Bipolar disorder affects approximately 1 percent of children, according to Daniel K. Hall-Flavin, M.D., of the Mayo Clinic. In children, bipolar disorder symptoms include frequent outbursts, agitation, difficulty getting along with peers, sleeping less than other children and sudden outbursts of silliness during manic episodes. During depressive episodes, a child's symptoms may change drastically, causing the child to become withdrawn, sad and uninterested in favorite activities. If your child has bipolar disorder, parenting can be difficult. Give your child her best chance at success by giving her the care she needs.
Step 1
Include your bipolar child in problem solving, suggests Stuart Ablon, doctor in the Department of Psychology at Massachusetts General Hospital. If your child is wreaking havoc on your family, he is most likely not happy. Try to solve both your problems by talking to him like an adult and making a behavioral compromise you both can agree on.
Step 2
Keep an open dialog between your child's teachers and doctors. This way, your child will understand that a team is here to support her and to make sure she is feeling her best. Make going to school and the doctor a positive experience by explaining to your child that these adults are her support system.
Step 3
Allow your child to talk and communicate with you. Make time to listen to questions, concerns and comments he has throughout the day, without any other distractions. Turn off the TV, and stop doing chores. Sit directly across from your child, and truly listen.
Step 4
Don't scold your child for her moods. Although it may be frustrating that your child has outbursts for seemingly no reason, understand that this erratic behavior is the nature of the disease. Your child is not acting out to punish you or to misbehave. Stay calm through your child's mood swings, and talk to her in a rational way until she is able to express herself to you.
Step 5
Do not leave your child alone if he is having a manic or depressive episode, recommends the National Institute of Mental Health. If you are concerned for the safety of your child, yourself or another family member, call 911 or your child's doctor immediately.
Tips and Warnings
- Explain to your child that taking her medication every day on time is imperative.
- If your child is suicidal, call (800) SUICIDE or 911 immediately.
