Does your child have the following symptoms?
Children and younger teenagers do not have obvious symptoms like the adult patients, but often experience manic-depressive episodes many times within a day, and have rapid mood swings.
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has listed the following symptoms, if you have found that your child has any of the symptoms for over 2 weeks, it is recommended to seek medical assistance.
Manic symptoms
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Rapid mood swings, from extreme elation to irritability, rage, or aggression
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Unrealistic grandiosity, such as feeling invincible or believing they can fly
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Decreased need for sleep — may go for days with little or no sleep without feeling tired
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Participated in multiple activities and is easily distracted
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Speaking for too many topics in a fast speed, rapidly changing topics, cannot be interrupted, along with messy thoughts and talking non-stop due to stress
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Risky behaviours, such as drugs and alcohol abuse, try daring stunts, active sex life, or having unprotected sex
Depressive symptoms
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Frequently in a sad mood or crying
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Staying away from friends and other activities
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Decreased energy, passion, or motivation
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Feel worthless or guilty
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Extremely sensitive to rejection and failure
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Big change in habits such as sleeping in or binge eating
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Frequent discomfort such as headache and stomach ache
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Recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal thoughts, or self-harming behaviour
Bipolar disorder in children is very hard to diagnose as it has quite different symptoms with the one in adults. There is no apparent manic and depressive episode with the symptoms lasting for a long period of time varies from months to years. It is recommended to have an evaluation and confirm with a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist the possibility of bipolar disorder.
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Evaluated by psychiatrist or clinical psychologist
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Consult with parents before evaluation
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Clinical observation for the child’s speech, social interaction, communication skills, behaviour etc.
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The evaluation result will be explained to parents and treatment recommendations will be provided to parents
Children with symptoms of bipolar disorder are often mistaken as simply being difficult or going through adolescent rebellion. As a result, many go undiagnosed for years.
Even if doctors are consulted, there may be a chance that the symptoms are mistaken as ADHD, behavioural problems, or depression.
However, the problems caused by depression in children are more serious than those in adults.
If the emotional condition of the child is not improving after a long-term of treatment, it is recommended to consider the possibility of having bipolar disorder.
Treatments
When treating the child with bipolar disorder, the doctor will usually adopt treatment that is similar to the one for adults. The treatment aims to manage the symptoms.
Psychotherapy: helps the child change behavioural patterns and improve relationships with family and friends.
Psychotherapy
Medication
When medication is prescribed, the child should receive the lowest effective dose and
the fewest medications possible, as these may have side effects.