Could Your ChildÂ’s Occasional Temper Tantrums Be The Symptoms For Childhood Bipolar Illness?Childhood bipolar illness can severely affect a childÂ's life and prevent him from pursuing such common childhood activities as playing with friends, mixing socially, going to school and learning new skills. Childhood bipolar illness is characterized by near chronic mania with symptoms of hyperactivity and extreme irritability, with intermittent states of depression that are marked by lowered moods and reduced energy. To help someone with childhood bipolar illness, it is important to understand the nature of the disorder, its symptoms and diagnosis, and the available treatment options. This article will aim to cover these topics in the following paragraphs and help you get a better understanding of childhood bipolar illness. Bipolar disorder or manic-depression disorder, as it is often referred to as, is a serious disorder of the brain. Childhood bipolar illness, as the name itself suggests, affects young children Â- sometimes during birth or in early infancy. Symptoms of bipolar disorder may also suddenly emerge in adolescence or adulthood. Childhood bipolar illness causes unusual shifts in a child's mood, energy and ability to function, and adversely affects the process of development. It is now believed that the disease has a hereditary component to it as well. Whatever be the age of occurrence, bipolar disorder in an individual manifests some common symptoms. However, in a child, diagnosis is more difficult than in adults, and there are differences in symptoms. When someone has the bipolar disorder, there are changes in the energy and mood, with alternating states of mania (high elation or agitation) and depression (low energy and reduced mood levels). Childhood bipolar illness however does not manifest itself in clearly defined episodes of elation and depression, as in adults. In children there is a mood disturbance that stays on and it is a combination of both the extremes, and it is only sometimes that they feel good. Even when a child's behavior is aberrant, correct diagnosis remains challenging because childhood bipolar illness is often accompanied by symptoms of other psychiatric disorders such as ADHD, Conduct Disorder (CD), hypomania and the like. Only a successful diagnosis can lead to the correct treatment options. In a case involving bipolar illness, children are prescribed virtually the same medication as for adults. These involve the use of mood-stabilizers and some antipsychotic medication. However, there is very limited data on the efficacy and safety of such medications in young children and there is ongoing research in this field. Childhood bipolar illness is also treated with various forms of psychotherapy, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, alongside medication treatment. What is important for every parent to realize is that being diagnosed with childhood bipolar illness may not necessarily mean the end of the world. There are excellent treatment options and these should be explored. It is critical to ensure a proper diagnosis to ascertain the presence of bipolar illness in children and then initiate a treatment plan. The effects of childhood bipolar illness can be reversed and cured and a child can enjoy a normal life where he is in control of it. |