Bipolar Disorder Children – Paediatric Bipolar vs. Asperger's Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a mental illness which is characterized by mood swings which can sometimes happen rapidly. This is a disorder which afflicts people of all ages, including children. Bipolar disorder children who have type one bipolar disorder have alternating episodes of mania and depression. Bipolar disorder children with type two disorder tend to fall more towards depression, with long and profound depressive phases with periodic manic episodes which tend to be mild.

The symptoms of bipolar in children are due to a number of factors which may be emotional, environmental or neurological in nature. Most cases of the disease are due to a combination of environmental and biological factors. The exact cause, however, is still a subject of some debate.

Asperger's Syndrome

Asperger’s syndrome is often conflated with bipolar disorder in the diagnostic phase. This disorder is a development disorder which is similar to autism in its effects. The areas of social development and communicative abilities are profoundly affected.

Like bipolar disorder, the causes of this disorder are not known with any certainty. However, Asperger’s does tend to run in families, suggesting a hereditary factor. It is believed to have neurological and/or genetic root causes.

Misdiagnosis

Bipolar disorder children are sometimes misdiagnosed as having Asperger’s since the symptoms can present similarly – compulsive behaviors, aggressive episodes and strange habits. In both disorders, there can be behavioral, anger and social development problems.

Bipolar in children may of course also be afflicted with Asperger’s syndrome. However, it is unknown in these cases if the two disorders are related, with the same underlying neurological or genetic factors being responsible or if the two arise independently. Research is continuing into both disorders, with answers likely to come in the following decades.

Treatment Options

Bipolar medication that is given to bipolar children and those with Asperger’s syndrome tend to be similar. Since the symptoms of both disorders are similar, they are often treated using the same medications.

Counseling and therapy are also both employed in the treatment of bipolar in children and children with Asperger’s syndrome. This may be done alone or in conjunction with pharmaceutical therapies. While the majority of Asperger’s syndrome do not necessarily need medication, therapy is very helpful in teaching the patient to cope with the disorder. Bipolar children are usually given therapy regardless of whether or not they are treated with medication.

If you suspect that your child may be suffering from either bipolar disorder or Asperger’s syndrome, contact your physician or mental health care provider to have a diagnosis performed. This way, a course of treatment can be given.