Do you find that your child goes through a lot of very happy periods followed by what seems to be very low periods and you are just not sure what might be causing them? Are these mood swings so severe that they are affecting both home and school life? You might want to have your child tested for Bipolar Disorder.
Bipolar Disorder is a mental illness, which affects children and adults alike. Many times it starts in childhood and progresses as time goes on if left untreated. This illness is a part of a group of illnesses called mood disorders. The mood swings go from extremely happy and very energetic, which is called mania, and very low to unenergetic, tired and unhappy called depression. Each of these moods swings will occur in degrees and each time it happens it is called an episode. These ups and downs are not the usual ups and downs that we all experience in life. It is very debilitating for adults and even more so for children. It will interfere with home and school life. Children with bipolar disorder have trouble maintaining friendships and may even try to hurt themselves including attempting suicide. However treatment and early intervention can save a lifetime of struggling with a serious illness
What causes Bipolar Disorder
Anyone can be afflicted with Bipolar Disorder. When it starts in childhood it is called early-onset bipolar disorder and it affects kids and teens differently than it would when the illness is experienced in adulthood. The younger the child the more severe the illness may be. Younger children may also experience more frequent moods swings as well.
Genetics might attribute to Bipolar Disorder, Bipolar Disorder runs in families. Usually if a parent or sibling has the illness, chances are other siblings will have it as well.
There is some research pointing to anomalies in brain structure and brain functioning
Children who are prone to having anxiety disorders may also have Bipolar Disorder.
Still, the causes for this disorder remain unclear at this time. Researchers are constantly trying to get a better understanding of the causes and in term continue to perfect better treatment methods for the illness.
Symptoms
The manic mood or depressed mood is called an episode and each episode may last about a week. They will be constant for that period and sometimes they will be mixed, meaning both mania and depression may be seen together. Children may exhibit more mixed episodes than adults.
Children and teens going through a manic episode may talk extremely quickly, be hysterically happy or silly, be short tempered, have trouble sleeping, seem too wired to sleep, have trouble concentrating, talk a lot about sex and do some risky things.
Children going through a depressive episode may feel very sad, get too little or too much sleep, feel worthless and feel guilty, have no interest in life, people, sports, or anything they normally do as children. They may complain of stomachs and pains and they may even entertain thoughts of death or suicide.
Bipolar Disorder and other illnesses
Diagnosis A doctor will determine if a child has Bipolar Disorder based on case history. They will question the child, learning about family medical history including history of alcoholism, and question the family about the child.s behavior. The doctor will do some diagnostic testing as well. Treatment Treatment includes medication. Doctors will try different medications before finding the one that is just right for your child. Make sure the doctor is giving the lowest dosage first to see if the child responds to that medication. Also make sure you discuss the side affects with your doctor. You want your child to be as comfortable as possible. Therapy Children are often seen by a child psychologist for counseling and therapy to help them overcome their fears and concerns. Treatment plans will change as the child.s symptoms and responses to treatment changes. It is wise to keep a journal of your child.s moods as a running log for the therapist to work with. As a parent try to understand what your child is going through. Try to be patient, and support he or her. Talk to your child and most importantly listen to what your child has to say. Caring for a child with an illness is very stressful, make sure you also take care of yourself to be strong for your child. Talk to your own personal doctor about help for yourself and help to deal with the child.Related Articles