Bipolar Disorder and Children

Although bipolar disorder more common in young adults, it can appear in  young children. Some experts believe it is rare; others think that it occurs frequently.

If your child is diagnosed with bipolar disorder, a second opinion before starting a treatment plan is strongly recommended. Diagnosing Bipolar disorder in young children is difficult; many of the symptoms are similar to those of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or just normal childhood behavior. The major problem is that the medication used for Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are stimulants, which can trigger in mania in children with bipolar disorder.

Young children in a manic phase are more irritable than adults psychotic symptoms, with hallucinations can be present. During a depressive episode, the common symptom is of physical symptoms, like aches and pains.

One of the most drastic differences is that bipolar disorder in children is that they cycle much more quickly; called rapid cycling in adults. While manic and depressive periods may be separated by weeks, months, or years in adults, they can happen within a single day in child.

Bipolar disorder is an illness of brain which is also referred as manic-depressive illness. Bipolar disorder in children can be recognized by the swings in their mood which are frequent and unusual. Some times they will be in a high mood and hyperactive which is termed as mania. Some times they exhibit a mood of sadness without any reason and their performance in their regular activities are not enjoyed as usual. This situation is called depression.

Bipolar disorder in children and teens cannot be compared with the bipolar disorder in adults as both show different symptoms of the disease. Adults who suffer bipolar disorder have symptoms of mood swing episodes that are distinct and the episodes of depression and mania may last longer. The mood swings are faster and more frequent in children. Children and teens with this disease can be known by the excessive spending of money, use of alcohol or drugs.

Bipolar children are unable to acquire knowledge by the use of reasoning, intuition, or perception. They are poor performers academically. They are irregular in attending classes. Researchers are still studying Bipolar disorder in children however; effective medication and treatment has been not been determined yet.  The treatment is a team work which needs involvement of doctor, parents and the children with bipolar disorder. Often psychotherapy can relieve the bipolar disorder symptoms and the doctor may recommend the type of therapy needed. The child needs support and therapy can help them to connect with their feelings and gives them a place to communicate the emotional turmoil that they are experiencing.