Bipolar Disorder in Small Children

Bipolar disorder is a chronic disorder marked by extreme changes in mood, energy and thinking. Symptoms can emerge gradually or suddenly in children, teenagers or adults. Every age group can be affected by this disorder, including preschoolers. The brain is not fully mature until the age of 25, so as the brain grows and matures, symptoms may change.

The Facts

• When children develop bipolar disorder, it is called early-onset bipolar disorder. This type of bipolar disorder can be more severe than the same disorder in teens and adults. Children may have mood swings and other symptoms more often than adults.

Types

• There are four types of bipolar disorder. Bipolar I is characterized by one or more episodes of mania. Symptoms of mania include racing thoughts, distractibility, talkativeness, hyperactivity and elevated mood. An episode lasts at least a week and may result in hospitalization. In bipolar II, the child experiences episodes of mania alternating with periods of depression. Bipolar disorder not otherwise specified (NOS) is diagnosed when there is mood impairment, but not clearly type I or II. Cyclothymia refers to mood swings that are less severe but still impact the child's life.

Symptoms

• If your child exhibits any of the following symptoms, discuss them with your doctor. On the depressive side of bipolar disorder, children may show extreme sadness or lack of interest in play. A very young child may have very severe separation anxiety. At the other extreme, children may experience sleeplessness, irritability or aggression. They may have explosive temper tantrums, extreme hostility or rage. They may show dangerous behaviors, such as belief in their ability to fly or to jump from a moving car.

Considerations

• Symptoms of bipolar disorder are often overlooked. Children with bipolar disorder may be thought to have a behavior problem or may be misdiagnosed as having attention deficit disorder. If one or both parents have bipolar disorder, chances are greater that the child may develop the disease. Family history of alcohol and drug abuse also increases the risk of a child developing bipolar disorder.

Treatment

• There is no cure for bipolar disorder. Children who have this condition are treated in a similar way as adults who have it. Medication is usually prescribed in the smallest amount possible to alleviate symptoms. Don't stop giving your child medication without consulting his doctor. Psychotherapy can sometimes help children with this disorder change their behavior and manage routines. You can help your child's treatment by tracking moods, behaviors and sleep patterns. This record can help your doctor evaluate whether treatment is working and help you and your child understand the illness.