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An illness that affects millions of people in the United States alone, Bipolar disorder is a serious mood disorder. A lot of people think of adults when they hear of people suffering from bipolar, but children as early as age seven can start exhibiting, and develop bipolar disorder symptoms. Bipolar disorders in children are very different, though the disease carries the same name. The experiences of bipolar in adults are quite different from that experienced by children with the illness.

Bipolar disorder, also called manic depression illness, is a mood disorder characterized by changes in mood from depression to manic episodes. There can also be periods of time that are considered “normal.” The length of time for the different episodes varies greatly depending on the individual. Another type of episode is called “mixed”. During a mixed episode, the person can experience symptoms of depression and mania simultaneously.

What Are Bipolar Symptoms In Children?

Depressive episode symptoms include feelings of hopelessness, overwhelming sadness, feeling that nothing goes right, low self esteem, fatigue, and changes in appetite. If depression is particularly bad, people may even have feelings or thoughts of suicide.

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.

One of the challenges with bipolar disorder in children is that the symptoms can change as the child grows. Because of this, there’s no standard for bipolar disorder symptoms in children. Not only does this make it more difficult to diagnose children, but it can make it more difficult to maintain quality treatment.

Treatment For Bipolar Disorder In Children

Bipolar disorder symptoms in children are usually treated with a combination of medication and psychotherapy which is similar that in adults. However, for children it is vital that you have a strong support system to keep tabs on the child. As a bipolar child grows, there is a possibility for the disease to change and with a strong support system it is a whole lot easier to make sure the child is getting the treatment needed to deal with the bipolar disorder.

Bipolar in itself is a serious illness. When it affects children, it can become more dangerous. It can be difficult for a child dealing with the normal stresses of growing up but to also deal with the debilitating symptoms of bipolar disorder can be a real struggle. It can be both overwhelming and confusing.

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