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Bipolar disorder, otherwise known as manic depression or bipolar depression, is a life-threatening mood disorder that affects a significant 2.6% of the American population, ages 18 and above. However, the symptoms of bipolar can start early in life and that bipolar in children is most likely to occur when parents have the illness. Furthermore, unlike adult bipolar disorder, bipolar in children are difficult to recognize. As such, it is advantageous to keep abreast with updated information about the condition and become attentive to the signs.

Bipolar Symptoms in Children

Bipolar is the brain disorder that affects a persons thoughts, mood energy, behavior and social interactions. Those with the disorder show unpredictable mood swings characterized by manic episodes (restlessness, distractibility and increased energy) as well as depressive episodes (feeling of fatigue, pessimism, suicidal thoughts and attempts).

These dramatic changes in mood can go very fast in children resulting in them being unrecognized in daily activities. Extreme irritability is the outcome of these continuous mood disruptions. Parents whose children were diagnosed with bipolar disorder based on the DSM IV criteria have found similar signs and symptoms to be established in their kids. Such signs and symptoms are lack of interest in activities, destructive and prolonged anger outbursts or tantrums, disrupted sleeping patterns, bed wetting and nightmares, impulsivity and irrational thoughts, defiance of authority, tendency to get absorbed in multiple activities, hunger for carbohydrates and sugar-rich delights, involvement in risky or dangerous behaviors, hyperactivity and anxiety, delusions and hallucinations, and thoughts of death and suicide.

Bipolar and Other Developmental Disorders in Children

Taking a look at some of the bipolar symptoms in children makes us realize that they are also characteristic of other common pediatric illnesses. These include the hyperactive-impulsive behavior that is also apparent in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. The tangential thought patterns and delusions of major depression and schizophrenia and the rebellious and damaging actions associated with conduct and oppositional defiant disorder. A proper diagnosis for bipolar in children is a must to carry out the best treatment strategies for the disorder.

Acquiring Help for Children with Bipolar

Evidently, bipolar disorder in children is a challenging task that needs urgent attention. Early interventions are called for so that the chance of achieving mood stability can be increased and the adverse effects considerably reduced. Parents should actively work with a mental health professional and be ready with accurate observations and notes of the childs behavior. If possible, a licensed and well-experienced child psychiatrist should be consulted to conduct appropriate diagnosis using two or more sessions.

On the other hand, the family may consult with an adult psychiatrist who has an extensive background in mood disorders and have experience treating children and adolescents. Pediatric neurologists and developmental pediatricians are also important and helpful in acquiring initial assessments for the child. The important thing for these experts is that they can help implement the kind of therapy that will be effective for the child before its too late.

Thus, the next time you hear children talk about death or suicide at a time when he or she is displaying all the other symptoms of bipolar in children, take it seriously and get help as soon as you can.