Definition of Bipolar Disorder

 

Children with Bipolar Disorder have unusual mood swings. They may be very happy and active, considered as mania or feel very sad and less active, considered as depression However, it differs from normal ups and downs in the sense that it is more severe. Bipolar affect children in their late teens.

 

Bipolar mood changes are called "mood episodes." Your child may have manic, depressive, or "mixed" episodes. Children and teens with bipolar disorder may have more mixed episodes than adults with the illness. These episodes may last a week or 2 weeks and for most of the day.

 

 

Signs and Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

 

Children and teens having a manic episode may:

• Be in an overly silly or joyful mood. It is different from the times when a child may usually get silly and have fun

• Have an extremely short temper

• Sleep little but not feel tired

• Talk a lot and have racing thoughts

• Have trouble concentrating and focusing on one thing

• Talk and think about sex more often

• Behave in a risky way

 

Children and teens having a depressive episode may:

• Be in a sad mood that lasts a long time

• Lose interest in activities they once enjoyed

• Feel worthless or guilty

• Complain about pain more often, such as headaches, stomach aches and muscle pains

• Eat a lot more or less and gain or lose a lot of weight

• Sleep or oversleep when these were not previous problems

• Experience loss of energy

• Have recurring thoughts of death or suicide

 

 

Treatment of Bipolar Disorder

 

Bipolar Disorder is not curable but is treatable with medication, anti-depressants, anti-psychotics or clonidine and talking therapy.