Bipolar Symptoms in Bipolar Children

« « No More Fright of Anxiety Attack - The Ultimate Cure for Panic | Reviewing The Biofeedback System » »

Bipolar Symptoms in Bipolar Children

Tuesday, April 21st, 2009 Subscribe To Our Feed

Bipolar disorder is a serious mood disorder that affects millions of people in the United States alone. And while most people think of adults when they think of people suffering from this disease, it’s not just adults who struggle with it. Children, even before puberty, can develop bipolar disorder symptoms, and bipolar disorder children can start exhibiting symptoms as early as the age of seven. Though the disease carries the same name, children’s bipolar disorder symptoms are different, and bipolar disorder children have very different experiences from adults with the illness.

A mood disorder characterized by changes in mood from depression to manic episodes, Bipolar disorder is also called a manic depression illness. Bipolar has three main episodes called depression; mania and mixed episodes. There are times that are considered “normal” and other length of time for the different episodes which varies greatly depending on each individual. The other type is called a “mixed” episode which the person can simultaneously experience symptoms of depression and mania.

What Are Bipolar Symptoms In Children?

Overwhelming sadness, feeling that nothing goes right, low self esteem, fatigue, and changes in appetite and feelings of hopelessness are signs of bipolar depression. People may even have feelings or thoughts of suicide which is a clear sign of depression which is particularly bad.

Manic episode symptoms include restlessness and fidgeting, hyperactivity, insomnia, distractibility, and difficulty concentrating. Many people who are experiencing a manic episode may have rapid or disjointed speech, or even become aggressive and angry.

In addition to many of the common symptoms associated with depressive and manic episodes, children experience many other symptoms. These symptoms may include separation anxiety, temper tantrums, night terrors, bed wetting (especially in boys), and motor or vocal tics.

As the child grows, one of the challenges with bipolar disorder in children is that the symptoms can change. There’s no standard for bipolar disorder symptoms in children and because of this, it is difficult to diagnose and maintain quality treatment in children.

How Bipolar Disorder In Children Is Treated

As a child with bipolar disorder grows, the disease can change, and with a strong support system, a combination of medication and psychotherapy it’s easier to make sure the child is getting the treatment needed to deal with the bipolar disorder. With adults who have bipolar disorder, bipolar symptoms in children are usually treated with the same medication but more in children.

In addition to the normal stresses of growing up Bipolar disorder is a serious illness, and can be even more serious when it affects children because of communication problems. Many times it can be confusing and heartbreaking to see children suffering.

Information is important when dealing with bipolar disorder children. It is vital that you understand bipolar as this will help you help your child with this illness.

Share and Enjoy: These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.