Children with bipolar disorder struggle at home, with friends and in school. NAMI, the National Alliance for Mental Illness, describes bipolar as a chronic, lifelong condition involving recurring episodes of depression and mania lasting from days to months. While the median age for the onset of bipolar disorder is 25 years, it does occur in children. Early-onset bipolar disorder refers to bipolar disorder that begins in childhood or adolescence. Children with early-onset bipolar often have a more severe form of bipolar than adults. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, young people with bipolar suffer from more frequent mood switches and are sick more often than adults with bipolar.
Manic Symptoms
Children with manic symptoms of bipolar may display restlessness, impulsivity, racing thoughts, difficulty concentrating or non-stop talking. Other manic symptoms, possible indicators of bipolar disorder, include extreme silliness or joyfulness, engaging in risky activities and games, sleeping very little but not being tired and participation in more activities than usual. The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance explains that children suffering from bipolar may experience a heightened mood along with exaggerated optimism and self-confidence. Children who are explosive or destructive with lengthy rages, especially after the age of 4, may have bipolar disorder, the Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation states.
Depression Symptoms
A signs of early-onset bipolar disorder in a child may include depression. A child may feel guilty or worthless, lose interest in normal activities, struggle to make decisions or remain sad for long periods. Children with bipolar may be lethargic or complain about various aches and pains. They may eat more or less than usual or undergo changes in sleep patterns. Some children with bipolar suffer from thoughts of suicide or death.
Mixed State Symptoms
During a mixed state, a child exhibits both depressed and manic symptoms. Common signs include distractibility, insomnia and agitation in combination of sadness and depression. During a mixed state, people with bipolar are at increased risk for suicide.
Other Symptoms
Friendship difficulties and poor school performance may accompany other signs of bipolar. For older children and adolescents, alcohol or drug abuse may also be indicative of bipolar disorder.
