Childhood bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder is a serious psychological disorder which falls under the category of Mood disorders. Bipolar disorder involves the recurrence of mania, depression and/or mixed episodes which are extreme forms of otherwise normal mood changes that people experience. Bipolar disorder also results in sudden and abnormal shifts in mood, energy and behaviour to the extent that normal functioning is hampered.

Though the onset of Bipolar disorder is considered to be from late teenage to early adulthood, there are cases where the onset of Bipolar disorder is in childhood. Though childhood Bipolar disorder involves the same episodes of mania and depression, the manifestation is in behaviours different from adults.

When experiencing a manic episode children are more likely to experience irritability, be more aggressive and be prone to destructiveness instead of feeling elated or euphoric. Similarly during a depressive episode children may manifest the feeling in a number of physical complaints like headaches, stomach aches, muscle aches etc. They may also be constantly tired and drained. All this results in frequent absences from school and poor performance in class. Children in a depressive state also talk of or even try to run away from home, avoid social interaction, have poor communication skills, be very irritable and be very sensitive to failure or rejection of any kind.

All the studies done on Childhood Bipolar disorder indicate that Bipolar disorder that begins in childhood is very likely a different and more severe form of the adult-onset Bipolar disorder. With Childhood Bipolar disorder a characteristic feature is a continuous and rapid-cycling mixed state showing symptoms of both mania and depression. Another feature unique to Childhood Bipolar disorder is that the condition very likely co-occurs with other behaviour disorders which can be quite disruptive to normal functioning. These behaviour disorders which exist along with Childhood Bipolar disorder include Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) or Conduct Disorder (CD). Sometimes the symptoms of Childhood Bipolar disorder may be confused to be some other condition. This is in contrast to adult-onset Bipolar disorder which often starts with a classic manic episode and is less likely to co-occur with other conditions.

It is important that parents, teachers or any other caregivers in the child’s environment be aware of the symptoms of Childhood Bipolar disorder as well as symptoms of other childhood behavioural disorders. In case of any child who seems to be depressed and demonstrates ADHD-like symptoms along with unusual mood changes, it is important that a preliminary evaluation be done by a mental health professional like a psychiatrist or psychologist. It is essential that this evaluation be done because the medication often given for ADHD tends to worsen manic symptoms.