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Description of Bipolar Personality Disorder in Kids

Pediatric bipolar disorder is more severe in its onset in children than in adults. Kidica.com states that bipolar children are constantly irritable or depressed.

  1. Types of Bipolar Disorder

    • Bpkids.org lists the four types of bipolar disorder as: Bipolar I, characterized by experiencing mania; Bipolar II, characterized by bouts of depression; Bipolar Disorder NOS, characterized by mood swings, but the bipolar type is not clear; Cyclothymia, characterized by repeated, definite mood swings that are not as severe as Bipolar I or Bipolar II.

    Causes of Bipolar Disorder

    • While the exact cause of bipolar disorder is not known, kidica.com and bpkids.org cite family history or genetics as a possible contributing factor to the disorder. Chemicals in the brain may also be a contributing factor.

    The Affects on Children

    • A study by Dr. Barbara Geller has shown that children suffering from mania are worse than adults. Dr. David Axelson of Pittsburgh conducted a study revealing that children are symptomatic longer and cycle more frequently than an adult. Children also move to a more severe form of bipolar disorder faster.

    Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder in a Child

    • Bipolar disorder typically presents with emotional disturbances. Other symptoms may present as extreme mood swings or frequent mood swings, thoughts constantly running through the mind, and not feeling deprived of sleep even though sleep time was shortened.

    Parenting a Child With Bipolar Disorder

    • Parents of a bipolar child may want to seek family therapy and network with other parents of bipolar children. Some practices that can help in parenting a child with bipolar disorder are learning to prioritize any issues that can become a battle, teaching relaxation techniques, learning how to safely restrain the child during a rage and encouraging the child to articulate their creative gifts.

    Treatment of Bipolar Disorder

    • Typically, medication is the first step in treating a child with bipolar disorder. The child should undergo regularly scheduled therapy sessions with a psychiatrist or psychologist. Mood swings and cycling can be decreased with a proper pattern of sleep.

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