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Childhood Bipolar Disorder Symptoms

Childhood bipolar disorder can be difficult to diagnose, given the characteristics of the symptoms. Children cycle much more rapidly than adults, which makes it difficult to "match" the symptoms to the Diagnostic Statistical Manual IV-R's description. In addition, pediatric bipolar disorder can mimic other medical conditions. Children in their infant years can develop bipolar disorder, but because they are non-verbal, they can't tell others what they are feeling.

  1. Symptoms

    • The symptoms may include irritable mood, extreme sadness, rapid mood changes that can last for a few hours or as long as a few days; extreme anger outbursts (explosive, destructive and ongoing); separation anxiety, defying authority, excessive involvement in many activities or projects; impaired judgment, impulsivity, racing thoughts, pressured speech; dare-devil behaviors; inappropriate/precocious sexual acts (see Resources).

    Significance

    • Families also need to look at a possible genetic component to their child's illness -- does a family member also suffer from bipolar disorder? Environmental influences can also play a role in developing bipolar disorder (see Resources).

    Features

    • Pediatric bipolar disorder is difficult to diagnose, because so many of its symptoms can be attributed to other health issues, such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Other mental illnesses can exist alongside bipolar disorder as well. See Bipolar Disorder link in Resources.

    Identification

    • Children with undiagnosed bipolar disorder are at risk of developing other mental and emotional disorders. If they are seeing to make themselves feel better, they can begin to "self-medicate" with alcohol and/or illicit drugs. Thus, it is very important to seek medical/psychiatric intervention if you have any concerns.

    Considerations

    • A pediatric diagnosis of bipolar disorder doesn't have to mean your child can't or won't live a normal life. Consulting with the right psychiatrist and developing a good treatment plan are critical to helping your child achieve normalcy.

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