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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).

These dramatic changes in mood can go very fast in children resulting in them being unrecognized in daily activities. Extreme irritability is the outcome of these continuous mood disruptions. Parents whose children were diagnosed with bipolar disorder based on the DSM IV criteria have found similar signs and symptoms to be established in their kids. Such signs and symptoms are lack of interest in activities, 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 carbohydrates and sugar-rich delights, involvement in risky or dangerous behaviors, hyperactivity and anxiety, delusions and hallucinations, and thoughts of death and suicide.

Bipolar In Children and Other Developmental Disorders

By taking a look at the symptoms of bipolar in children, you may recognize that they are also characteristics of other common pediatric illnesses. They include the hyperactive-impulsive behaviors found in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder; the delusions and tangential thought patterns of major depression and schizophrenia; and the rebellious and damaging nature of conduct and oppositional defiant disorder. Therefore, it is a must for a proper diagnosis for bipolar in children to apply the most suitable treatment strategies for the disorder.

How To Help 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.

On the other hand, the family may consult with an adult psychiatrist who has an extensive background in mood disorders and have experience treating children and adolescents. Pediatric neurologists and developmental pediatricians are also important and helpful in acquiring initial assessments for the child. The important thing for these experts is that they can help implement the kind of therapy that will be effective for the child before its too late.

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.