Bipolar Disorder
Children with Bipolar Disorder may have an ongoing combination of extremely high (manic) and low (depressed) moods. Highs may alternate with lows, or the person may feel both extremes at the same time. This illness can affect anyone. However, if one or both parents have Bipolar Disorder, the chances are greater that their children will develop the disorder.
Bipolar Disorder may begin either with manic or depressive symptoms. The manic symptoms include:
Severe changes in mood compared to others of the same age and background - either unusually happy or silly, or very irritable, angry, agitated or aggressive
Unrealistic highs in self-esteem - for example, a teenager who feels all powerful or like a superhero with special powers
Great increase in energy and the ability to go with little or no sleep for days without feeling tired
Increase in talking - the adolescent talks too much, too fast, changes topics too quickly, and cannot be interrupted
Distractibility - the child’s attention moves constantly from one thing to the next
Repeated high risk-taking behavior; such as, abusing alcohol and drugs, reckless driving, or sexual promiscuity
Trouble sleeping or nightmares
The depressive symptoms include:
Irritability, depressed mood, persistent sadness, frequent crying
Thoughts of death or suicide
Loss of enjoyment in favorite activities
Frequent complaints of physical illnesses such as headaches or stomach aches
Low energy level, fatigue, poor concentration, complaints of boredom
Major change in eating or sleeping patterns, such as oversleeping or overeating
The diagnosis can only be made with careful observation over an extended period of time. A thorough evaluation by a child and adolescent psychiatrist can be helpful in identifying the problems and starting specific treatment. Children with Bipolar Disorder can be effectively treated. Treatment for Bipolar Disorder usually includes education of the patient and the family about the illness, mood-stabilizing medications and psychotherapy. Mood stabilizing medications often reduce the number and severity of manic episodes, and also help to prevent depression.
If a young child has a persistent problem with his or her behavior, parents should seek professional assistance from a mental health professional.
