Bipolar Disorder Children

Bipolar disorder in children has been seen as early as age 6. Of course, with children, you have to observe them long enough to know what their normal child behavior patterns are opposed to their bipolar behavior. Also, you have to take into account other problems that children develop that can overlap with bipolar disorder in children. But the same basic criteria that an adults diagnosis is based are used to diagnose children. It has to be modified a bit though because of the age.
Bipolar Disorder Symptoms for Children
Children with bipolar disorder are often misdiagnosed as having attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD). This is because ADHD and bipolar disorder share similar symptoms like hyperactive, irritable and being easily distracted. Therefore, it cannot be concluded that the child has bipolar mania due to these symptoms. Signs that are specific to bipolar disorder and not ADHD are sleeping too much, unusual sexual activities, jubilant and euphoric moods, flights of ideas and grandiose behaviors.
Children with grandiose behaviors act as if rules do not apply to them. They believe for example that they are so smart they can tell teachers what to do and tell other students what to learn. Other bipolar disorder children can be convinced that they can do superhuman deeds like jumping out of windows and will not be hurt. Bipolar children do not show signs of being tired even though they may have slept a mere 4 to 6 hours every night. They are very active when not asleep and can do things like moving furniture and playing games.
Bipolar children and bipolar adolescents with mania also show increased signs of unusual sexual activity and can be very flirtatious for their age. They may also try to touch others, including adults, in private areas and they may use very explicit sexual language.
Children having euphoric moods can break into almost hysterical laughter or being extremely happy. But to observe these children you may think they were on their way to an exciting place or event. This behavior is often observed by teachers and parents. With children having flight of ideas exhibits itself by the child changing between topics rapidly as they are talking and this can happen anytime without being triggered by any one thing.
During the day children with bipolar symptoms can go through many cycles. From an elated phase or the mania mood to heavy depressed mood. When going through the depressed phase, bipolar children can try to hurt themselves or even attempt suicide.
Treating Bipolar Disorder in Children
The same medications that are often prescribed for adults who are bipolar are used to treat children and teenagers. Mood stabilizing agents such as lithium for one, valproate, and Tegretol (carbamazepine) have been thought to be of use in treating children. More studies are being done on this though. There is concern in many sectors for long time use of medication in children though.
Make sure your child is properly diagnosed before medicating them. Since ADHD and bipolar disorder can overlap in some of their symptoms this is a difficult job to tell the difference. Make sure to use a doctor who has a background with bipolar disorder in children to treat your child.

Article Source: http://www.ezine-directory.info

Ken P Doyle has had a keen interest on the subject bipolar disorder for a long time now. For more useful information regarding bipolar disorder children, visit his online resource site now.

Please Rate this Article

5 out of 54 out of 53 out of 52 out of 51 out of 5 

Not yet Rated