Bipolar disorder, also called manic depression, affects both adults and children. Symptoms include mood swings alternating between extreme euphoria and deep depression. Bipolar disorder diagnosed in children and adolescents, called early-onset bipolar disorder, often exhibits more frequent mood swings than the adult version. Treatment for bipolar disorder involves therapy and medication. This lifelong disorder is considered treatable but not curable. Parents with a bipolar child deal with family, school and community challenges.
Emotional Effects
Parents of a child diagnosed with bipolar disorder struggle with ongoing emotional stress. During manic or depressive episodes, parental stress increases as the parents manage additional doctor visits, medication adjustments and sibling difficulties. Even during a child's well-managed or remission phases, parents watch for signs of mania and depression in anticipation of potential problems and the possible need to request emergency assistance.
Physical Effects
Because bipolar children may be aggressive, parents undergo physical challenges. Parents of a bipolar child may be the victim of a bipolar child's assault, or may need to intervene and restrain when their bipolar child attacks a sibling or pet.
Financial Effects
Parents of a bipolar child may be affected by financial difficulties. Parents may incur additional co-payments for doctor visits and medication, or large expenses related to possible hospitalization. Additionally, parents of a child with bipolar disorder may require psychological therapy to assist with stress management, an additional cost.
Marital Effects
A child's bipolar disorder may generate marital discord and difficulties. Negative behaviors may be more apparent to one parent than the other. Differences may arise over bipolar treatment options. Challenges may occur as spouses work to modify family goals or plans to accommodate their bipolar child.
Work Effects
Parents of a child diagnosed with bipolar may suffer work and career challenges. As the child's disorder is being assessed and diagnosed, or during manic or depressed episodes, a parent may need to spend additional time with the child attending to doctor's appointments or related concerns, necessitating time off from work. Some parents may need to change jobs or careers, or reduce work hours in order to meet their children's needs.
Community Effects
Parents with a bipolar child suffer from various community difficulties. Family, friends and neighbors may not realize or understand the need for specialized parenting approaches or medications. Schools may misunderstand the needs of bipolar children for special accommodations to help them fully participate in school.
References
- Healthy Place: Family Considerations: Effects of Bipolar Disorder on the Family
- "The Bipolar Child: The Definitive and Reassuring Guide to Childhood's Most Misunderstood Disorder;" Demitri Papolos M.D. and Janice Papolos; 2007
- Help Guide: Helping a Loved One with Bipolar Disorder
