Bipolar Children And Teens

While the mental illness known as bipolar disorder typically develops and is diagnosed in the late teen to early adult years, it is possible for younger children to develop this disorder.  When a diagnosis is made in a young child with this mental illness it is referred to as "early-onset bipolar disorder". 

A diagnosis of bipolar disorder is made when an individual experiences excessive moods swings of "highs" and "lows" which are clinically defined as "mania" and "depression" respectively. In this medical guide on bipolar disorder, you will learn about the symptoms of this mental illness when they occur in young children and early teens.

How Bipolar Disorder Symptoms Differ Between Children and Adults

When an adult individual experiences the symptoms of "highs" and "lows" with bipolar disorder, they can become extremely happy or euphoric or have the opposite symptoms of depression. In some cases both of these symptoms can be experienced simultaneously or one right after the other.

When children develop this disorder their mood swings tend to be more frequent and severe in which their moods change quicker from the "highs" to "lows". These symptoms can also cause them to have difficulties which include problems in school, social activities, and with family members in the home.

Diagnosis of Early-onset Bipolar Disorder

In the diagnosis of bipolar disorder there are no available tests such as a brain scan or blood testing which can diagnose this condition. A medical professional with experience in bipolar disorder will inquire about particular habits of the child such as sleeping patterns, energy levels, behaviors, and what commonly occurs during their mood swings.

Other testing is typically done to rule out any other medical conditions which may be causing the symptoms. When a diagnosis of bipolar disorder is made in a young child, it is called "early-onset bipolar disorder". However, this mental illness is rare in young children and getting a second opinion should be considered before any form of treatment plan is made.