Symptoms of Bipolar

What Are the Symptoms of Bipolar in Children?
(Symptoms of Bipolar)

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, manic depressive disorder or bipolar affective disorder, is a psychiatric diagnosis that describes a category of mood disorders defined by the presence of one or more episodes of abnormally elevated mood clinically referred to as mania or, if milder, hypomania. Individuals who experience manic episodes also commonly experience depressive episodes or symptoms, or mixed episodes in which features of both mania and depression are present at the same time. These episodes are usually separated by periods of "normal" mood, but in some individuals, depression and mania may rapidly alternate, known as rapid cycling. Extreme manic episodes can sometimes lead to psychotic symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations. The disorder has been subdivided into bipolar I, bipolar II, cyclothymia, and other types, based on the nature and severity of mood episodes experienced; the range is often described as the bipolar spectrum.

Yes it is true that bipolar is usually associated with adults, but it is not a rare thing to find bipolar in young children.

How is Bipolar in Children Different?

Bipolar in children can be more difficult to diagnose since children may not understand the symptoms they're experiencing, or how to voice how they're feeling.

In addition, since children are already going through many emotional and physical changes, including mood swings, it may be difficult to monitor how your child is doing, how symptoms are changing, or whether treatments are working.

Since this disorder in children is more complicated than bipolar in adults, it's even more important to have a strong support system in family and friends who can closely monitor the child and help keep communication between the child and the care giver open.

What are Symptoms of Bipolar?

Bipolar disorder is marked by severe mood swings. Generally, patients experience depressive episodes and manic episodes. There are cases, though, in which patients can also experience hypomanic episodes or mixed state episodes. Children experience these episodes, as well, but they may react to them differently, depending on their ages.

Symptoms of depressive episodes include increased need for sleep, fatigue and lethargy, feelings of hopelessness, lack of interest in activities and relationships, and suicidal thoughts. Children who are experiencing a depressive episode may also experience fascination with gory or morbid topics, low self-esteem, and oversensitivity or exaggerated emotional responses.

Symptoms of manic episodes include a decreased need for sleep, rapid speech, racing thoughts, impulsive behavior, distractibility, and, in some cases, aggressive behavior. These symptoms are all common in children, as well, and children suffering from a manic episode may also have temper tantrums, extreme irritability, "silly" behavior, and motor or vocal tics.

Hypomania is similar to mania, but less severe. For many, hypomania seems like the person is just in a good mood, particularly when compared to a depressive episode. A mixed state episode occurs when symptoms of depression and mania are present at the same time.

Where Can I Get More Information?

Understanding bipolar in children and the symptoms of bipolar disorder are key in helping your child manage his or her illness, as well as ensuring that treatment is effective. If you know what to look for in your child, you can be a much stronger support, and your child will be on the way to living a healthy, happy life.

Ken P Doyle has had a keen interest in Health and Fitness for many years. For more information on Bipolar Disorder, check out his online resource site today.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ken_P_Doyle

(Symptoms of Bipolar Link)

There are several signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders and the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems. The criteria in either publication are similar but not identical.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Symptoms_of_bipolar_disorder