Treatment for ADHD usually involves medication and behavioural therapy. The medications often used are stimulants such as Ritalin, Adderall, Concerta and Vyvanse. Non-stimulant medication such as Strattera is sometimes prescribed. Antidepressants such as Wellbutrin have been used as well.

In the case of bipolar disorder, treatment is often the same irrespective of whether the sufferer is young or an adult. Powerful drugs are often used stabilise the mood. Anticonvulsants such as Tegretol, Lithium, Depakote, Lamictal and Trileptal are the common prescription. Likewise, both children and adults are sometimes also treated with antipsychotic drugs.

But at times, doctors give children a combination of drugs, for instance an antidepressant and a mood stabiliser.

So, the question is: how can you make sure that your child who has either ADHD or bipolar disorder is receiving a proper diagnosis and treatment?

Well, if your doctor has determined that your child has bipolar disorder or ADHD, these are the things you can do:

• Ask your doctor to tell you how the diagnosis was made.
• Make very sure that the doctor had been in communication with your kid's teachers before making his conclusion.
• If the diagnosis was determined after only one visit, that's a red flag because by right the doctor must evaluate the child over a period of time.
• Go through all the details that went into making the diagnosis of bipolar disorder or ADHD.
• If your doctor prescribed medication or other forms of treatment, it is wise to consult another expert for a second opinion.
• If medication is used, make sure the doctor sees your kid regularly to monitor the effectiveness of the medication.