how do you know if a mentally disabled person is also bipolar?

[LaRae]

My kid is 18 and suspected of being bipolar due to unexplained moodswings. She goes a week or longer of being happy, easy to please and content... even seems blissful at times. Doesn't resist simple task such as going to toilet and other transitions. But then she'll go a week or longer just the opposite with short periods of being redirected and content. She is easily agitated, resistent to simple tasks such as toileting and throughs tantrums. She gets sent home from school for being a terror. This is a pattern that seems to cycle month to month for several years now unexplained. Docs have suspected bipolar, but she is severely mentally disabled so it's difficult to diagnose. How do I know if she is really bipolar or not? Does anyone have any idea what this described moodswing pattern could be?

[DLA]

Am sorry, I can't be of any more help for either one of you.  Has the dr prescribed an antidepressant at any time?  Maybe you should talk to him about that.  Sounds like that could be a definite possibility.

Must be really difficult to not be able to communicate with people to tell them what you're feeling.  For you also, of course.  Am praying for the both of you and a quick solution for your daughter.

[LaRae]

She has been taking lamictal and carbatrol for seizure control. These drugs are also prescribed for bipolar behaviors as well, but I'm not sure about the difference in doses. I haven't noticed a change in the cycle-like moodswing pattern, but I wonder if bipolar behaviors require a stronger dose of these drugs. No, unfortunately she cannot communicate her feelings effectively as her language is extremely limited which makes it all the more frustrating (for her and others). It's obvious she's not happy though- She just lashes out at people and yells in frustration and tantrums a lot during her "bad time." And over things that don't bring on these behaviors during her "good time." Don't really know how else to put it.  I appreciate your input. Thanks!

[DLA]

Sounds like it could definitely be a possibility.  Would be very hard to dx with her condition I'm sure.  Has the dr said anything about a treatment for her?  Guess first he would have to officially dx her.

Can she communicate and understand what feelings are to be able to tell you?  Or communicate them in some way?  Something to let you know she's happy or sad?  As you can tell I'm grasping at straws here.

Sorry I can't help you any more than this.  If you trust her dr then I would trust what he says and go with that.  Good luck to you both.

Dac