Bipolar disorder in children

Although bipolar disorder is a condition that is generally considered to be one that fully manifests itself in the teens and 20s, it is nevertheless a fact that even younger children can suffer from the condition. However, until recently, it was almost always assumed that what was in fact early-onset bipolar disorder was ADHD, and consequently the wrong treatment was often administered as a result of this misdiagnosis.

Nowadays, considerably more is known about early-onset bipolar disorder, and it is recognized that some of the behavioral patterns most commonly shown by children suffering from ADHD are matched by those of bipolar children too.

In their extremely well researched and definitive book ‘The Bipolar Child’, Demitri Papolos M.D and Janice Papolos report that 80% of children who have bipolar disorder come from homes where there is an established history of mood problems and/or alcoholism on both sides of the family. Nevertheless, even when there is nothing in the family history to indicate bipolar disorder, it is still a fact that it is a condition from which children will suffer.

Once again, it is therefore a question of recognizing the most common symptoms that might indicate a child who is bipolar.

For example, it is extremely common for such children to have explosive temper tantrums that can last for several hours, to demonstrate excessive mood swings, irritability, hyperactivity and aggressive or impulsive behavior. These will all be common indicators of a child who was in the manic bipolar period, while lethargy, fatigue, anxiety and oversensitivity might be indicative of the depressed phase.

A bipolar child may demonstrate learning difficulties and be prone to excessive periods of daydreaming, while also demonstrating poor short-term memory. They can be compulsive and obsessive, bossy and destructive.

Any of these symptoms might indicate a child who is bipolar, so you should not immediately assume that they suffer ADHD when you see a child demonstrating symptoms such as these.