Photo: Pixabay

What does bipolar disorder look like in children?

Hyperactive, impulsive, aggressive or socially inappropriate behavior. Risky and reckless behaviors that are out of character, such as having frequent casual sex with many different partners (sexual promiscuity), alcohol or drug abuse, or wild spending sprees. Insomnia or significantly decreased need for sleep.

mayoclinic.org - Bipolar disorder in children: Is it possible? - Mayo Clinic

What are 4 risks of low self-esteem?

Consequences of Low Self-Esteem create anxiety, stress, loneliness, and increased likelihood of depression. cause problems with friendships and...

Last updated Apr 15, 2021

What do you do with LifeStraw after use?

LONG TERM STORAGE Immerse in Salt Solution. Fill a reusable container with 2 cups of water, add 1 teaspoon of salt and dissolve. ... Store. Place...

Last updated Jun 24, 2020

Promotion

Is bipolar disorder in children possible? Most of what I've read says bipolar disorder develops in adults. Answer From Daniel K. Hall-Flavin, M.D. Bipolar disorder in children is possible. It's most often diagnosed in older children and teenagers, but bipolar disorder can occur in children of any age. As in adults, bipolar disorder in children can cause mood swings from the highs of hyperactivity or euphoria (mania) to the lows of serious depression. Emotional upheaval and unruly behaviors are a normal part of childhood and the teen years, and in most cases they aren't a sign of a mental health problem that requires treatment. All kids have rough periods — it's normal to feel down, irritable, angry, hyperactive or rebellious at times. However, if your child's symptoms are severe, ongoing or causing significant problems, it may be more than just a phase.

Here are some signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder in children:

Severe mood swings that are different from their usual mood swings

Hyperactive, impulsive, aggressive or socially inappropriate behavior

Risky and reckless behaviors that are out of character, such as having frequent casual sex with many different partners (sexual promiscuity), alcohol or drug abuse, or wild spending sprees

Insomnia or significantly decreased need for sleep

Depressed or irritable mood most of the day, nearly every day during a depressive episode

Grandiose and inflated view of own capabilities

Suicidal thoughts or behaviors in older children and teens

Children with bipolar disorder experience symptoms in distinct episodes. Between these episodes, children return to their usual behavior and mood. Keep in mind, a number of other childhood disorders cause bipolar-like symptoms, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder, anxiety disorders and major depression. Diagnosis can be challenging because these and other mental health conditions often occur along with bipolar disorder. If your child has serious mood swings, depression or behavior problems, consult a mental health provider who specializes in working with children and teens. Mood and behavior issues caused by bipolar disorder or other mental health conditions can lead to major difficulties. Early treatment can help prevent serious consequences and decrease the impact of mental health problems on your child as he or she gets older. There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Review/update the information highlighted below and resubmit the form. From Mayo Clinic to your inbox Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. Email ErrorEmail field is required ErrorInclude a valid email address Learn more about Mayo Clinic’s use of data. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could include protected health information. If we combine this information with your protected health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Subscribe! Thank you for subscribing! You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. Sorry something went wrong with your subscription Please, try again in a couple of minutes Retry

Can you get addicted to reading?

Just like you can become addicted to food, alcohol, or anything else that brings you a form of joy, your brain can rewire itself into developing an...

Last updated Aug 22, 2018

How did people purify water in 1800s?

In the late 1800 s, many cities in the United States began to adopt water filtration processes for city drinking water. The early systems involved...

Last updated Aug 18, 2020

Promotion

Is squeezing lemon into water healthy?

Lemon water is a refreshing drink and an easy way to add a little extra vitamin C and antioxidants into your diet. Adding a splash of lemon to your...

Last updated Jun 4, 2021