Bipolar Symptoms in Kids

Until recently, bipolar disorder was rarely diagnosed in children. However, increased understanding of bipolar disorder is leading to earlier diagnosis and intervention. In adults, cycling between extreme high and low moods is the primary symptom of bipolar disorder. In children, the symptoms may be different.

Irritability and Anger

• In addition to a pervasive irritable mood, kids with bipolar disorder may have frequent temper tantrums and destructive outbursts.

Risky Behavior

• Delusions about their own abilities can lead kids with bipolar disorder to engage in risky behavior, such as jumping from heights.

Erratic Activity

• Bipolar kids may have trouble concentrating. They may start many projects at once, and talk quickly and constantly.

Sleep and Eating Disturbances

• Frequent and overpowering cravings---especially for sweets---may be part of bipolar disorder in kids, in addition to trouble sleeping, nightmares or sleeping too much.

Rapid Mood Cycling

• Manic or depressive episodes in adults with bipolar can last for days, weeks or months, but kids can cycle much more rapidly, with moods shifting from manic to depressive states within the same day.

Other Mental Disorders

• Bipolar disorder in children may share symptoms with other mental disorders. Only a qualified mental health professional should make a diagnosis of bipolar disorder.