Possible Bipolar at 4?

I haven't been on here for a long time, but you mommys have been there for me before with support so was hoping for some again.
For about a year now, we have been suspecting that my daughter (who is 4) may be struggling with something a little more than the toddler tantrums. She is very smart, she is very interactive, loving, and affectionate (which is why I'm not really leaning toward autism but who knows) but she has mood swings and meltdows like no other. She is also a 30 week preemie. Bipolar also runs in my family.
She can be totally happy, smiling and laughing, to just a complete wreck in just seconds....or visa versa. She has extreme night terrors and sleep walks. She is very compulsive when it somes to paper or paper labels on things (ie. water bottles, crayons). She seems to shut down at moments and act as if you are not even there talking to her.
We have a referral for a child psychologist and are waiting for an appointment. But any of you moms, especially those with children who are bipolar, does this sound like Bipolar to you? Is this what your LO went through? I handle her mood swings the best I can and she has definitely taught me a whole other level of patience, but I am running out of ideas on how to bring her out of these meltdowns.
I have tried everything with her. I want her to be happy.

Quoting ~*~Tasia~*~:" I haven't been on here for a long time, but you mommys have been there for me before with support so ... [snip!] ... I am running out of ideas on how to bring her out of these meltdowns. I have tried everything with her. I want her to be happy."

Cycles in bipolar are typically weeks, not by the second. That's not to say she doesn't have mood disorder, but I wouldn't suspect bipolar from what you are describing.

Quoting Chim Richalds:" Cycles in bipolar are typically weeks, not by the second. That's not to say she doesn't have mood disorder, but I wouldn't suspect bipolar from what you are describing."

this. the fact that she shuts down and acts like you aren't there sounds a little like autism..or do you think she just does that to ignore you?

Quoting Chim Richalds:" Cycles in bipolar are typically weeks, not by the second. That's not to say she doesn't have mood disorder, but I wouldn't suspect bipolar from what you are describing."

She does seem to have weeks that are overall better than others. But the extreme mood swings are what started making us think.

Quoting SaraSaraBoBara:" this. the fact that she shuts down and acts like you aren't there sounds a little like autism..or do you think she just does that to ignore you?"

I thought autism too for a sec, especially being a preemie she could run a higher risk.......but she is extremely social and likes new people. I'm pretty sure she is doing it to ignore me.

I'm not very familiar with mood disorders or the like....been getting most of my info from internet (not always reassuring) and what experience I had with my grandma growing up. Are there any other possibilities or ideas that I should be looking up or bringing up to the doctor when we see him?

Quoting ~*~Tasia~*~:" I'm not very familiar with mood disorders or the like....been getting most of my info from internet (not ... [snip!] ... up. Are there any other possibilities or ideas that I should be looking up or bringing up to the doctor when we see him?"

Maybe OCD and the outbursts might be something like ADHD.

It is really hard to tell with such limited info.

Her outbursts can be over anything or pretty much nothing. They last anywhere from 2 minutes to 20 minutes. Screaming, crying, throwing things. When I try talking to her, its as if she doesn't even see me. Then out of nowhere, she will just stop and start laughing or talking normally. She is very extreme. It seems as though she has no middle ground. She's either extremely happy and excited or miserable and freaking out.

Quoting ~*~Tasia~*~:" I thought autism too for a sec, especially being a preemie she could run a higher risk.......but she is extremely social and likes new people. I'm pretty sure she is doing it to ignore me."

My sister and brother were very social

Quoting TantricLemons:" My sister and brother were very social"

Mmm.....true...but Angie doesn't act like Leah did. Its different.

Quoting ~*~Tasia~*~:" Mmm.....true...but Angie doesn't act like Leah did. Its different."

My sister and bro were VERY different from each other, that is why Leah didn't get diagnosed until adulthood. She could also have SPD http://www.sensory-processing-disorder.com/sensory-processing-disorder-checklist.html
how is her sppeech has it caught up? Sensory issues and autism are pretty much on the same sppectrum.

Quoting TantricLemons:" My sister and bro were VERY different from each other, that is why Leah didn't get diagnosed until adulthood. ... [snip!] ... how is her sppeech has it caught up? Sensory issues and autism are pretty much on the same sppectrum."

At first I thought it was a sensory disorder because I noticed certain textures seemed to bother her, especially paper. Now it seems to be just the one thing with paper labels. Nothing around her or that she uses or touches can have a paper label on it. But her mood swings and outburts came on....increasingly as she has gotten older.
Her speech has definitely caught up. She is at the rate of a normal 4 year old according to the doctor.
She can put thoughts, feelings, and emotions into words, so that's why I've become more concerned since thats when toddlers calm down is when they can verbalize better.

Quoting ~*~Tasia~*~:" At first I thought it was a sensory disorder because I noticed certain textures seemed to bother her, ... [snip!] ... into words, so that's why I've become more concerned since thats when toddlers calm down is when they can verbalize better."

Sensory stuff can go along with more behavior style issues. I hope you find answers when you get her evaluated. We are going through the same thing right now with M actually. She just got allergy tested for her compulsive itching and doesnt have any, so eval is next.

Quoting TantricLemons:" Sensory stuff can go along with more behavior style issues. I hope you find answers when you get her ... [snip!] ... thing right now with M actually. She just got allergy tested for her compulsive itching and doesnt have any, so eval is next."

It sucks. If this is just her personality or a "stage" then that's fine. But if its something more....especially bipolar, then I really want to know to make sure we get her on the right track. I want her to be happy and I want her to be able to create and maintain happy relationships with those around her. Do you remember my grandma Rochelle? Remember all the crazy stuff she used to do? That's cause she refused meds, therapy, or help of any kind. I don't want that for Angie.
I'm waiting for Kaiser to call me back with the appointment. Her previous evals for Autism when she was going to the NICU follow up clinics and seeing the specialists came back fine. They said no Autism. So I just don't know

Quoting ~*~Tasia~*~:" It sucks. If this is just her personality or a "stage" then that's fine. But if its something more....especially ... [snip!] ... was going to the NICU follow up clinics and seeing the specialists came back fine. They said no Autism. So I just don't know"

Its REALLY hard to tell that young. Yeah I do remember your grandma, my g-ma and g-pa were the same. My whole fam actually. I can't wait to get answers also.