Bipolar Disease in Children

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depressive disorder, is a life-disrupting mental illness characterized by extreme swings in mood from high (manic) to low (depressive). In children, these occur more rapidly than in adults, most often presenting as a continuous, mixed, rapidly cycling mood. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, approximately 7 percent of children examined for mental disorders fit the research criteria for bipolar disorder; and according to the Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation, it is estimated that a significant number of children diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder are actually afflicted with early-onset bipolar disorder.

Depressive Symptoms

• In a depressed cycle, your child may become extremely irritable and quick to anger, often to the point of throwing rage-filled, uncontrollable tantrums. He or she may become very needy and cry excessively. Your child may lose his or her sense of curiosity and natural adventure or may lose all interest in friends, family, school work and normal activities. Your child may also develop a very low sense of self-esteem. Your child may even express a desire to commit suicide. Other symptoms of the depressive cycle include excessive sleep, fatigue, feigning illness, weight loss, lack of concentration, disorganized thoughts and actions and psychosis (delusions and hallucinations).

Manic Symptoms

• In a manic cycle, your child will display extreme fits of joy and laughter. These episodes may occur for no reason and in an inappropriate environment such as school or church. He or she may speak rapidly, jumping from one topic to another in an excited, unorganized manner. In a manic phase, the bipolar child will have an exaggerated perception of his own intelligence and abilities, becoming antagonistic and bossy with authority figures, refusing to listen or even believing that he or she has super-human abilities. Other symptoms of the manic cycle include little need for sleep, lack of patience, hypersexual behavior and psychosis.

Cause

• According to the National Institute of Mental Health, although the exact cause of bipolar disorder is not yet known, researchers agree that there are probably several factors that contribute to its onset, starting with genetics. Most children bipolar children have a family history of mental illness. Other factors in the development of bipolar disorder include abnormal brain structure and the imbalance of brain chemicals (neurotransmitters), traumatic environmental triggers such as abuse or a death in the family, or an already present anxiety disorder.

Diagnosis

• The Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation emphasizes the urgency of getting an early diagnosis. The longer that your child's bipolar symptoms go ignored, the more significantly your child will suffer. Although the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual IV (DSM-IV) used by mental health professionals does not yet differentiate between the symptoms of childhood and adult bipolar disorder, a qualified child psychiatrist should be able to confirm a diagnosis. Your child's doctor will base her diagnosis on your observations of your child's behavior, family history, and your child's stage of development, behavioral symptoms and response to drug therapy.

Treatment

• According to Keep Kids Healthy, the treatment of your bipolar child will be most successful if approached on several fronts. Your child will most likely immediately begin drug therapy. Drugs that have proved effective include anti-anxiety medications, antidepressants, stimulants, mood stabilizers and stimulants. Your child will also begin individual psychotherapy (talk therapy). Your child's home and school environment and their impact on your child's condition should be thoroughly evaluated. Family therapy may be initiated if deemed necessary. Your child's doctor should also endeavor to educate you and your family on childhood bipolar disorder.