Child & Adolescent Bipolar
- Bipolar disorder is a long-term mental disorder sometimes referred to as manic depression. According to the NIMH, when bipolar disorder develops in children or adolescents it is known as early-onset bipolar disorder. In children and adolescents, as in adults, bipolar disorder manifests itself as unpredictable and extreme changes in mood and behavior. These alternating mood states are known as episodes or mood episodes.
- Bipolar disorder features manic episodes that alternate with depressive episodes. Such episodes may persist with noticeable symptoms every day for approximately two weeks. Children and adolescents who experience a manic episode may be unusually or inappropriately happy, silly, irritable or temperamental; they may speak quickly and have trouble concentrating and sleeping. Depressive episodes in children and adolescents may include expressions of sadness, guilt or worthlessness; the child or adolescent may be preoccupied with death, sleep excessively, and have little interest in activities they used to enjoy.
- According to the NIMH, the causes of bipolar disorder are not completely understood. Contributing factors may include a family history of bipolar disorder, an imbalance of neurotransmitters and the presence of some other psychological disorder.
- According to "Diagnosis and Treatment of Bipolar Disorder in Children and Adolescents" from the Psychiatric Times website, diagnosis of bipolar disorder in children and adolescents typically involves recognizing an abnormal and distinct manic episode that lasts approximately one week. According to the NAMI, diagnosing bipolar disorder in children may be particularly challenging because it can be difficult to distinguish symptoms of mania from those of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). While mania and ADHD both involve hyperactivity and difficulty paying attention, manic symptoms in children may also include euphoria, jumping rapidly from one topic to another and an age-inappropriate preoccupation with sex.
- According to the NIMH, bipolar disorder in children and adolescents may co-exist with other conditions and disorders including ADHD, separation anxiety, other anxiety disorders and major depression. Young people and adults with bipolar disorder may be at increased risk of developing substance abuse problems.
- There is no cure for bipolar disorder as of 2010; however, sufferers can manage symptoms with medications and psychotherapy. According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), mood stabilizing drugs including lithium and valproic acid as well as atypical antipsychotic medications may help reduce the severity and number of mood episodes that occur. Psychotherapy may help young people and their families cope with and understand bipolar disorder.
