Simply put, Bipolar Disorder is an illness where people experience extreme mood swings. Just like adults, children go through periods of joy and sadness for example when they set off on a holiday or when they experience the loss of a pet. And so, while it is natural to feel such short bouts of different emotions when these mood changes become unusual or more extreme it can become a disorder. This can range from being unusually ecstatic and happy (known as mania or hypomania), to being unusually sad (depression) for no apparent cause.
Symptoms that can occur during a ‘high’ or manic episode
- Feeling incredibly happy, very excited, and having a ‘high’ mood
- Feeling irritable
- Increased talkativeness
- Racing thoughts
- Increased activity and restlessness
- Difficulty in concentrating, constantly changing in plans
- Overconfidence and inflated ideas about yourself or your abilities
- Decreased need for sleep
- Not looking after oneself
- Increased sociability or over-familiarity
- Increased sexual energy
- Overspending of money or other types of reckless or extreme behaviour
Symptoms that can occur during a depressive episode
- Feeling very sad most of the time
- Decreased energy and activity
- Not being able to enjoy things one normally likes doing
- Lack of appetite
- Disturbed sleep
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
Treatment
It is really important that help is sought early to recognise the condition so that treatment can be started at the earliest.
At Child Mental Health, following a thorough assessment of your child’s difficulties, treatment will be discussed with you. Medication plays an important role in the treatment of bipolar disorder, especially if episodes are severe. The choice of medication can depend upon the type of episode (manic or depressed). Everyone is different, and so the type of medication that is recommended will also be different.
Psychological therapy can also help.
The aim of treatment is to allow your child to lead a healthy, balanced and productive life.
Get in touch
Our specialist team of child psychiatrists and psychologists can offer comprehensive assessments and provide clear recommendations to help support you and your child.