What Does a Diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder Mean for Your Child?

Bipolar disorder (formerly manic depressive disorder), the disorder of opposites, is characterized by extreme elevations in mood, followed by periods of extreme depression. This can occur in hours, over a period of days, or even over a period of years.

In order to diagnose bipolar disorder in your child the psychiatrist must have noted the manic symptoms as described by the DSM-IV-TR, like severe mood swings, feelings of indestructibility, increased energy levels, short attention span, or risk taking behavior. The diagnosing psychiatrist will also have noticed the depressive symptoms that include frequent bouts of sadness and crying, social withdrawal, periods of decreased energy, feelings of worthlessness, extreme sensitivity, overeating, physical complaints, as well as self destructive behavior.

These symptoms do not all have to be present, but for a diagnosis of bipolar disorder to be made in regards to your child, they do have to be present for a period of two weeks or longer. Early diagnosis and treatment will help children over come the difficulties that they will face as a result of the presence of bipolar disorder.

If the symptoms of bipolar disorder in your child are severe, or if you fear that your child will harm himself, you and your child's therapist may decide that intervention is best accomplished with a period of treatment in an inpatient setting. While the separation may be difficult, remember that you are doing what is best for your child.

Treatment is available for bipolar disorder that does not involve long hospital stays, however, children with bipolar disorder should be closely supervised by a psychiatrist.

Medications that include mood stabilizers, anti-anxiety, antidepressant, and anti-psychotic medications and sedatives may be used separately or in conjunction with each other to ensure that your child receives the full benefit of pharmacological therapy. Lithium, Prozac, Rozeram, and Lunesta are all medications that you may see or hear prescribed for children that have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

Because children that have bipolar disorder experience the onset at critical developmental stages of their life, they can experience certain social and educational difficulties, especially if the bipolar disorder is left untreated. A child diagnosed with bipolar disorder may have problems learning, developing relationships, and bonding with mentors. For this reason, in addition to pharmacological therapy, psychological therapy may be indicated by your child's psychiatrist.

Psychological treatment can include individual, as well as family therapy, evaluations of school and home environments, as well as psycho-education.

Because there is no cure for bipolar disorder, medication and psychological therapy may need to be continued indefinitely in order to prevent suicide, drug or alcohol addictions, and heart disease.

There are a number of support groups, both in your area and online that can help you and your child cope with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, like www.bipolarsupportgroup.net or www.dbsalliance.org.

Please remember that if you are unsure of the diagnosis or treatment, it is completely within your rights as a parent to seek out a second opinion.

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