How to Diagnose Bipolar in a Child

Bipolar disorder (sometimes called manic-depressive illness) is a mental disorder characterized by extreme mood swings. While the median age of onset for bipolar disorders is 25 years, researchers have identified bipolar disorder in every age group, including preschoolers. By recognizing symptoms of bipolar disorder early, you can help your child get a head start on managing her symptoms.

Instructions

• 1

  Consult the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV). The DSM-IV is the standard reference for diagnosing psychiatric disorders. As of 2009, the DSM-IV only lists adult bipolar disorder, and the medical community is divided as to whether a separate listing for children should be included in the manual. You can find the DSM-IV criteria for adult bipolar disorder at the link below.

• 2

  Use the Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation checklist. Due to the lack of a child's listing in the DSM-IV, the Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation (CABF) has created a checklist of behaviors common in children with bipolar disorder. According to the CABF, if your child exhibits several of these behaviors, there is a good chance he has bipolar disorder. These behaviors include: extreme sadness, severe separation anxiety, sexualized behavior unusual for the child's age, compulsive behavior, extreme hostility, sleep disturbances, and racing thoughts. A complete list of behaviors can be found at the link below.

• 3

  Understand the difficultly of diagnosing a child with bipolar disorder. Often, the behaviors of bipolar disorder mimic other disorders. These may include attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, depression, oppositional-defiant disorder, anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and reactive attachment disorder.

• 4

  Consult a trained professional. If you believe your child may have bipolar disorder, set up an appointment to have your child child evaluated by a psychiatrist familiar with pediatric bipolar disorder. Getting a correct diagnoses by a professional is imperative before your child can start getting better.