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Posts Tagged ‘Bipolar’

Affecting millions of people in the United States alone is a serious mood disorder known as bipolar. Though there most people think of bipolar as an adult only disorder, it is not only adults that struggle with it. In some cases, even before puberty in some cases, children would develop bipolar disorder symptoms and children with this disorder can start exhibiting symptoms as early as the age of seven. Even though the disease carries the same name, bipolar symptoms in children is different. Bipolar disorder children have totally different experiences to adults with the disorder.

A mood disorder characterized by changes in mood from depression to manic episodes, Bipolar disorder is also called a manic depression illness. Bipolar has three main episodes called depression; mania and mixed episodes. There are times that are considered “normal” and other length of time for the different episodes which varies greatly depending on each individual. The other type is called a “mixed” episode which the person can simultaneously experience symptoms of depression and mania.

What Are Bipolar Symptoms In Children?

Overwhelming sadness, feeling that nothing goes right, low self esteem, fatigue, and changes in appetite and feelings of hopelessness are signs of bipolar depression. People may even have feelings or thoughts of suicide which is a clear sign of depression which is particularly bad.

Manic episode symptoms include restlessness and fidgeting, hyperactivity, insomnia, distractibility, and difficulty concentrating. Many people who are experiencing a manic episode may have rapid or disjointed speech, or even become aggressive and angry.

Children experience many other symptoms in addition to many of the common symptoms associated with or not with depressive and manic episodes. Symptoms of bipolar in children may include, bed wetting (especially in boys), temper tantrums, motor or vocal tics, separation anxiety and night terrors.

One of the challenges with bipolar disorder in children is that the symptoms can change as the child grows. Because of this, there’s no standard for bipolar disorder symptoms in children. Not only does this make it more difficult to diagnose children, but it can make it more difficult to maintain quality treatment.

How Bipolar Disorder In Children Is Treated

As with adults who have bipolar disorder, bipolar symptoms in children are usually treated with a combination of medication and psychotherapy. In children, however, it’s important to have a strong support system to keep an eye on the child. As a child with bipolar disorder grows, the disease can change, and with a strong support system, it’s easier to make sure the child is getting the treatment needed to deal with the bipolar disorder.

Bipolar disorder is a serious illness, and can be even more serious when it affects children. In addition to the normal stresses of growing up, bipolar disorder children have to deal with the debilitating symptoms of bipolar disorder. It can be confusing and overwhelming.

Information is important when dealing with bipolar disorder in children. It is vital that you understand bipolar as this will help you help your child with this illness.

It is a scary thing to know that you have bipolar. But don’t worry because bipolar today is treatable. There have been major breakthroughs in the field of bipolar treatment. There is usually a combination of drug therapy and psychotherapy for this.

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder?

Manic highs and depressive lows are what make up bipolar disorder. These are usually the characters of it. There is also a period of normality between both these extremes.

Mania

In the manic phase, you may be extremely high energy, feeling very “up”, as though your brain and body were suddenly put on high speed. Your thoughts and movements are very, very quick. This can be very pleasant, and high energy, but it can also be very damaging. People in the manic phase can be very irritable with the people they love, and can do very compulsive things without thinking about it. For example, they may spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars they don’t have, simply because they “want something”, may take drugs or engage in risky behavior like promiscuous sexual behavior, and so on.

Depression Phase

Like almost everything else, bipolar disorder also has its lows or opposites. This is a time of depression. Here there are excessive feelings of depression, low self-esteem, the inability to feel any of the pleasures of life and fatigue. The symptoms of depression here can be triggered by the guilty feelings of what you may have done in your manic state.

Bipolar Disorder Types

There are different levels or types of bipolar. There are some who go through the phases of mania and depression very quickly while others go through it pretty slowly. The ones who go through the phases fast are constantly going up and down. From personal relationships to work life, these severe mood swings can impact life in a negative way.

Noticing Warning Signs

Do you know someone who is suddenly having trouble sleeping? For no apparent reason, the also have a lot of excess energy? Be careful because this may be the start of the manic phase. Its important that you go straight away to the doctors to get a diagnosis. Failing to do so would make give you more troubles in the long run. It is better to treat bipolar in the early stages because without doing so, it can cause symptoms to get worse and even the high probability of psychosis.

Early Diagnosis and Treatment

Its of great importance that you take care of the problem before it gets any worse. This is because the depressive phase can be bad for the sufferer while the manic state can have effects on people around the person with bipolar.

It affects family because the very distinct mood swings would affect any relationship. In addition to that, the mania associated with this disorder can cause irresponsible behavior that would have lasting consequences. For example, excessive shopping, reckless driving and other activities that can cause financial difficulties.

Help – Don’t Be Afraid to Get It

Don’t be afraid to get help for yourself or someone else you know if you suspect bipolar symptoms. Its a fact that there is a stigma associated with this disorder, but ignoring it will only make it worse in the long run. Getting help would make it better for you in time.