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How to Treat a Bipolar Child

Bipolar Disorder is often referred to as manic-depressive disorder. Extreme emotional highs are followed by extreme emotional lows. These constant mood changes cause problems in an individual’s social and family life. However, with proper treatment and support, Bipolar Disorder can be managed and controlled. While both adults and children suffer from Bipolar Disorder, treating a child is different than treating an adult. These steps will guide you in how to treat a child who suffers from Bipolar Disorder.

Things You'll Need

  • Certified psychiatrist
  • Medicine
  • Patience
  • Understanding
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Instructions

  1. How to Treat a Bipolar Child

    • 1

      Be supportive. It is very important to be supportive of your child and even more important to be supportive if you’re child suffers from Bipolar Disorder. Keep a close eye on your child and manage his or her treatment. If the current treatment isn’t effective, find something else that works for your child.

    • 2

      Find a doctor. If your child has Bipolar Disorder not just any doctor will do. It is important that you find a Certified Child Psychiatrist. If you aren’t sure where to start contact a local university. Often times, they have medical clinics and are very knowledgeable about the doctors available in your area.

    • 3

      Find the right medicine. Once you’ve found the right doctor, he or she will diagnose your child and make a recommendation about what meds may or may not work for your child. During the time that your child starts taking meds, monitor him or her very carefully and look for any extreme changes such as moodiness and tantrums. Notify your doctor immediately if this occurs.

    • 4

      Make sure your child takes his or her medicine. Once your child has found the right medicine, make sure it is properly taken. A simple missed dosage can trigger a serious bipolar episode and getting your child back on track may be difficult.

    • 5

      Notify your child’s school. If your child goes to a public or private school, it’s important to notify the appropriate people about your child’s condition. If your child has an incident at school, let them know you need to be contacted. In addition, ask his or her teacher to provide weekly reports of how your child is progressing academic wise. If there aren’t obvious clues that your child is having an episode, a drop in grades can serve as a sign. Good luck!

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