.

[Cheryl]

My son has a mental health problem but I'm not really sure wha it is... I need help!