Bipolar Symtpoms in Children

Bipolar disorder is a difficult disease to diagnose in children because it is often mistaken for other mental disorders such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. However, there are specific symptoms to watch for in children who have bipolar disorder.

Sadness

• Children who are sad and have lost interest in friends or activities may have bipolar disorder.

Anxiety

• Bipolar disorder can cause anxiety in children. If a child develops habits such as a racing mind or thoughts as well as insomnia, he or she may be suffering with bipolar disorder.

Mood Swings

• Mood swings are one of the biggest flags that a child may be suffering with bipolar disorder. When a child is happy one moment and quickly turns angry or sad, he or she may be experiencing a mood swing.

Anger

• A child who is angry the majority of the time may have bipolar disorder. The anger may stem from a small incident or appear out of nowhere.

Mania

• Manic episodes are associated with bipolar disorder and can be found in children as young as six years old. Manic episodes include impulsive, poor decision making as well as hyperactivity.