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Children and Bipolar Symptoms

4 July 2009 No Comment

You probably think of adults, when you think of bipolar disorder, also known as a manic depressive illness. It is possible to find bipolar in children but most of the time; symptoms of bipolar don’t begin to show until early adulthood. It is important for family and friends to know all they can and be a strong support system for children, because symptoms of bipolar disorder can be frustrating and frightening than adults.

What is Different with Children Bipolar?

Bipolar in children can be more difficult to diagnose since children may not understand the symptoms they’re experiencing, or how to voice how they’re feeling.

Children are already going through many emotional and physical changes, in addition, symptoms are changing or whether treatments are working and how the child is doing.

Families and friends can be a support system, keeping a close monitor on the child and also help keep communication between the child and the care giver open. The bottom line is bipolar in adults is easier to diagnose than children.

What are Bipolar Symptoms?

Marked by severe mood swings, bipolar disorder patients experience depressive and manic episodes. Experiencing hypomanic or mixed state episodes patients can also experience other illness not related to bipolar but because of their age react to them differently.

Symptoms of depressive episodes include increased need for sleep, fatigue and lethargy, feelings of hopelessness, lack of interest in activities and relationships, and suicidal thoughts. Children who are experiencing a depressive episode may also experience fascination with gory or morbid topics, low self-esteem, and oversensitivity or exaggerated emotional responses.

Children suffering from a manic episode have temper tantrums, extreme irritability, “silly” behaviors, and motor or vocal tics. Manic episodes include a decreased need for sleep, rapid speech, racing thoughts, impulsive behaviors, distractibility, and, in some cases, aggressive behaviors.

Less severe to mania, Hypomania is when the person is in a good mood, compared to depressive episode of bipolar. When symptoms of depression and mania are present at the same time it is called a mixed state episode.

More Information – Where?

Understanding bipolar in children and the symptoms of bipolar disorder are key in helping your child manage his or her illness, as well as ensuring that treatment is effective.  If you know what to look for in your child, you can be a much stronger support, and your child will be on the way to living a healthy, happy life.

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