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Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is characterized by extreme changes in an individual’s mood, energy, thinking, and behavior. There are two parts to this disorder: episodes of mania and episodes of depression. 

Manic episodes are when an individual’s mood changes and is overly happy, expansive, or overly irritable along with other symptoms, which include: 

  • Unrealistic highs in self-esteem - for example, a child or adolescent who feels all-powerful or like a superhero with special powers 

  • A great increase in energy

  • Decreased need for sleep such as being able to go with little or no sleep for days without feeling tired

  • Increase in talking - when the child or adolescent talks too much, too fast, changes topics too quickly, and cannot be interrupted

  • Distractibility - the child's attention moves constantly from one thing to the next

  • Thinking more quickly - for example, thoughts are on “fast forward” 

  • Repeated high-risk-taking behavior, such as abusing alcohol and drugs, reckless driving, or sexual promiscuity

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Depressive episodes are when an individual experiences periods of depression, along with having low and irritable moods. Other symptoms can include: 

  • Decreased enjoyment in favorite activities 

  • Low energy level or fatigue 

  • Major changes in sleeping patterns, such as oversleeping or difficulty falling asleep

  • Poor concentration

  • Complaints of boredom

  • Major changes in eating habits such as decreased appetite, failure to gain weight, or overeating

  • Frequent complaints of physical illnesses such as headaches or stomach aches

  • Suicidal ideation

Children and teenagers with bipolar disorder can be treated effectively through education of the patient and family about the illness, mood-stabilizing medication, and psychotherapy. Medication can reduce manic episodes and prevent depression, while psychotherapy helps the child understand themselves, adapt to stresses, rebuild self-esteem and improve relationships. 

Diagnosis of bipolar disorder in children and adolescents is complex and is completed under careful observation over a period of time. A comprehensive evaluation needs to be done by a trained mental health professional or a child and adolescent psychologist. They will start treatment for the child. 

Remember
Treatment

For more information, visit American Academy of Children and Adolescent Psychiatry's Bipolar Disorder Resource Center

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