Not all children who experience bipolar symptoms at their adolescent stage have the same  symptoms in their early childhood. It has only recently been revealed by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry that up to 1/3 ( one third) of the nearly three and a half million children and teens with depression in America alone may actually be going through the early stages of the disorder. Many doctors and mental health professional only recently have recognized and treated bipolar in very young children, but because of lack of good information this mental problem is still an under-recognized illness.

Those with bipolar manic disorder usually rotate between severe high and low mood swings. These shifting in moods can generate unfavorable behaviors with short spans of wellness between high (manic) and low (depression) episodes. There have been some cases when young people do go through both extremes (high and low) at the same time, but these are rare cases. Parents who have  children with bipolar manic disorder often say that their children are quite unpredictable, going between being aggressive/silly, depressed or withdrawn to very happy in a few minutes. It must be advised that children with bipolar are at much greater risk for other mental problems like attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and anxiety disorders. These other disorders confuse diagnosis of bipolar and contribute to the many wrong treatment in a lot of young children.

Signs and Symptoms of Bipolar

Not all young children with  bipolar manic disorder have all the symptoms listed below.In many instances  children with the illness are likely to have come from  families with the disorder. It is important that in case a child or friend you know is trying to cope with any symptoms listed below for one or two weeks, ask them to get professional help immediately.

Bipolar Manic Disorder Symptoms

 Very high levels of energy. Little sleep without being tired.
 Severe mood swings – from very happy to angry or aggressive.
 Unrealistic self-esteem – thinks highly of oneself.
 Involvement in multiple projects and activities.
 Talks very fast and a lot – changes topics too quickly and hard to be interrupted.
 Racing thoughts or strong feeling to keep talking and  very easily distracted.
 Risk-takers – attempting daredevil stunts
 Abuse drugs and alcohol with high sexual libido

Depressive Signs

 Regular sadness or crying without any reason
 Prefer to be by themselves
 Low energy levels, no enthusiasm or motivation
 Feeling unimportant with lots of guilt feelings
 Very sensitive and does not like to fail
 Sleeps or eats a lot
 Complaints of headaches and stomach aches
 Continuous self-destructive behaviors like suicide

What Should You Do?

The good news to mothers is that bipolar manic disorder can be controlled with early diagnosis and treatment. A full treatment plan should be put up by the local relevant health professionals for family members and friends to include psychotherapy and medication.