⚡ Bipolar Disorder in Children & Teens


Overview:

Bipolar Disorder (BD) is a mood disorder that causes intense emotional shifts — from extreme highs (mania or hypomania) to deep lows (depression).

These mood changes are far more severe than typical ups and downs and can affect a child’s energy, sleep, behavior, and school performance.


In children, bipolar symptoms often appear as rapid mood swings, irritability, and explosive anger, rather than clear manic or depressive episodes seen in adults. Early support can make a huge difference 🌻


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💭 Types of Bipolar Disorder

1. Bipolar I Disorder: At least one full manic episode (often with depressive episodes).

2. Bipolar II Disorder: Recurrent depression with episodes of hypomania (milder mania).

3. Cyclothymic Disorder: Ongoing mood instability that’s less severe but long-lasting.


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📊 Prevalence & Facts

• About 1–3% of children and teens are affected by bipolar disorder (Van Meter et al., 2019).

• Roughly 20–30% of children initially diagnosed with major depression later develop bipolar disorder.

• The average age of onset is around 12–15 years old.

• Bipolar disorder has a strong genetic link — if one parent has it, a child’s risk increases up to 15–30%.


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⚡ Common Signs in Youth

• Intense mood swings lasting days or weeks

• Periods of unusually high energy, little sleep, and fast talking (mania)

• Sudden irritability, anger, or risky behavior

• Grand ideas (“I’m the smartest person alive!”) or inflated confidence

• Depressive periods with sadness, guilt, or withdrawal

• Trouble focusing or completing tasks

• Changes in eating and sleeping habits


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🧠 What Families Often Notice

• The child might seem “on top of the world” one week and deeply sad the next.

• Teachers may report big behavioral changes — from excited participation to complete withdrawal.

• The child may act impulsively (spending, lying, or unsafe actions) without seeing danger.


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🌷 Treatment & Family Support

• Medication: Mood stabilizers (like lithium) or certain atypical antipsychotics can balance mood swings.

• Therapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and family-focused therapy improve coping and communication.

• Consistent Routines: Regular sleep and meals stabilize mood.

• Education: Teaching the child about emotions and triggers empowers self-awareness.

• Family Involvement: Families should attend sessions to learn how to manage stress and prevent relapse.


💬 With treatment, children with bipolar disorder can lead full, stable, and successful lives — early recognition is key! 💖


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References:

• Van Meter, A. R., et al. (2019). Prevalence and correlates of bipolar spectrum disorder in children and adolescents. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 58(9), 881–893.

• American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed., Text Revision).

• National Institute of Mental Health. (2023). Bipolar Disorder in Children and Teens. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov