"The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" identifies bipolar disorder, or manic-depressive illness, as a mental illness that causes extreme mood and energy shifts along with swings in activity levels affecting the ability to complete daily tasks. Bipolar disorder symptoms can affect a child's relationships, school performance, and lead to suicidal thoughts or attempts.
Scope
Children as young as age 6 have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. The disease tends to run in families, and if a close relative has received a bipolar diagnosis, your risk of the mental illness increases. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), if a parent has bipolar disorder, each child faces a 15 percent to 30 percent risk of the disease. If both parents suffer with the mental illness, the risk climbs to 50 percent to 75 percent.
Impact
Bipolar impacts children differently than adults. Some children will alternate several times daily between mania and depression. Sometimes these symptoms will appear in unique combinations. These episodes may not be as obvious in children as they are in adults.
Symptoms
Symptoms can include irritability, violent temper tantrums, sleep issues, overall depression, body aches and fatigue. Many children will act out sexually, including touching their genitals, sexual talk and approaching other children sexually. Rejection due to criticism may cause the child to retreat or withdraw, so loneliness can be another issue.
Treatment
Bipolar symptoms can be managed with medication and treatment. Parental involvement including awareness, safety, education and prevention of dangerous episodes makes a huge difference in the affected child. Additional factors can include developing a routine, monitoring sleep, adding exercise and making diet changes, including the elimination of sugar. The school may have additional resources as well.
Co-Diagnosis
Sometimes bipolar disorder is confused with other medical or mental health issues. Children may also be affected by other mental health issues simultaneously. Some of these disorders include conduct disorder, autism, substance abuse issues, oppositional defiance, attention-deficit or hyperactive disorder or anxiety disorders.
Statistics
The NIMH reports that 1 percent of teens between 14 and 18 met the criteria for the disease. The disease affects a minimum of 750,000 juveniles nationwide. Approximately 20 percent of teens afflicted with severe depression can escalate into bipolar disorder within the next five years. Depression can be a precursor to bipolar disorder; as many as one-third of 3.4 million juveniles diagnosed with depression may develop the mental illness.
