Teens and Children with Bipolar Disorder

Children, especially adolescents, have mood swings and this is considered normal as they are growing up. However, if these so called mood swings affect or interfere with a child’s everyday life, something else could be causing this and should be given attention immediately. Bipolar disorder could be the reason. Anyone can have bipolar disorder, even teens and kids. Bipolar disorder or manic depression, is a mood disorder characterized by severe changes in mood, great increase of energy and erratic change of behavior.

You will notice that your child’s behavior during his ups or happy times, and his down or sad times is different from other children’s. Early signs or symptoms can be noticed when the child is at an early age but the disorder totally emerges during teenage years or adolescence. Many young people with this disorder try to hurt themselves or commit suicide. The effect of bipolar is not the same with every child and treatment differ greatly.

A child that is manic may:

a. show extreme mood swings, show happiness or silliness in an unusual way
b. think that he is indestructible and unrealistic
c. have very high energy level and can go on for days without sleeping
d. talk non-stop, change topics too often and can’t be interrupted because their thoughts are racing
e. do things that are risky or dangerous

A child that is depressive may:

a. show irritability and sadness too often and cry for no apparent reason
b. always think that he is in pain (stomach pains or heartaches)
c. sleep very little
d. lose interest in activities that he once enjoyed
e. show significant weight loss
f. think of ending his own life

Thanks to research, the ability to diagnose bipolar disorder in children and teens has improved. However, it is still a complex process and it requires observation for a period of time. It is better that a child is diagnosed at an early age.

Bipolar disorder can be treated. If your child is showing these symptoms, you should take him to a mental health professional and have him evaluated. Your child will have to go through different kinds of tests so he can be given the necessary treatment. You, as a parent should educate yourself about bipolar disorder so that you will understand exactly what your child is going through.

Bipolar disorder can be treated in two ways. One is through medication. Not all children with this disorder are given the same medication. Each child responds to medication differently. Next is through therapy. Therapy can help your child with his behavior and help him get along with other members of the family.

The basic thing that you can do for your child is to be patient, especially when he has his episodes of mood swings. Encourage your child to communicate with you. Have fun together and explain why the treatment you are giving him is necessary.

Please get your own copy of The Total Transformation by James Lehman. This is a program that can help you with your child’s behavior.

Tagged with: Bipolar Disorder • Parenting • Teens with Bipolar Disorder

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