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Could your child have a bipolar disorder?

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Not knowing why our children behave in such highs and lows can be frustrating, but learning the signs, symptoms and treatment of Bipolar Disorder can help us as parents to help our children…
Every child is different, but there are some times that we just know that our child is outside the regular scale. Perhaps they are moody one moment and riding atop the world the next. They may in fact, be suffering from bipolar disorder.

What exactly is bipolar disorder?
The full name is actually Bipolar Affective Disorder and as the name suggests, it is a disorder of extreme opposites. And the extremes affected are emotions and moods. So it is a disorder in which someone swings from extreme levels of happiness to depression.

What are some of the symptoms?
The symptoms can be broken down into two categories, the ones for mania or high, and the ones for the depression or lows.

Manic people:
Have a feeling of being on top of the world, are very restless and overactive. They don't want to sleep or seem to need sleep. They are very easily distracted, easily irritated and angered. They take extreme risks not typical of them, such as engaging in alcohol and drugs or unsafe sex. Racing thoughts, which presents in conversations with them, where they are constantly changing the subject. They have heaps of energy suddenly, to pursue very unrealistic and often unattainable goals.

Depressed people:
Lose interest in everything around them, and are often constantly tired and withdrawn from everything. They may be rapidly losing weight or gaining weight. They are forgetful and unable to concentrate on the smallest of tasks. They may also suffer from headaches or other bodily pains that are not explainable. The also have feelings of low self worth and self esteem and may even be so depressed that they feel suicidal.

Bipolar disorder can encompass all of the above symptoms at various times in a person’s emotional cycle. Both sides hold dangers to the sufferer.

What causes Bipolar disorder?
Although cause is not fully known it is believed to be caused by chemical imbalances in the brain. Genetic relation is still unknown, but it is known to affect about 1 in every 100 people. Some people are just more likely to develop it as a result of how their bodies deal with and cope with the stresses around them. No matter what it is important to make sure your child knows that it is not their fault and additionally that we know it is not our fault either.

What should be done if we believe our child may be suffering from bipolar affective disorder?
The first step is to get some professional support. A proper diagnosis will help to alleviate some of the issues. In some cases medications can be required, especially in rapid cyclers or those whose moods change rapidly as they are more at risk of the extreme sides of the mania and depression. Learning and informing ourselves and our children about the disorder is also helpful. It is always easier to cope with something when well informed. Professional support can also help us to find ways for our children to better cope with the stress around them and to learn the early signs of cycling to a high or low and how better to cope when in that position.

Bipolar Disorder does not have to affect our children negatively. With the proper information and supports they can lead a life, with minimal issues relating to the disorder.

Article by Rachel Goodchild