Bipolar Disorder, formerly called Manic Depression, is a mood disorder that causes an individual to have extremes in mood, from manic, restless highs to depressive, listless lows. These extremes can be experienced in a relatively short period of time with an individual. Bipolar Disorder in children and teens is very much the same as in adults. The biggest issue with children is that the disorder can easily be misdiagnosed because it has some of the same characteristics as Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), which is often diagnosed in children. Bipolar Disorder in teens can also look different than it does in adults simply because it does not fit perfectly into the same diagnostic mold as adult Bipolar Disorder. Teenage symptoms may also be due to other problems which are common in teens, such as normal ups and downs, stress, trauma, or other mental health issues.
According to Mayo Clinic, one of the biggest indicators of bipolar disorder in children and teens is mood changes that are noticeably more extreme than the normal mood changes your child may experience. The pattern of mood changes may also be quite different from those in adults. Children’s and teens’ moods may shift rapidly within episodes, and there may be a long period of normalcy in between episodes. Since there are varying types of Bipolar Disorder, there may be fewer depressive episodes and more manic episodes, more depression, and fewer manic episodes, or it may be equally divided between the two.
Having one or more of these symptoms is not enough to reach a diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder. It is important for your child or teen to have a comprehensive clinical assessment by a licensed mental health counselor. A physical examination by your doctor is also recommended. Along with this, there is a likelihood that your child or teens’ moods will have to be charted over a period of time to get an idea of how often and for how long the mood swings are occurring. Treatment for Bipolar Disorder varies depending on the severity of the disorder as well as the type of disorder. According to the Mayo Clinic, treatment for children and teens is usually determined on a case by case basis and may include:
Bipolar Disorder is a disorder that is highly treatable. If you suspect your child may be suffering from Bipolar Disorder, give us a call at (919) 900-7552, we can help!