Kids & Bipolar: Learn More at BPHope.com

Even though the average age of onset for bipolar disorder is 25, people of any age can exhibit symptoms, including children. Bipolar disorder is a mental, treatable illness that is characterized by extreme mood changes. The individual alternates from one end of the mood spectrum to the other. They might feel symptoms of depression and then symptoms of mania; the cycle varies from individual to individual.

How would you know if your child has bipolar disorder? What are the clues you should listen to if you suspect they might be suffering?

Your child gets very excited and is very excitable.
Your child is much more active than other children their age.
Your child exhibits extreme mood changes from marked “highs” to “lows.”
Other people are commenting about your child’s moodiness.
Your child’s moodiness is affecting their home life, school life, and friendships.

These are some of the aspects to look for if you suspect your child might have bipolar disorder. You should also know what’s involved in the two poles of bipolar disorder: mania and depression.

Manic Episodes

Manic episodes involve a surge of energy, less need for sleep, overwhelming optimism, and greater levels of activity. Manic episodes are often seen as a “good” thing by people who don’t suffer from bipolar disorder because they don’t realize that there are other symptoms that go along with manic episodes including excessive irritability, racing thoughts and speech, agitation, not being able to focus, and others.

Depressive Episodes

Depression involves feeling greatly fatigued, thoughts of death and suicide that don’t go away, anxiety, a change in sleep and eating patterns, a loss of enthusiasm and joy for activities previously enjoyed, and more. Depressive episodes might be easier for parents to spot because the child pulls away and is less communicative.

How BPHope.com Can Help

If you want to find out more about kids and bipolar disorder, as well as information on symptoms of depression and mania, visit BPHope.com today. Their site offers informative, entertaining, and educational information about bipolar disorder. Their goal is to help people with bipolar realize that they are not alone, and that they can get treatment for a happier, more fulfilling life. Visit BPHope.com today and join their community forum to talk one-on-one with other people interested in bipolar disorder.

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