Bipolar Disorder: Children and Bipolar Disorder Symptoms

Bipolar disorder was once thought to be a condition that was confined to adults only. However, recent evidence indicates that bipolar disorder may be as common in young people, ages 14 to 18, as among adults. Adolescents, teenagers and even children as young as five are being diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Children and bipolar disorder symptoms are a different breed than their adult counterparts. The condition affects children differently and that symptoms often mimic other disorders. For instance, a doctor may diagnose a child with ADHD, when they actually suffer from bipolar disorder. Children and bipolar disorder symptoms need to be observed by doctors who have experience in these types of mental health issues so that an accurate diagnosis can be made early.

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder in Children

Symptoms of bipolar disorder in children present in the form of explosive temper, tantrums, marked irritability, hyperactivity, impulsivity and restlessness or fidgetiness. As you can see, many of the symptoms mimic those of ADHD, and this is the dilemma that many physicians face. A child comes in with the parent complaining of these specific symptoms and the tests used to confirm a diagnosis of either condition are not one hundred percent fail proof because the symptoms in children with bipolar disorder and children with ADHD are so much alike.

As a parent, observing behaviors in your child such as racing thoughts, a depressed mood, low self esteem, social anxiety, difficulty getting up in the morning, frequent mood swings, rages, oppositional behavior, night terrors and compulsive behavior could be indicative of bipolar disorder and you should have him or her evaluated. Other common symptoms include social anxiety, oversensitivity to emotional triggers, easily distracted, hyperactivity, silly or giddy, racing thoughts, aggressiveness and lethargy.

Symptoms that you may not readily associate with child bipolar disorder are carbohydrate cravings, bed wetting (this is more prevalent in boys with the disorder), night terrors, excessive daydreaming, rapid speech, bossiness, manipulative behavior, destructive (to property), paranoia. Hallucinations and delusions as well as motor and vocal tics are also hallmark traits of bipolar in children.

Getting a Diagnosis

If you suspect that your child has bipolar disorder, you should understand that getting a diagnosis can be a rather long process. Your child will have to be observed carefully over a period of time to establish consistent behavior patterns. You can aid in this process by keeping a daily log, noting your child’s mood and behavior. Note eating and sleeping patterns, any unusual events that occur either with the child or within the child’s environment and record any statements that your child makes that concern you or you feel may be relevant to their condition. Share this log with your child’s physician or psychiatrist when you begin the diagnosis process.

When you choose a physician for your child, it is important that you try to find a doctor who is knowledgeable about bipolar and mood disorders. They should have a strong understanding of psychiatric drugs and they should be current in their knowledge of treatments for mood disorders. It is very important that the doctor you select view you, your child and themselves as a team working to help your child. In short, you want someone on your side, to work with you and who is well versed in bipolar disorder.

Information on Child Bipolar Disorder

There are many websites available that offer good information regarding bipolar disorder and child bipolar disorder. If you are concerned that your child may have bipolar disorder, then getting good information through research is a very good start.