Saturday, May 21, 2011

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder in Children.............From Kimberly Read, About.com Guide

One needs immediate treatment, understanding of people around and jovial environment....frustrating surroundings makes person more cruel and angry. ...Alok

Red Flags: Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder in Children

Bipolar Child Basics

From Kimberly Read, About.com Guide

Updated February 27, 2010

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board



To understand the symptoms of early-onset bipolar disorder in children, it's helpful to look at the problems a child known as Randy is having. An endearing five year-old boy with an engaging smile, he has a history of tempestuous behavior that has followed him since infancy. He is bright, articulate, a fast learner - and as unpredictable as a tornado. From the time he cut his first tooth, he began biting - often drawing blood. At one and a half years old, Randy was dismissed from pre-school for aggressive behavior. He consistently scores high marks for academics, but has a string of "needs improvement" comments in all areas of behavior. He is loving, cuddling, wanting to be held one minute; screaming and raging with veins bulging from his neck the next. Randy's parents are exasperated. They have attended many a parenting class, read a plethora of books, and tried every means of discipline suggested by family, friends, teachers and doctors.
Some say, "Randy is just all boy. He will grow out of it." Others suggest, "Randy has attention deficit disorder. Ask your doctor for Ritalin." A few point their fingers at the parents: "You need to take a firm hand with Randy. A good spanking is what that boy needs."
Many whisper, "Can you believe that boy Randy? I would never allow a child of mine to behave like that."
No one seems willing to consider the idea that Randy may have early-onset bipolar disorder. His mother has struggled with depression most of her life. His father has bipolar disorder. In other words, Randy is a prime candidate for a mood disorder.
A study conducted WHEN by Demitri Papolos, MD, and Janice Papolos indicates that more than 80% of children diagnosed with bipolar disorder come from families with a history of mood disorders and/or alcoholism on both sides of the family. And yet, even when a strong family history of this is present, professionals rarely consider early-onset bipolar disorder. Many children who actually have bipolar disorder have been diagnosed with ADHD. Why? Because the official guidelines for diagnosing bipolar disorder found in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) outline criteria are based on classic adult symptoms. When the last edition of the DSM was published, very little was known about how bipolar disorder affects children.
A great deal more is now known about bipolar disorder in children. Demitri and Janice Papolos have written a well-researched book entitled The Bipolar Child: The Definitive and Reassuring Guide to Childhood's Most Misunderstood Disorder, last updated in 2006. Below is an excerpt from their work (reprinted with permission), which lists those symptoms that Demitri and Janice feel are common to children who have early-onset bipolar disorder.
Very Common Symptoms of Early-Onset Bipolar Disorder
  • Separation anxiety
  • Rages & explosive temper tantrums (lasting up to several hours)
  • Marked irritability
  • Oppositional behavior
  • Frequent mood swings
  • Distractibility
  • Hyperactivity
  • Impulsivity
  • Restlessness/ fidgetiness
  • Silliness, goofiness, giddiness
  • Racing thoughts
  • Aggressive behavior
  • Grandiosity
  • Carbohydrate cravings
  • Risk-taking behaviors
  • Depressed mood
  • Lethargy
  • Low self-esteem
  • Difficulty getting up in the morning
  • Social anxiety
  • Oversensitivity to emotional or environmental triggers
Common Symptoms of Early-Onset Bipolar Disorder
  • Bed-wetting (especially in boys)
  • Night terrors
  • Rapid or pressured speech
  • Obsessional behavior
  • Excessive daydreaming
  • Compulsive behavior
  • Motor & vocal tics
  • Learning disabilities
  • Poor short-term memory
  • Lack of organization
  • Fascination with gore or morbid topics
  • Hypersexuality
  • Manipulative behavior
  • Bossiness
  • Lying
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Destruction of property
  • Paranoia
  • Hallucinations & delusions
Less Common Symptoms of Early-Onset Bipolar Disorder
  • Migraine headaches
  • Binging
  • Self-mutilating behaviors
  • Cruelty to animals

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