FREE ESSAY ON BIPOLAR DISORDER IN KIDS

BIPOLAR DISORDER IN KIDS

Determining Bipolar Disorder in children is harder then adults because of the mistakes
doctor's make in their diagnosis.
All kids have mood swings—is it Bipolar Disorder?
Psychologists of today are having problems diagnosing children with Bipolar Disorder
because the symptoms are so different from the adult form of the disorder. In children
Bipolar Disorder is called "Child Onset Bipolar Disorder", known as COBPD (My Child 1).
In children the cycling from highs to lows are very fast. Children will cycle between
mania and depression many times a day. The episodes of mania or depression are short and
rarely go on for more then a day at a time (Childhood 1). Children have longer periods of
normal behavior between episodes then adults (Bipolar I Disorder 1). This rapid cycling
is called "ultra-ultra rapid cycling" (My Child 1). "Ultra-ultra rapid cycling" is mostly
associated with the low states in the morning, and then followed by the afternoon and
evening with a high increase in energy (Frequently Asked Questions 1). Children usually
have continuous mood changes that are mixes of mania and depression (Sutphen 1). In adult
Bipolar Disorder, it is called "Bipolar Affective Disorder", known as manic depressive
illness (My Child 1). For adults the change from manic to depressed can take months. They
often have periods of normal behavior in between their episodes of mania and depression
(Bipolar 1). Bipolar Disorder is a biochemical imbalance that causes major mood changes
from the highs of mania, to the very lows of depression (My Child 1). Doctors say "What
goes up must come down" with the highs and lows of this disorder, but the cycles are very
unpredictable and vary in 
Determining Bipolar Disorder in children is harder then adults because of the mistakes
doctor's make in their diagnosis.
length. The times of depression and mania stages are not equal in time (Basic Terminology
1).
In children only about .5% have bipolar disorder. The disorder is most common in males in
children (Childhood 1). In adults one percent or about four million people of the
population is affected by the disorder (Who Gets Bipolar 1). Bipolar Disorder affects
women equally (Expert 1). The normal range of age that the disorder appears in is between
the ages 15 and 25 (Alternative 1).
The cause of Bipolar disorder is still a mystery. Doctors know that there is a strong
genetic condition that may have something to do with it (Childhood 1). One of the most
important things to have when diagnosing a child with bipolar disorder is to have an
accurate family history (Facts 1). With one parent with the disorder they say the chances
of each child having it is 15-30%, when both parents have the disorder the risk
incr3eases to 50-75% of each child having it. In siblings and fraternal twins there is a
15-25% percent, and in identical twins there is about a 70% chance of having the
disorder. (About Early-Onset 4). In adolescents a loss or some other traumatic event
might trigger an episode of either depression or mania. Later episodes of mania or
depression may occur independently because of any other obvious trigger, such as stress,
or the episode may worsen with any additional added stresses. Puberty is also a time of
risk for children (About Early-Onset 3). There are also factors of the person's
environment, stressful life events can trigger an episode from anything from a death in
the family to losing a job or 
Determining Bipolar Disorder in children is harder then adults because of the mistakes
doctor's make in their diagnosis.
having a baby, or moving to a different city (Bailey 1). Nearly anything can trigger a
persons change in mood, there might not be any obvious triggers at all (Bipolar 1). 
On average people with Bipolar Disorder, especially children, usually go through three to
four doctors, and go through about eight years trying to find what works before they can
obtain a correct diagnosis (Expert 1). When diagnosing a child with bipolar disorder
doctors have to be very careful that they do not make the wrong diagnosis (Childhood 1).
It is very tricky to make a bipolar diagnosis in children because of all the other
disorders that can go along with it. It is very rare for bipolar disorder to occur in
children by itself (Facts 1). Diagnosing cancer in children is better chance of the
correct diagnosis then diagnosing children with a form of bipolar disorder (What is it?
1). Bipolar in children is often misdiagnosed as borderline personality disorder, post
traumatic stress disorder, or schizophrenia (About Early-Onset 5). Children with bipolar
have a 90% chance of also having Oppositional Defiant Disorder, a 90% chance of having
Attention Deficit Disorder, s 50-60% chance of having Separation Anxiety Disorder, and a
15-20% chance of having Obsessive- Compulsive Disorder (Redefining 1). Other disorders
that children can have with bipolar disorder are depression, conduct disorder, panic
disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, tourette's syndrome, intermittent explosive
disorder, or reactive attachment disorder (About Early-Onset 5). 
A Bipolar child's symptoms are very different compared to an adults. Some symptoms they
can categorize into a manic and depressant state, and others they can not 
Determining Bipolar Disorder in children is harder then adults because of the mistakes
doctor's make in their diagnosis.
because of how fast a child goes from high to low. When a child is manic they have severe
mood changes, very different to other children their age. They can get unusually happy or
silly, or they can be very angry, agitated, and or aggressive. They have unrealistic
highs of self-esteem, and they often think that they have magic powers like they are
super heroes. Bipolar children can go for days with little or no sleep, and still have
energy. A manic child has an increase in talking, they talk too fast, and say too much at
one time, and other people have a hard time understanding and following what they are
talking about. Manic children often take part in high risk taking behavior, such as
drinking alcohol, abusing drugs, sexual promiscuity, and reckless driving (Bipolar
Disorder In Teens 1). Bipolar children often have defiance of authority, strong frequent
cravings for sugary foods such as candy and chocolates and have inappropriate promiscuous
behavior (About Early-Onset 2). 
The depressive side of a child with Bipolar Disorder is similar to an adult's. Children
have irritability, constant sadness, and frequent crying. They often have thoughts of
suicide, suicide plans, and suicide attempts. They lose interest quickly in activities
they used to enjoy and they also have a lose of interest in their friends and families.
They have a low energy level when they are depressed, and they often sleep a lot during
the day, also poor concentration, and complaints of boredom (Bipolar Disorder In Teens
1). Very common symptoms of a Bipolar child are rages and explosive temper tantrums that
can last for several hours. Major hyperactivity including silliness, 
Determining Bipolar Disorder in children is harder then adults because of the mistakes
doctor's make in their diagnosis.
goofiness, and giddiness. Very aggressive behavior, including risk taking behavior. They
have low self-esteem and social anxiety. Other common behaviors that Bipolar children
have are bed-wetting especially in boys, night terrors, paranoia, hallucinations and
delusions. Obsessional and compulsive behavior. Learning disabilities are apart of being
bipolar also, they have poor shirt term memory, and they lack organizational skills.
Children often have fascinations with horrible morbid thoughts. They have very
manipulative behavior, bossiness and lying. The least common symptoms are bingeing, self-
mutilating behaviors, and cruelty to animals (Symptoms of Bipolar 1-2). 
When a Bipolar adult is in a manic stage they can either have all the symptoms or only a
few. It varies form person to person depending on the age and the severity of the
disorder (Marilyn 2). Over 90% of the bipolar adults experience two or more manic
episodes in a life time (The Basics 1). Manic episodes can last two weeks, or even up to
four to five months (Bipolar Affective Disorder 1). Bipolar adults often spend money
beyond their finical capacity, have grandiose thoughts, seductive sexual behavior, loss
of judgment and the inability to concentrate. They may also have extreme hostility that
leads to violent behavior by making abusive or obscene statements. When Bipolar adults
are manic they are often arrogant, and they have a demanding attitude, they also shout,
and throw things when things do not go their way. Bipolar adults move around a lot, they
are very talkative about nothing important, and they are also very paranoid, and think
that everyone is out to get them (Surveying 4). Adults with Bipolar, during their manic
stage 
Determining Bipolar Disorder in children is harder then adults because of the mistakes
doctor's make in their diagnosis.
feel a lot better about themselves. They have elevated moods, and an inflated
self-esteem. They have an increase in goal directed social or sexual activities (Bipolar
Affective 2). Adults get involved in pleasurable activities that have a high risk of a
bad outcome with painful consequences (Criteria 1). Manic patients often feel on top of
the world, and nothing—such as bad news, a tragedy, or a horrible event will change
the way they feel. The often deglutinate that they have special connections with famous
people and even God (Symptoms and Causes 1). Studies done on Bipolar adults show that
creative, sensitive, perfectionists and high achievers how a higher incidence of Bipolar
Disorder (What is Bipolar Disorder? 1). Bipolar adults often have excessive irresponsible
behavior, they are often very agitated and have poor temper control. Insomnia plays a big
part in a bipolar patient's life, they have a decreased need for sleep and extreme
restlessness (Marilyn 2). A manic person has a different personality from their normal.
They act and dress differently to fit their "new" moods (Children's Mental 1). It is very
dangerous when a person is in a manic state, not only for themselves, but also for others
around them. They are very unpredictable people. Bipolar people abuse drugs, such as
alcohol, cocaine, and sleeping medications. They also often deny that they are manic
because they think that everything is okay with them because they feel so good about
themselves (Bipolar Disorder 2). 
The other side of being Bipolar is the lows that a person has to go through, the
depressed part of the disorder. When a Bipolar adult is in the depression stage they can

Determining Bipolar Disorder in children is harder then adults because of the mistakes
doctor's make in their diagnosis.
have any or all the symptoms depending one their age, and severity of the disorder
(Bipolar Disorder 2). Depression episodes last much longer then manic episodes, they
usually last up to a year (Bipolar Affective Disorder 1). Bipolar adults often have
feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, and worthlessness. They are very sad, and often
cry at the little insignificant things. They are very unstable people and can go from
being okay to breaking down into tears. They withdraw from life, they have poor
self-image, and feel very guilty about everything. Depressed people have little or no
self-esteem, and often have serious weight loss, and eating disorders. They often have a
loss of interest in things they used to enjoy such as sex, activities, family, friends,
and their jobs (Surveying 4). As well as in the manic stage bipolar adults have insomnia
when they are depressed. They are fatigued and it lasts for months at a time. They have
serious day time sleepiness, and have a hard time concentrating (Bipolar Affective 2).
Depressed people have a high chance of having thought of suicide, or plans to commit
suicide, or even go as far as suicide attempts (Symptoms 1).
There are no medications out there to cure Bipolar Disorder 100% yet. Though, through the
use of the right mix of medications they will smooth out and reduce the frequency of the
highs and lows of the disorder. In some cases—depending on the severity of the
disorder, with the right mix of medications they can prevent the episodes all together.
With every case of bipolar disorder it takes a different mix of medications to get
stable, its different for everyone. For someone with Bipolar Disorder you have to do a 
Determining Bipolar Disorder in children is harder then adults because of the mistakes
doctor's make in their diagnosis.
number of things to achieve successful treatment. You have to take all of your
medications, go through counseling, therapy, self-help, and support groups (What is
Bipolar Disorder? 2). Almost all people with Bipolar Disorder, even those with the worst
cases can obtain substantial relief from their symptoms as long as they follow the rules
and stick with their treatment plan (Bipolar Disorder 3). There are four goals that you
want to achieve when you are bipolar, treating your symptoms, prevention of a relapse,
reduction of long term morbidity and promotion of long-term growth and development (The
Aims 1). 
There are a number of medications that are out there to help stabilize a Bipolar person's
mood. Some mood stabilizers that are used on children as well as adults are Lithium,
Tegretal, Risperidal, Depakote, Zyprexa, and Seroquel. Mood stabilizers are medications
that make life some-what normal again for Bipolar patients (Childhood 3). Lithium is used
to calm mania, and to prevent mood cycling. Doctors usually prescribe Depakote for
children who have rapid cycling between a manic state and a depressed state. Tegretol is
prescribed for children who have frequent rage attacks. Risperidal, Zyprexa, and Seroquel
are used during manic stages when a child experiences hallucinations or when control of
mania is needed (About Early-Onset 8). These drugs will often reduce or even stop cycling
or mania and sometimes depression (Childhood 4). Anti- Depressants are also used to
stabilize a Bipolar patient so they can cope with life/ Anti- depressants such as
Wellbutnh, Prozac, Luvox, Paxil, and Zoloft help Bipolar 
Determining Bipolar Disorder in children is harder then adults because of the mistakes
doctor's make in their diagnosis.
patients get out of and stay out of the low state they are in (Expert 5). Sometimes if
Bipolar patients do not respond to their medications they will use electro-shock in sever
cases (Bipolar Disorder 3). 
Psychotherapy is also a form of treatment that is very helpful. It provided support,
education, and guidance to the patient and his or her family (Bipolar Disorder 3). This
form of treatment can help a patient learn to predict his or her fluctuations in their
mood, and can decrease a risk of relapse in the future (Introduction 1). Psychotherapy is
the most important because it reduces the stress that can trigger a manic and or
depressive episode. There are three types of psychotherapy—there is a different one
for the type of person you are and how severe you disorder id. Behavioral therapy focuses
on behaviors that can increase or decrease stress and ways to increase pleasurable
experiences that may help improve depressive symptoms. Cognitive therapy focuses on
identifying and changing the pessimistic thoughts and beliefs that can lead to
depression. Interpersonal therapy focuses on reducing the strain that a mood disorder may
place on relationships. Psychotherapy can be one on one therapy, with you and just your
therapist, or you can have group sessions with other patients that have similar problems
as you, and who are trying to achieve the same goals are you in having a successful
treatment (Expert 11). 
Electroconvulsive Therapy, known as ECT is used also in treating bipolar patients. It is
used is all other medications are ruled out, and they can not help the patient (Ayd 1).
ECT is used mostly for severe depression (Electoconvulsive Therapy 1). ECT is 
Determining Bipolar Disorder in children is harder then adults because of the mistakes
doctor's make in their diagnosis.
a short application of an electric stimulus that is shot through the brain for behavior
control for patients (Electroconvulsive 1). This electrical current causes a central
nervous system seizure (Treatment 1). 
"Therapeutic Parenting" is another way to treat your child that has bipolar disorder.
This treatment involves no medications or doctors, it involved the love and support from
a parent to a child. Practicing and teaching their child relaxation techniques, using
music and sound, lighting, water, and massages to help the child with walking, falling
asleep, and relaxing. Being active in the child's creativity through doing activities
with the child that expresses their gifts, strengths, and talents. These technique
parents use to calm their children down when they are in rage, or just to prevent
relapses in their disorder (About Early-Onset 8).
Some patients need to be monitored all day and night to become stable. If someone has a
serious episode—either manic or depressed, they may have to be committed into a
hospital for their own safety and the safety of others (What is Bipolar Disorder? 4). A
hospital stay can help the medical staff by learning more about the patient and their
symptoms, and it will help find the right way to go about treating their patient. It also
gives the doctor the chance to regulate and stabilize the patient on their medications
for quick relief from their symptoms. Hospital stays can last up to two days, or 2 months
depending on how sick a patient is, or how much help they really need (Hospital 1-2). 
Determining Bipolar Disorder in children is harder then adults because of the mistakes
doctor's make in their diagnosis.
Bipolar children, like any other child with a disorder need special accommodations in
their school environments to get the best education possible. Small classes or a
self-contained classroom with other emotionally fragile children for a half day or all of
a school day. A special teacher standing by to help the child out with anything he or she
needs. A back-and-forth notebook that goes between home and the teacher for
communication, progress, behavior, and grades about the child. Regular weekly sessions
with the school psychologist or social worker (About Early-Onset 9). 
Helping a Bipolar patient is the most important thing you can do for someone with this
illness. Being there for them, and being very understanding is probably the thing that
helps them the most. The first thing you should do to help him or her is to get them to
the right doctor for the right diagnosis to begin proper treatment (Marilyn 5). It is
very dangerous to go for long time with out the proper diagnosis. In children going for a
long period of time with out proper medications there is an increase in bad behavior
resulting in removal from school, being places in a residential treatment center,
hospitalization in a psychiatric hospital, incarceration in the juvenile justice system.
There is a chance the child will develop a personality disorder like narcissistic,
anti-social, and borderline personality. All of this can lead to drug abuse, accidents,
and or suicide (About Early-Onset 5). This process may take up to eight years and they
may go through three to four doctors before they get one that works for them (Expert 11).
You should encourage your friend or family member to stick to their medications and
treatment plan. Be very helpful 
Determining Bipolar Disorder in children is harder then adults because of the mistakes
doctor's make in their diagnosis.
in making the appointments for them, and going to the appointments with them for
emotional support if they need it. You should try to include your friend in activities
that they used to enjoy. Try to get them to go on walks, and out to the movies, just to
get them out of their house, and outside. If they refuse be kind in being insistent
(Marilyn 5). It is equally important to be there for a children and adults while they are
going through this disorder. It is a very stressful, hard thing to handle with an illness
that will never go away (Bipolar Disorder 4).