Bipolar disorder in Children

Bipolar disorder is a mental disorder that causes people to experience noticeable, sometimes extreme, changes in mood and behaviour. Sometimes children with bipolar disorder feel very happy or “up” and are much more energetic and active than usual. This is called a manic episode. Sometimes children with bipolar disorder feel very sad or “down” and are much less active than usual. This is called a depressive episode.

Here are some signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder in children:

• Severe mood swings that are different from their usual mood swings.
• Hyperactive, impulsive, aggressive or socially inappropriate behavior.

Bipolar disorder has been diagnosed in children as young as 5. When young children experience symptoms, this is called early-onset bipolar disorder.Research studies show that about 70 percent of people with the condition also have ADHD, and that 20 percent of people with ADHD will develop Bipolar Disorder. The tragedy is that, when the disorders co-occur, the diagnoses are often missed. It can take up to 17 years for patients to receive a diagnosis of BD.

The exact causes of bipolar disorder are unknown, but several factors may contribute to the illness.For example, researchers are beginning to uncover genetic mechanisms that are linked to bipolar disorder and other mental disorders. Research shows that people’s chance of having bipolar disorder is higher if they have a close family member with the illness, which may be because they have the same genetic variations. However, just because one family member has bipolar disorder, it does not mean that other members of the family will have it. Many genes are involved in the disorder, and no single gene causes it.Research also suggests that adversity, trauma, and stressful life events may increase the chances of developing bipolar disorder in people with a genetic risk of having the illness.Some research studies have found differences in brain structure and function between people who have bipolar disorder and those who do not. Researchers are studying the disorder to learn more about its causes and effective treatments.

Young people with bipolar disorder can have several problems at the same time. These include:

• Misuse of alcohol and drugs. Young people with bipolar disorder are at risk of misusing alcohol or drugs.
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Children and teens who have both bipolar disorder and ADHD may have trouble staying focused.
• Anxiety disorders. Children and teens with bipolar disorder also may have an anxiety disorder.
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Kind Regards,
Adira Jackson | Editorial Manager,
Journal of Childhood and Developmental Disorders
WhatsApp: +3225889658.