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Understanding Bipolar Disorder In Children

Bipolar disorder in children is a controversial diagnosis since the criteria of the condition is based on classic adult symptoms. Bipolar disorder can be passed on from one generation to another so there is a possibility that symptoms can manifest early at a young age. Bipolar disorder in children is very difficult to manage because their social skills are still developing and they are still trying to fit in the society.

Manic and depressive episodes are also experienced by children who are bipolar. This causes a lot of problems for the child’s behavior and makes it hard for them to get along with people at home or at school. Other children wouldn’t want to make friends with them and sometimes, even family members that are unaware of their condition despise them. These experiences could seriously mess up the childhood of such individuals.

Aside from the classic symptoms of the condition, bipolar disorder in children exudes other characteristics which includes explosive temper tantrums, separation anxiety, oppositional behavior, distractibility, hyperactivity, social anxiety, bed-wetting, night terrors, learning disabilities, manipulative behavior, excessive daydreaming, and many more . Also, in bipolar disorder in children, the mood swings are more frequent than those that are experienced by adults. Bipolar children have poor behavioral grades but have outstanding marks in academics. Violent behavior such as cruelty to animals, self-mutilation and even suicide are prone to them.

Seek immediate medical advice the moment the child exhibit signs of bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is incurable but it can be managed and controlled through medications. Family members should learn to cope and live with children even after treatment. You need to understand that the child has special needs and each family member must help each other out in coping with the circumstances.

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