Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, may affect each child differently. Children experience different intensity, duration and frequency of symptoms. When a child is diagnosed with bipolar disorder, it may affect the size, shape and function of his brain as he grows older. There are several methods of treatment for this disorder.

Symptoms

According to the Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation (CABF), children with this disorder will experience episodes of mania and depression. Episodes will typically last at least one week; there will be stable periods between the episodes. The symptoms of a manic episode include euphoria, elevated mood, grandiose demeanor, hallucinations, poor judgment, excessive distraction, daredevil acts and a decreased need for sleep without fatigue. Symptoms of depression include withdrawal from old activities, crying spells/sadness, feelings of worthlessness, loss of energy, fatigue, a significant drop in grades or a significant change in weight.

Medication

There are only a few forms of drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat children with bipolar disorder. Because every child with bipolar disorder is different, your doctor will recommend the best form of medication or combination of medications to treat your child's individual condition. FDA-approved drugs are lithium, anticonvulsants such as Depakote, and atypical neuroleptics such as risperidone, olanzapine, ziprasidone, aripiprazole and quetiapine. These drugs are mood stabilizers that work to stabilize the child's moods and help to prevent bipolar episodes. The CABF advises to "start low, go slow," which means start medications in low dosages and observe the effects. Most children with bipolar disorder will need to have their medication changed as they grow older and their brains mature. This will also help to prevent their bodies from becoming immune to the medication with extended usage.

Education

A child's school attendance, concentration, light sensitivity, energy and motivation can be affected by this disorder. A child's school may need to make necessary accommodations. This is usually accomplished by an Individual Education Plan (IEP), which identifies the child's needs and offers an individualized approach to accommodating her. You can also request that your child's doctor write a letter to the school that will give them details about your child's condition.

Therapy

You should seek individual cognitive-behavioral therapy for your child, as well as family therapy to understand the illness and the best ways to manage his symptoms and gain control over this disorder. Psychotherapy is a great treatment option that can be accomplished with a psychiatrist, social worker or licensed psychologist.

Source:

About Pediatric Bipolar Disorder

Resource:

Bipolar Disorder