Bipolar Disorder In Children

Bipolar disorder in children is oftentimes misdiagnosed as untreatable ADHD and can lead to unnecessary medication and lack of needed treatment in other areas. Though there is a fine line between the two diseases, major differences in treatment are evident as well as necessary. Symptoms such as irritability, hyperactivity, and distractibility are characteristics of both diseases making both hard to diagnose. However, unique characteristics of childhood bipolar disorder include mood swings, decreased need for sleep, and hypersexuality. A variety of treatment options are available including hypnosis, psychological therapy, medication, and change in lifestyle. Even if a child does not show symptoms specifically assigned to this disease they can develop if other problems are not addressed. Symptoms can occur as early as infancy including the inability to sleep alone and short periods of sleep.

Recognizing whether a child has any of these symptoms may be difficult to determine due to the rapid changes a child goes through in their younger years. Searching for a sense of self and individuality should not be mistaken for bipolar disorder in children. Careful note keeping and consultation with a counselor can help determine if a problem exists without unnecessarily upsetting the child. Issues of depression or any sort of identification of a problem a child may have should be handled very sensitively to sustain trust with the child. Some examples may include when a child doesn't think the rules are meant for them, thoughts of being able to do superhuman things, changing subjects rapidly when speaking, and not being tired after inadequate sleep. Likewise, there are huge mood swings throughout the day no matter what is going on. Drug treatment for childhood bipolar disorder is not yet fully researched, therefore any child taking medication to control symptoms of bipolar disorder in children should be observed very carefully both externally and internally. Some adverse effects of medication include increase depression, dry mouth, stomachache, kidney disease, heart disease, attention problems, social withdrawal, and suicide. With the child's permission, making everyone significant in their life aware of what is going on will create a support system as well as create many more watch dogs for adverse effects of the medication.

There are a couple of classifications of depression that lead to bipolar problems for adolescents: Bipolar NOS, Bipolar II, and Cyclothymia. Each categorization shows definite signs of depression, however (in order) are classified according to severity. By dividing bipolar disorder in children into these categories, doctors are more easily able to prescribe medication. In addition, puberty creates another factor in the right type of medication for each level of the condition. While all medications show risk of some side effects, the type of side effect is the determinant of which ones will be least disruptive to the body's natural cycle. Likewise, some symptoms associated with childhood bipolar disorder may be short-term normal developmental actions. The diagnosis is hard and handled carefully. If a child shows at least 4 symptoms for more than 2 weeks, professionals suggest further action taken. Substance abuse and genetic disposition are linked to increased risk of developing this disease. If one parent is diagnosed with bipolar condition a child has up to a 30% risk of developing it sometime in their life. If both parents have been diagnosed then the risk increases up to 75%. Even if neither parent has ever been diagnosed a child still runs up to a 6%, which increases to 25% if any siblings show signs. Even with this diagnosis, history shows a broad spectrum of success from alcoholism to successful politicians. When treated properly through a variety of ways, little of no effect on life should take place. "And the Spirit of the LORD fell upon me, and said unto me, Speak; Thus saith the LORD; Thus have ye said, O house of Israel: for I know the things that come into your mind, every one of them." (Ezekiel 11:5)

Oftentimes what is recognized as characteristics of this disease are misdiagnosed or end with this diagnosis. Constant reevaluation should take place as well as keeping track of how medications are affecting daily life. Reaction to medication can easily be misdiagnosed as a successive disease to bipolar disorder in children. Diseases that usually occur in concurrence are depression, conduct disorder, oppositional-defiant, ADHD, panic, generalized anxiety, obsessive-compulsive, Tourettes syndrome, intermittent explosive, and reactive attachment disorder. Misdiagnosis of any of these diseases includes: borderline personality disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and schizophrenia. Parents are key ingredients to the success of any treatment plan including those successful with the administration of medication. Concentration on making the home environment a place for relaxation as well as positive stimulation is key to the management and cure of any mental illness. Structure also plays an important role in the treatment of childhood bipolar disorder. Keeping stress to a minimum and concentrating on positive self-talk for parent and child can have a tremendous impact on the success of therapy. In addition, careful evaluation of the home environment including the use of cleaning products, quality of water, and outside recreational area can impact the development of anyone living there. Studies show a connection to chemicals in the atmosphere as well as those in man-made products and the mental development of an individual. In addition to these changes, choosing a doctor that complies with the parents wishes as well as shows knowledge of current treatment options will increase success of overall management.

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