Bipolar Rages in Children

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, more children are being diagnosed with bipolar disorder than ever before. The reason this diagnosis is on the rise in adolescents remains a mystery.

Bipolar

• Bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic depression is a psychological disorder. Sufferers complain of frequent mood swings that range from clinical depression to clinical levels of mania.

Rage

• Anger, rage and what appear to be extreme versions of temper tantrums are unfortunately common among bipolar children. Parents of bipolar children say their children frequently throw objects, hit, kick and brake things in an uncontrollable rage.

Causes

• The cause of bipolar disorder is a matter of debate in the psychological community. It may be caused by genetic predisposition, misfiring of neurotransmitters, environmental factors, or a combination of any of the above.

Treatment

• Treatment for bipolar disorder consists of treating the symptoms. There is no known cure for this disorder. Symptoms are often treated with medication, talk therapy, dietary changes, and stress reduction.

Warning

• Psychoactive drugs should be used with caution, especially in children. Some antidepressants have been recently linked to suicidal ideation in children, teens, and young adults.