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Bipolar Disorder in Children

Children with Bipolar disorder usually alternate rapidly between extremely high moods (mania) and low moods (depression). These rapid mood shifts can produce irritability with periods of wellness between episodes, or the young person may feel both extremes at the same time. Parents who have children with the disorder often describe them as unpredictable, alternating between aggressive or silly and withdrawn. Children with bipolar disorder are at greater risk for anxiety disorders and Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). These "co-occurring" disorders complicate diagnosis of bipolar disorder and contribute to the lack of recognition of the illness in children.

What are the Signs and Symptoms?

Bipolar disorder begins with either manic or depressive symptoms The lists below provide possible signs and symptoms. Not all children with bipolar disorder have all of the symptoms. Like children with depression, children with bipolar disorder are likely to have a family history of the illness.

Manic Symptoms

• Severe changes in mood- from unusually happy or silly to irritable, angry or aggressive.

• Unrealistic highs in self-esteem. May feel indestructible or believe he/she can fly, for example.

• Great increase in energy level. Sleeps little without being tired.

• Excessive involvement in multiple projects and activities. May move from one thing to the next and become easily distracted.

• Increase in talking. Talks too much, too fast, changes topics too quickly, and cannot be interrupted. This must be accompanied by racing thoughts or feeling pressure to keep talking.

• Risk-taking behavior such as abusing alcohol and drugs, attempting daredevil stunts, or being sexually active or having unprotected sex.

Depressive Symptoms

•  Frequent sadness or crying.

• Withdrawal from friends or activities.

• Decreased energy level, lack of enthusiasm or motivation.

• Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt.

• Extreme sensitivity to rejection or failure.

•  Major changes in habits such as over-sleeping or over-eating.

•  Frequent physical complaints such as headaches and stomachaches.

• Recurring thoughts of death, suicide, or self-destructive behavior.

Many teens with bipolar disorder abuse drugs and alcohol as a way to feel better and escape. Any child or adolescent who abuses substances should be evaluated for a mental health disorder. If an addiction develops, it is essential to treat both the mental health disorder and the substance abuse problem at the same time.

What Should Parents or Caregivers Do?

Early identification, diagnosis, and treatment help children reach their full potential. Bipolar disorder is treatable. Children who exhibit signs of bipolar disorder should be referred to and evaluated by a mental health professional who specializes in treating children. The evaluation may include consultation with a child psychiatrist, psychological testing, and medical tests to rule out an underlying physical conditional that might explain the child's symptoms. A comprehensive treatment plan should include psychotherapy and medication.

Bipolar Disorder in Children

Reference: National Mental Health Association  - *Licensure granted to re-print above information obtained from the National Mental Health Association on 1/29/03.

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Child Behavior

Bipolar Disorder in Children

Anxiety Disorders in Children and Adolescents

Child Anger

Depression in Children and Adolescents

ADHD

Conduct Disorder

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Alcoholism - FAQ's

Warning Signs of Teen Problems

Teen Drug & Alcohol Abuse

Teen Depression

Teen Suicide

Personality Disorders

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