Bipolar manic depression or what we know as bipolar disorder is a life threatening mood disorder that affect millions. In the United States alone, 2.6% of the total population are affected by the disorder. Most of these are above the age of 18. However, bipolar can also start earlier in life. Bipolar in children is more likely to occur when parents have the disorder. Bipolar disorder in children and adolescents can be quite difficult to recognize. This is why it is vital that you keep up to date with information about the disorder. Do become attentive to the signs.

Bipolar Symptoms in Children

Bipolar disorder is a brain disorder that adversely affects the persons thoughts, mood, energy, behavior, and social interactions. Individuals with the condition display unpredictable mood swings characterized by manic episodes (increased energy, restlessness, and distractibility) as well as depressive episodes (empty mood, pessimism, feeling of fatigue, suicidal thoughts and attempts).

For children, dramatic changes in mood can go very fast and therefore go unnoticed in daily activities. Constant mood disruptions can result in extreme irritability. Lack of interest in play, destructive and prolonged anger outbursts or tantrums, disrupted sleeping patterns, bed wetting and nightmares, impulsivity and irrational thoughts, defiance of authority, tendency to get absorbed in multiple activities, hunger for carbohydrate and sugar-rich delights, involvement in risky or dangerous behaviors, hyperactivity and anxiety, delusions and hallucinations and thoughts on death and suicide. These are just some of the signs and symptoms that parents whose children have bipolar based on the DSM IV criteria found.

Bipolar and Other Developmental Disorders in Children

Taking a look at some of the bipolar symptoms in children makes us realize that they are also characteristic of other common pediatric illnesses. These include the hyperactive-impulsive behavior that is also apparent in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. The tangential thought patterns and delusions of major depression and schizophrenia and the rebellious and damaging actions associated with conduct and oppositional defiant disorder. A proper diagnosis for bipolar in children is a must to carry out the best treatment strategies for the disorder.

Acquiring Help for Children with Bipolar

From evidence, we can see that bipolar in children is a challenging task that needs urgent attention. Intervening early is then best way to face bipolar. It will help in achieving and increasing mood stability and reducing adverse effects. It is important that parents actively work with mental health professionals. They should be ready with accurate observations and notes of the childs behavior. Where possible, a licensed and well-experienced child psychiatrist should be consulted to conduct an appropriate diagnosis using two or more sessions.

The family may also confer with an adult psychiatrist who has extensive background in mood disorders and have also experienced treating adolescents and children. Other sources that are helpful in acquiring initial assessments for the child are medical professionals such as pediatric neurologists and developmental pediatricians. These experts can help implement the type of therapy that will be effective for the child before its too late and this is why they are important to seek.

Thus, the next time you hear children talk about death or suicide at a time when he or she is displaying all the other symptoms of bipolar in children, take it seriously and get help as soon as you can.

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