When diagnosed in childhood, bipolar disease is called early-onset bipolar disease. In the United States, this brain disorder affects at least 750,000 children, according to the National Mental Health Information Center. Bipolar disorder, also called manic depression, causes extreme moods and if untreated, may lead to relationship challenges, school failure, drug or alcohol abuse, and suicide.
Symptoms
Not only does bipolar affect children differently from adults, but each child experiences the symptoms of bipolar differently. In general, the symptoms of bipolar include extreme mood swings ranging from depressed to manic, with variations of these moods in between. In children, these rapid mood swings, called rapid cycling, might happen several times a day whereas in adults, these mood swings happen much less frequently. Depressed moods include irritability, feelings of worthlessness and lethargy. Manic phases include physical agitation, decreased need for sleep and an inordinate sense of self-confidence. In addition, children with bipolar disorder may suffer from severe rages or temper tantrums.
Effects
Children with bipolar disorder suffer from low academic performance, difficulty with friendships and a strained family life. Their inconsistent behavior, interests and attention mean their schoolwork suffers. Children with bipolar struggle with friendships because of their irritability and changeable interest in their friends and classmates. Families face challenges due to a bipolar child's aggression and inability to follow directions. Because bipolar disorder is a chronic, lifelong illness, symptoms will follow children throughout their lives.
Diagnosis
The National Institute of Mental Health reminds parents that there is no brain scan or blood test that can identify and diagnose bipolar disorder. Physicians and mental health professionals ask parents a series of questions about their child's behavior, sleep patterns, moods and energy levels to determine the bipolar diagnosis. In addition, parents answer questions about any family history of bipolar or other mental health issues.
Treatment
Treatment for early-onset bipolar disorder includes medication and psychotherapy. Some of the medications used to treat bipolar disorder in children include lamotrigine (Lamictal), valprocic acid (Depakote), carbamazepine (Tegretol) and lithium (Lithobid, Eskalith). While these medications all work differently, the goal is to reduce the highs and lows of depression and mania. Therapy provides children with self-calming and anger-management strategies.
Considerations
Early-onset bipolar disorder is often more severe than adult-onset bipolar, with more persistent symptoms and more rapid cycling. Some children taking medications for their bipolar disease may suffer side effects including weight gain and possible increased thoughts and behaviors relating to suicide.
