Does Your Child Have Bipolar Disorder?

Does your child show extraordinary excitement and suddenly the mood changes to very sad? And is this behaviour becoming worse?

There is a chance that your child is suffering from bipolar disorder. This is a brain disorder that is responsible for the changes in the moods, energy and thought processes of your child. The effects of this disorder are normally exhibited through dramatic and marked behaviour changes.

The effects of the disorder vary in intensity. Its effects also differ in frequency and the duration through which they last. Manic-depression (the bipolar disorder), affects the size, shape and sometimes functioning of the brain. This is why it can also tamper with the neurons as suggested by recent research.

However, with its serious effects on the cognition, metabolism, and the cardiac system, this illness is not easily detected at first. Its symptoms become noticeable gradually during your child’s development as they grow older. This has catalysed conduction of extensive research about this illness in different age groups. Examined here below is the disorder that arises in childhood.

The symptoms of the Manic Depression

1. Temper tantrums

The child may become increasingly violent and suffer fits of rage. These tantrums may last for many hours and this increases the chances of your child becoming more violent.

2. Odd mood displays

The child, especially as a teenager, may begin to show odd moods ranging from extremely happy to sudden anger or depression without cause.

3. Sudden quitting of activities

Occasionally, they may quit sports and other activities that they usually enjoy. Such a slump in the level of energy of your child is a red flag and should not be taken lightly.

4. Suicide threats

They may threaten to commit suicide or hurt themselves in some cases. They may begin to talk about death and this should trigger you to see a health care provider to have further assessments and counselling.

5. Dysthymia

This is a persistent mild depression. Children may feel so low for two weeks or longer and this can be evidenced by the way they behave. They may be having difficulty in getting out of bed of a morning, not eating properly, not sleeping and constantly in a bad mood. Such depression leads to inability to make simple decisions like when to have their lunch or when to have a shower.

6. Hypomania and mania

Your kid may experience many manic episodes. They may function normally in social circles of their friends but sometimes have manic episodes that may make them believe they have special powers. In such cases, especially if they are a teenager, they can begin displaying risky behaviours like having casual sex and taking drugs or drinking alcohol.

Next Page: How to Identify if Your Child is Bipolar