Symtptoms of Bipolar in Children

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depression, occurs in children as well as teens and adults. It's important to recognize the symptoms and seek professional help if you suspect that a child is bipolar. Early intervention can significantly improve treatment outcomes.

Mood Cycles

• Bipolar children tend to cycle between dark depressions and manic highs, often multiple times per day. Some seem to experience both of these states at once, which makes them frustrated and irritable.

Mania

• Common symptoms during manic cycles include a decreased need for sleep, giddiness, hyperactivity, racing thoughts, hypersexuality, compulsive creativity and grandiose behaviors or a sense of invincibility.

Depression

• During a depressed period, a bipolar child may be extremely irritable, hostile, sad or suicidal. He may show signs of violent and disturbing thoughts, like threatening to kill other people.

Delusions

• Some bipolar children experience hallucinations, such as hearing voices, or have delusional thoughts that don't seem to make sense.

Considerations

• The symptoms of bipolar disorder vary in different children, and they may change over the years as a child gets older. Threats of violence or suicide should always be taken seriously.