Bipolar Disoder in Children

Bipolar disorder is a mental disease that affects moods and behavior. Children as young as five years old have been diagnosed and successfully treated for this disorder. Bipolar disorder in children is hard to diagnose because they often do not communicate how they are feeling. It is helpful for a parent to keep track of a child's sleep and behavior patterns in order to help the psychiatrist properly diagnose the child.

Misconceptions

• Bipolar disorder in children is often misdiagnosed as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The big difference between ADHD and bipolar disorder is that children who have ADHD do not have the extremes in moods that are characterized by bipolar disorder.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of bipolar disorder in children include irritability, aggressiveness, sleep disturbance, night terrors, school problems, inappropriate sexuality, drug or alcohol abuse, extreme and rapid changes in mood, sadness, lethargy and withdrawal from others.

Theories/Speculation

• Bipolar disorder is most often seen in children with a family member who suffers from substance abuse or a mental illness. The symptoms can be triggered by a traumatic event in the child's life.

Diagnosis

• A child is diagnosed with bipolar disorder after a thorough examination is done by a child psychiatrist. The psychiatrist looks at the family history and the child's behavior. Tests are done to rule out any other medical condition.

Treatment

• Mood stabilizers are prescribed along with therapy. Therapy is important to help teach the child how to cope with the disorder.

Considerations

• Undiagnosed or untreated bipolar disorder can lead to your child displaying impulsive acts of aggression and self-injury. School attendance becomes affected and often bad behavior leads to suspension. Children also are more likely to become substance abusers.