Many of us may be familiar with the term bipolar disorder (Manic Depression) as a mood disorder that in the past was only associated with adults. However, very few people are aware of this disorder being associated with children. After extensive research into this illness, children are now being diagnosed with bipolar disorder. The differences in the symptoms in children are what sets this disorder apart from the adult diagnosis of bipolar.
I am writing this article because I have a son who has been diagnosed with Childhood-Onset Bipolar Disorder (COBPD). It is my hope that by making this childhood illness more public, children who suffer from this disorder will get a proper diagnosis and the much needed medical treatment they deserve. Our health professionals, educators and social workers need to be educated in all aspects of this devastating disorder in order to better support and provide services to not only the child with a bipolar disorder but also to the parents caring for these children.
Bipolar Disorder is a biochemical imbalance that causes gross mood changes from the highs of mania to the lows of severe depression. In adults these abnormal intense moods can often last for weeks or even months. However, children with COBPD tend to experience such rapid mood swings that they commonly cycle many times within a day.
The symptoms of COBPD also present differently than in adults and are frequently mistaken for those of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); therefore, the bipolar diagnosis is often missed. Childhood bipolar symptoms are often chronic and continuous rather than acute and episodic, as in adults.
COBPD symptoms include but are not limited to: marked irritability, oppositional and aggressive behaviour, grandiosity, distractibility , impulsivity, restlessness, learning disabilities, depression, low self-esteem,hallucinations & delusions, rages & explosive temper tantrums (lasting up to several hours).
To get an accurate diagnosis of bipolar disorder a thorough evaluation of the child must been done by a psychiatrist. This evaluation generally includes interviewing the child and the parents, interviewing the child's teachers, gathering data on the child's family history, a medical exam as well as blood tests to ensure no underlying medical problem exists. Often, a family history of depression, bipolar disorder or alcoholism can be a clue to diagnosis. Bipolar disorder tends to be inherited.
Although being a parent of a bipolar child has often been challenging, it has also be rewarding. It is important to remember that there are stages of recognition, adjustment and adaptation each family will travel through in its own time and its own fashion.
If you would like to contact Robin you can send her an
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