Bipolar is an illness that affects the brain. another name for bipolar is manic-depressive. A child who has bipolar disorder will demonstrate severe and unusual mood changes that seem almost uncontrollable. A child may feel very happy one moment and completely down the next. This is a form of depression and exists because a child cannot find balance and maintain a level of everyday happiness.
Bipolar should not be confused with other depression symptoms and disorders. Bipolar symptoms in children are more excessive and powerful. A child may find it too difficult to do their best in school, get along with friends, and get along with family members as well. Bipolar symptoms in children can become very dangerous because a child can actually do bodily harm to themselves including attempted suicide.
Bipolar symptoms in children can be mild until they are older and then become a problem when a child reaches teen years. When a child develops bipolar disorder symptoms this is referred to as early-onset bipolar disorder. This is usually a more severe case of bipolar disorder than what is seen in older teens and adults.
There are many reasons why a child develops bipolar disorders; it is hereditary, a child suffers from an abnormal brain structure and function, or the child suffers from anxiety disorders. It's not really clear why a child suffers from any of these conditions but research continues.
Some symptoms that are noticeable by children who suffer from bipolar disorder include having a short temper, unusual behavior of acting silly and extremely happy, talks fast and changes the subject often, doesn't feel tired and cannot go to sleep and stay asleep, cannot stay focused, does things that are risky, may feel very sad, complains of headaches or stomachaches, shows signs of depression, feels overwhelmed, guilty, worthless, either eats too little or eats too much, loss of energy, no interest in any activities that are fun, may think about suicide or even death.
Bipolar symptoms in children are also co-existent with other health or behavioral problems such as ADD, ADHD, anxiety disorders, substance abuse, or mental illnesses such as depression. although one of the myths associated with bipolar disorder is that it only happens with adults. But children are prone to it.
Bipolar in children can be determined by a routine doctor visit where he or she will do further testing to rule out other possible conditions such as alcoholism or depression. Once bipolar in children are diagnosed the doctor will usually recommend a combination of medication as well as therapy.
When bipolar symptoms in children show up it's important that you be patient and encouraging. When your child wants to have fun, you have fun with him or her. Listen to them and create new ways that you as a family can deal with bipolar disorder. It's important that everyone help a child who suffers from bipolar disorder to be able to handle the disorder and help everyone around them respond in a positive way.
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