Bipolar Disorder Children and Bipolar 2 Cases

When the subject of bipolar disorder comes up, most people will maintain a preconceived image of what the “typical” individual with bipolar disorder looks like. Often, they will imagine an adult and this is unfortunate as there are many bipolar children cases. This may come as a shock to many but there are scores of bipolar disorder children cases diagnosed everyday. Additionally, many of these cases are bipolar 2 diagnoses which is a sphere of the condition many people are not familiar. That is why a brief look at both what bipolar 2 entails and how it often affects children.

What is Bipolar 2?

Bipolar 2 is a mental health problem that is similar to the traditional form of bipolar disorder in the sense that it involves mood swings from highs and lows. The main difference, however, centers on the fact that the highs do not reach the stage of full blown mania. Specifically, these up swings are commonly referred to as hypomania. While these up swings are serious, they do not present the extremes of bipolar 1 mania.

The depressive phase of bipolar 2 is essentially just as severe as what one that suffers from bipolar 1 would embody. As such, it is important to stress that the inclusion of a “2” at the end of condition does not mean this is a minor condition. It is simply a different manifestation of the disorder and remains a serious condition.

Of course, just as bipolar disorder is a serious condition for an adult, it is even more difficult for a child. This is because the child may understand there is a problem but cannot ascertain that the problem derives from mental health problems. This is why it is important for parents and guardians to recognize the common symptoms of bipolar in a child.

Bipolar Disorder Children Symptoms

Bipolar children cases will share many of the same common traits that adults with the condition will present. Namely, the children will embody mood swings and episodes that will surely be indicative of a problem. For example, the child could swing from calm, happy, and placid to engaging in aggressive behavior and temper tantrums in a short period of time.

Also, bipolar disorder children cases have a tendency to go hand in hand with behavioral problems at school. Often, teachers will comment that the child can be quiet, calm, and behaved at one point and then disruptive and problematic with little or no provocation. Of course, this is the result of the bipolar 2 manifestation and not a behavioral or conduct problem.

Far too often children that are struggling with the onset of bipolar 2 are dismissed as having conduct issues. The child is then usually (and condescendingly) referred to as a “bad kid”. The real issue here is that the child is suffering from a mental health disorder. As such, proper professional help is needed.

Professional Help

If your child is embodying these problems, it becomes necessary to seek a diagnosis from a qualified mental health professional. This is the only way to truly ascertain the specific problem that is contributing to the child’s behavior. And, of course, it is the first step in reversing the ravages of the condition as well.