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.

Adolescent is that transitional stage of development between childhood and adulthood and represents the period of time during which a person experiences a variety of biological changes and encounters a number of emotional issues both in boys and in girls. Depending on the culture the ages range from 10 years (preteens) to nineteen years (young adult). According to (WHO), the World Health Organization, adolescence covers the period of life between 10 and 20 years of age. For the sake of adolescence bipolar we will be dividing these phases into three: early, mid and late adolescence.

Early Adolescent Bipolar

There is evidence indicating that bipolar disorder which was diagnosed in childhood or early adolescence is different, possibly a more severe form of the illness in older or late adolescence. A case study on a 10 year old saw that the child’s difficult behaviors were first noted between the ages of 2 and 3, when he would yell and bang his head at day care. He would be hostile by hitting, kicking, biting others and thrash around in a tantrum over something very simple. He was enthusiastic most of the time being helpful and constantly on the move, but he would be furious over nothing within minutes. The physical symptoms were headaches, stomach problems, difficulty swallowing and frequent diarrhea.

Mid – Adolescent (13 – 15 or 16 years)

Very often we hear, “my boyfriend is bipolar and I'd appreciate some advice. He has been very emotional, one minute he is happy and the next he is sad. He has a hard time getting out his emotions and sharing them with me.” A person with bipolar needs to focus on controlling the illness through treatment rather than letting the illness control them. When the illness takes control they in turn try to control others in a relationship. This can be damaging to the other person who does not know what is happening in the mind. It is important to have a long-term daily bipolar medication and ongoing psychiatric care to maintain a good quality of life.

Late – Adolescent (about 16– 20 yrs)

Late adolescent bipolar symptoms are much closer to adult bipolar than to early adolescent or late childhood bipolar. While it is important to give your children the chance to express their personalities and bizarreness, you must always keep careful watch over your child’s friends. This is because they tend to act without thinking and don't always know what is good for them or the middle ground. A large percentage of bipolar adolescent experiment with drugs or  alcohol for self medication. These kids take illicit drugs or alcohol because they feel like their painful life is getting out of control. On the contrary, illicit drugs make bipolar worse.

Outlet

Bipolar individuals are often very talented and gifted people with talents expressed through writing, liberal arts, poetry, artwork, etc. You should encourage your bipolar child to express their talents in anything that they show interest in, like joining a band, orchestra, drama, outdoor sports, art lessons, or collecting something. This could be anything they can do and be proud of themselves for doing it. Finally use positive words and praise them for everything you can think of. It will sure boost their ego for doing something good or right.

Depending on who you talk to, some terminologies people use to call bipolar by are bipolar disease, bipolar illness, bipolar disorder, bipolar symptoms and medical condition or morbidity.

What is a Disease?

A disease is “A pathological or medical condition of mind or body,” according the English Dictionary. On the other hand an infectious disease is the presence of pathogenic microbial agents, such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, multicellular parasites and prions which are a known abnormal protein. If an infection does not cause a clinically impairment of normal functioning, it is not considered a disease. The more popular forms of disease which are non-infectious are cancer, heart disease and diseases caused by genes.

Clinically Impaired

When adolescents are hit with bipolar disease, one of the most obvious signs and growing evidence is that individuals have mental impairments, even during periods of symptom remission. Bipolar disease falls in the impairments category like Alzheimer dementia and schizophrenia, but they are not as severe.

Cognitive impairment

It is unclear how common cognitive impairment among adolescent bipolar diseases occurs. A big number of patients complain of neuropsychological problems (a psychological processes and overt behaviors linked to the brain). Because adolescent bipolar sufferers do not complain of cognitive or mental problems, there is a possibility that neuropsychological impairments may be more widespread than our experience suggests.

Time Frame

What is the time frame for each episode to occur in a person with bipolar disease? We are all different so there is no time frame in this ongoing illness. It can go from manic to calm to depressive to calm again. For some it can be 2 days manic than 3 to 4 weeks all good calm and normal and 5 days depressing and 1 week of calm and normal again. This bipolar disease can last from a few minutes to one whole year with some experiencing "normalcy", which is a lack of problematic symptoms. Other Individuals can experience periods of double or mixed episodes in which symptoms of depression and mania are either present, or a person may transit from one episode to the next without a symptom-free period.

Important Guidelines
Alcohol: be careful, it can inflate the bipolar disease.
2. Promiscuity:  high to very high sexual libido especially when in the manic episode.
3. Medication: Doctors usually go through trial and error to find the right combination of drugs.
4. Suicidal: For some it is the only way out of the situation. Look for injuries especially cuttings on the body.
5. Forcing: Do not force patients to do something they do not want. You may find yourself facing a tiger.
6. Clarity: be really clear with your doctor about what symptoms are bothering you for them to address and diagnose it properly.

Heart Breaking

For many mental health conditions, symptoms of bipolar can overlap. A lot of people with adolescent bipolar disease have to be amazingly strong. The darkness that sometimes wells up out of people struggling with bipolar illness can be incredible. But even more difficult is the sharing of hopes, dreams and love with someone like this and then watching the person you love melt away and replaced by a completely different stranger.

Final Words

Bipolar disease cannot be cured but it can be controlled. For those adolescents suffering from this bipolar disease it is important they and their families be surrounded by a good support network in those difficult times. More importantly, medication must be taken at times allotted so the disease does not add stress to others and also break up existing strained relationships.

Bipolar disorder was once thought to be a condition that was confined to adults only. However, recent evidence indicates that bipolar disorder in children may be as common in young people, ages 14 to 18, as among adults. Adolescents, teenagers and even bipolar in children as young as five are being diagnosed with the illness. Children and bipolar disorder symptoms are a different breed than their adult counterparts. The condition affects children differently and that symptoms of bipolar often mimic other disorders. For instance, a doctor may diagnose a child with ADHD, when they actually suffer from bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder in children 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 can present themselves in the form of explosive tempers, 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 of bipolar disorder in children and 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 bipolar disorder in children 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 who is showing symptoms of bipolar, it is important that you try to find a doctor who is knowledgeable about this mental illness. They should also have a strong understanding of psychiatric drugs and 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 in children

Information on Bipolar Disorder in Children

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.

Adolescent bipolar disorder is a serious mental illness characterized by recurring modes of depression, mania, and/or mixed symptom states. These different episodes cause very unusual and extreme shifts in mood, energy, and behavior that interfere with the adolescent day to day and healthy functioning.

Symptoms

Symptoms of depression and mania in adolescents may manifest themselves through a variety of different behaviors in bipolar 1 and bipolar 2. Manic and depressive states may include alcohol or substance abuse and difficulty with other people.

Mania

Adolescents with mania episodes are more likely to be irritable and prone to destructive outbursts compared to adults.

Depression

The most common physical complaints when depressed are headaches, muscle aches, stomachaches or tiredness. Other signs to look out for are frequent absences from school or poor performance in school. They tend to talk a lot and will want to run away from home, are irritable, always complaining and unexplained crying. Their social life suffers by isolating themselves due to probably their extreme sensitivity, rejection or failure attitude and poor communication skills.

Bipolar Treatment

An adolescent who has a family history of bipolar illness and showing signs  of depression and very severe ADHD-like symptoms with excessive temper outbursts and mood changes should be checked immediately by a psychiatrist or local doctor. It is very important to have a good evaluation done especially when psychostimulant medications are prescribed for ADHD because it can make mania symptoms worse. Some have suggested that ADHD come before a full-blown mania, but there is little evidence on that assumption.

Other Findings

Study from NIMH suggest, that the illness is at least as common among youths as with adults. According to this study, 1% of adolescents ages 14 to 18 were found to have met criteria for bipolar disorder or cyclothymia, a similar but milder mental illness. Compared to adolescents with a history of major depressive disorders, teens with bipolar disorder and those with subclinical symptoms had greater functional impairment and higher rates of their illness reoccurring. Finally this study has highlighted the need to improve and recognize the treatment and prevention of even the milder and subclinical cases of adolescent bipolar disorder.

Protective Environment

Some families do not have a protective environment for those who have a severe disturbance. One is needed, both for the person who is ill and for others around that person. A protective environment is so important to prevent harm to anyone – and everyone in such situations. Before families can seek medication for their bipolar adolescent child -safety – is the first thing that needs to be ensured.

Inner Resources

Psychiatrists often will look for inner resources the patient might have, before resorting to medication. This mental illness has nothing to do with the persons abilities to handle their illness nor is it a sign of strength or weakness. Usually a protective environment will allow psychiatric to use whatever inner resources the patient might have, especially when mental facilities is not there or the right medication is not available.

Ongoing Problem

One of the major problems continually faced by families with adolescent bipolar is the availability of mental health institutions and proper medications and good doctors to diagnose the illness properly. But the most feared one is the stigma that goes with this mental illness which can be ongoing and downgrading.

Symptoms of Bipolar

Bipolar has a number of symptoms attached to it. Everything from depression and suicidal thoughts to irrational and violent behaviors can be found within the symptom list of bipolar. Mild symptoms that are barely noticeable and do not interfere with daily life can also be a part of bipolar.

Bipolar is also characterized by mood shifts from one extreme to another. A person suffering from bipolar can be overly energetic one day, normal the next day, and on the third day be completely despondent. Other behaviors such as uncontrolled spending, refusing to eat, and extreme fatigue are also symptoms of bipolar.

Symptoms of Bipolar In Children

The symptoms of bipolar are slightly different for children. There are a number of theories as to why children express bipolar disorder differently. While you may still find that children express bipolar disorder with despondency and high energy respectively, there are a host of other symptoms, which can express themselves in children.

One of the biggest is night terrors. Night terrors are similar to nightmares only there is no memory and it is often difficult to wake the child. If these episodes extend past the medically advisable age it may be an indication of bipolar disorder. Only a trained medical professional can make a diagnosis as to whether or not a child is suffering from bipolar.

Another major element on the symptom list for bipolar in children are the types of temper tantrums that can occur. Children who suffer from bipolar generally tend to have temper tantrums that can last for as long as an hour or more. They tend to involve violent movements and may need to be restrained in order to avoid injury.

The Bottom Line

These are just some of the symptoms. One of the biggest difficulties with being able to determine if a child may be suffering from bipolar is the fact that there is such a wide range of symptoms, which can be expressed. The internet is a great place to locate information and lists of symptoms as well as things to watch out for.

If you notice any of these signs consider keeping a journal of them and discuss your concerns with your child's primary care provider. Getting assistance with the symptoms of bipolar in children as soon as possible can ensure that you and your child learn to control and manage the effect this illness has on you and your child's life. Bipolar is a serious illness that can have wide spread effects through the lives of those that suffer from it and their family.

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.

Bipolar disorder is a definition that is used for people who have periods of elevated moods and can also become depressed for periods of time too. The term bipolar is also called manic depression because of the two opposite extremes. Bipolar is diagnosed by a psychiatrist based on moods that are verified as hyper meaning high or hypo meaning lower. Manic is a loose term because those with bipolar disorder often have thoughts of unusual psychosis. Bipolar in Children has become a new problem for parents to deal with since so much information has been given national attention. Bipolar disorder children have trouble concentrating and often feel defeated or depressed.

Signs of Bipolar in Children?

Since signs of bipolar can be misdiagnosed by people who think that a person is bipolar just because of the way they act are often misread. There is a general amount of time that certain mood swings last, people with elevated moods or those to the extreme such as adrenalin junkies, moods are elevated, when moods are decreased or fall below normal levels of functioning they are called depressed. Moods are factors in how we act or function in a certain situation, it’s when the mood is not removed from the situation that we find signs of bipolar. There is a pendulum that swings both ways when diagnosing people. They have both moods as even, extremely hyper or extremely hypo. Bipolar in Children is better recognized because normal mood swings are apparent but when they are extreme parents can see changes in a child’s behavior and moods based on daily life.

Overlapping of Bipolar Disorder Children Symptoms.

Moods affect everyone around you, if you are happy and everybody is down then a majority of moods will sway yours. Those who are depressed or sad while everybody is happy will allow their mood to shift too. People often throw the term bipolar around because they think that a person who can be happy one day and sad the next. There are some warning sign of bipolar disorder that people need to be aware of, when somebody is feeling down or depressed and talks of suicide, that’s a warning sign. Rarely are people who happy have such thoughts, the normal functioning person has normal moods. Bipolar disorder children are often thought of as lazy or too hyper, diagnosis of their moods helps doctors to find out the extreme between each.

Because bipolar disorder is often linked with other symptoms such as ADHD children are lumped into a category that defines them by how they manage their moods without medication. Parents should be aware that people who are quick to diagnose children are not always professionals. Find out what the criteria is to be bipolar, concentration problems or mood swings during puberty are not symptoms of bipolar. It’s a sticky label and once adhesives are used it’s hard to undo.

Diagnosis.

Diagnosing Bipolar in Children can be done in a doctor’s office. There is no blood test that can be taken to prove it exists though, many diagnosis are done by social workers, nurses and clinical psychologists. Parents who fear that their child may be bipolar can do an evaluation at home and base it on their moods during certain situations. Eating, sleeping and non reactive moods are the best indicators for parents to look for if they think their child is bipolar. Moods can last for minutes, hours or days, it depends on what triggers the mood and how long it last.

Children who are bipolar are not considered lost. Parents have many resources at their fingertips and a child who deals with bipolar disorder can lead a normal life. There are organizations that are designed to help parents with resources and support groups that help them cope with this all too common diagnosis. Parents should not blame themselves or the child, knowing early on is better than finding out too late. Children need advocates and parents are the best way to help them function when they don’t know what to do.

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.

This discovery will make it easier for bipolar disorder children to get the help they need at an early stage and have a normal life when they become adults. The proper treatment for bipolar in children is a source of dispute among professionals. Some want to use medications and therapy combined for treatment but parents and some mental health experts disagree with this method.

Bipolar in Children – Medication Downside

Parents do not like the effect bipolar medication has on their child’s personality. They seem to lose certain traits that make them enjoyable as a person. Both children and adults when medicated to excess or unnecessarily do not seem like the same person. A child may appear to be “zoned out” or unresponsive to things children normally react to. This is worrisome for a parent and makes them wonder if it is doing more harm than good to put their child on medication.

Many use play therapy to treat bipolar disorder children. This helps them to live a happier and more normal life. The technique is to present a situation to the child in which he or she must come up with a sensible and normal healthy solution. This may not work well for every child. They may need additional help. The mood swings and other bipolar children symptoms are sometimes severe enough to cause uncontrollable actions and unpredictable reactions to certain events.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or CBT

Another useful therapy is cognitive behavioral therapy. Patients with bipolar disorder are taught to realize when they have symptoms and learn what triggers these symptoms. They learn alternatives for inappropriate behavior and mood swings. The patient will also learn what to do to avoid having episodes of mania or depression and better ways to deal with an episode if they have one. This treatment works very well in adults with and without medication.

It may be difficult to use cognitive behavioral therapy in children as it involves using thinking and problem abilities that are unlikely to be present in children. It is not considered for use in bipolar disorder children for this reason. Once a child reaches a certain age or age level, this method is used with success. If this type of therapy were brought down to the child’s level it could be used effectively some believe. This would likely be difficult to do.

Seek Advice for Bipolar in Children

Options for treatment need to be discussed with your child’s doctor, psychologists, parents, teachers, or anyone else involved your Childs life. This will help ensure better success in treating your child’s bipolar disorder. If anyone involved notices a problem or has concerns about any treatments for bipolar children symptoms, they should come forward immediately as changes may have to be made in treatment. If a child does not seem to be improving with treatment or medication, the parent may want to consider changing physicians.