bipolar in children

United States
November 4, 2006 3:21pm CST
Bipolar Disorder in Children Bipolar disorder is more likely to affect the children of parents who have the disorder. When one parent has bipolar disorder, the risk to each child is estimated to be 15-30%. When both parents have bipolar disorder, the risk increases to 50-75%. Symptoms of bipolar disorder may be difficult to recognize in children, as they can be mistaken for age-appropriate emotions and behaviors of children and adolescents. Symptoms of mania and depression may appear in a variety of behaviors. When manic, children and adolescents, in contrast to adults, are more likely to be irritable and prone to destructive outbursts than to be elated or euphoric. When depressed, there may be complaints of headaches, stomach aches, tiredness, poor performance in school, poor communication and extreme sensitivity to rejection or failure. The treatment of bipolar disorder in children is based on experience in treating adults with the illness, since very few studies have been done of the effectiveness and safety of the medications in children and adolescents. It is important to find a doctor that is well-versed in treating this illness in children and one that you work closely with throughout the course of treatment.
2 people like this
4 responses
@suzieque (2334)
• Canada
4 Nov 06
Thanks for the info.
@sharon613 (2321)
• United States
24 Nov 06
I have a 17 year old daughter who has bi-polar and is taking medication.
@beckyomg1 (6756)
• United States
24 Nov 06
My eldest child is bi polar, im not sure if he got it from me or my hubby, most likly my husband, as my son also has epilepsy and adhd. which hubby has also. i do have him on meds and he sees a neuroligst every six months.
• Janesville, Wisconsin
24 Nov 06
Thank you for sharing this very imformative discussion. Also make sure the child has been thoroughly tested before going to meds, because I noticed to many rush into meds to fast.. and it ends up creating other problems. Take care - DNatureofDTrain