Bipolar In Children
Children and Bipolar Disorder
Last modified on 2008-10-12 02:57:52 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
Mood disorders such as bipolar in children, can often be difficult to diagnose. Often times, pyschosis and ADHD can be mistaken for bipolar disorder, simply because they too result in mood swings and altering energy levels. Children by nature are anxious and constantly on the go, which makes it difficult to judge WHY they might be acting in such a way.
In many cases a doctor will perform a series of tests in order to diagnose bipolar in general, and spercifically bipolar in children. Tests include family background checks, as bipolar disorder is often caused by childhood environment.
Medical history will be taken, and the doctor may ask you about any drugs you have recently taken, including the illegal ones.
References are utilized in diagnosing bipolar disorder, a doctor many times will find himself question your behavior with family members or friends.
Observational tests require you to participate in a series of tests that that will observe moodswings and patterns, and in some cases, the way you dress, or your body type.
Mental health assesments depending on how much concern is warranted. Another important thing to keep in mind is origins and cycles. Keep a journal of when and where your manic episodes started.
Another thing to keep in mind, is that with children, abrupt and quick mood swings are the norm and can change in fact, several times a day. There are some cases where children have exhibited both the highs and lows of bipolar disorder at the same time.
Bipolar in children can manifest itself in violent temper tantrums, touching themselves in inappropriate places, frequent headaches, stomach ache, and a myriad of other symptoms. However, treatment as soon as possible is very important, as bipolar in children can be treated quite effectively when combined with therapy. Over all, bipolar in children is tough to deal with, but rest assured, there is hope.
Bipolar Teens- How To Handle It
Last modified on 2008-10-18 13:47:25 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
Bipolar teens can be unpredictable and volatile to deal with. It is estimated that 7% of victims of bipolar disorder are teenagers. Bipolar teens are typically afflicted in their late teens, although diagnosis has occurred in children as young as 6.
In many cases bipolar teens are mistakenly thought to be suffering from ADHD, due to extreme mood swings being common in both disorders. If you think your teen may be suffering from bipolar disorder you should take them to a doctor immediately.
Some things to look for when trying to assess your teens mental state, are things like increased energy, and lack of sleep for extended periods of time. A lack of focus and concentration, as well as physical agitation. Hyper sexuality is also common among bipolar teens.
During a depressed phase some things you might notice in your teen are loss of energy, over sleeping, moping or persistent sadness, and even suicidal thoughts or attempts. Bipolar teens are typically stuck with the disorder for life, as there is no permanent cure. However with family support, proper diagnosis and treatment, as well as a healthy lifestyle, it is very possible to live a long and happy life.
Some things to keep in mind with bipolar teens is that it is important to create a routine that your whole family sticks to and follows, and keep updated regularly by their teachers and anyone else who is a frequent part of their daily life. Always monitor medications closely and be sure to inform your doctor of any adverse side affects. The problem with some depression medications is that they have been known to trigger suicidal thoughts much more easily in teens than in adults. So alway take threats of suicide seriously, and consider therapy for the whole family.
Bipolar teens can be tough to handle sometimes, so if you can catch bipolar disorder early, then you can be well on your way to proper treatment and relief for your beloved teen. Life was meant to be enjoyed by our children, not fraught with depression and fear.
Bipolar Children- How Do You Know?
Last modified on 2008-10-18 13:38:06 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
Bipolar children can be difficult to diagnose, and is usually more prevalent in teens and adults. However bipolar children have been diagnosed as early as 6 years of age, and symptoms have been seen as early as infancy.
Infants exhibiting constant restless behavior and sleep disorders, or throwing seizure like tantrums in anger were later diagnosed as being affected with bipolar disorder. Bipolar children will often show extreme cycling between moods, rapidly moving from extreme energy or mania and irritability, to lethargic like lows. They also experience neutral periods of “normalcy” in between cycles.
Most bipolar children are suffering because someone in their family has suffered. Things like bipolar disorder and depression have been shown to travel down the chain in families. One thing to keep in mind is that while adults usually have clearly defined cycles of mania and depression, bipolar children are typically all over the map, and can experience extreme highs and lows several times a day, often leading to a misdiagnoses of their symptoms.
Some things to look for in bipolar children are things like hyperactivity, destructive anger, rebelliousness, clingyness, and even bed wetting can be a symptom of bipolar disorder in children. Also irregular food habits are common, and irregular hunger pains, as well as mood changes, lack of interest in outdoor playtime, and hallucinations or delusions.
There are other symptoms that you can look for as well, but I just wanted to cover the basics. Bipolar children can also become ill due to environmental factors such as physical abuse, or broken families. If you fear your child is suffer from bipolar disorder, the earlier you can get him or her diagnosed, the better their chances of leading full and healthy lives. Bipolar children don’t have to suffer and feel sad or out of control all of their lives. It starts with you as their parent, seeking treatment and staying on top of it!
