Symptoms of Childhood Bi-Polar Disorder

Understanding the Symptoms: Bipolar Disorder in Children

Signs and Symptoms You Should Know

Are you concerned that one of your family members or perhaps a friend's child may be struggling with bipolar disorder? Every individual is different, but there are common signs and symptoms that the person of whom you are concerned may exhibit that could be indicative of a problem that needs treatment.

 

Symptoms of Child Bipolar Disorder:

Often, children who have a mild case of Bipolar Disorder are diagnosed as having Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD), yet treatment for ADHD is ineffective. These children do exhibit symptoms similar to ADHD, in addition to other behavioral problems. Consequently they experience social difficulty, as wells as a host of other problems. Relatives, teachers, and guardians often feel helpless to control their behavior. The following symptoms may be seen in children with Bipolar Disorder. Usually, a child will only exhibit some, but not all of these symptoms. (Adolescents with Bipolar Disorder exhibit symptoms more typical of the adult Bipolar Disorders.)

Other Symptoms May Include . . .

• Sleeps to much or too little
  
  
• Night terrors
  
  
• Bed wetting
  
  
• Anxiety
  
  
• Food cravings, such as sweets and/or carbohydrates
  
  
• Hyperactivity
  
  
• Distractibility
  
  
• Difficulty fitting in socially
  
  
• Disorganized approach to projects or school work
  
  
• Unusually intense behavior
  
  
• Excessive excitability
  
  
• Rapid mood changes
  
  
• Inappropriate anger or irritability
  
  
• Explosiveness
  
  
• Poor judgment
  
  
• Prone to dangerous actions
  
  
• Rages, maybe lengthy and destructive
  
  
• Age-inappropriate sexual conduct
  
  
• Depressed or sad mood
  
  
• Defiant
  
  
• Disrespect of peers and authority figures
  
  
• Violation of boundaries
  
  
• Grandiosity (belief in ability to do impossible)
  
  
• Delusions (false beliefs about reality)
  
  
  

NOTE: These symptoms should only be diagnosed by a Licensed Mental Health Provider or Physician.

Don't Delay - Take Action Today
Give us a call and set an appointment to speak with one of our clinicians to diagnose and treat your family member or friend. We welcome the chance to provide them with the expert assistance they need.