Can Children Have Bipolar Disorder?
Do you worry your child's extreme moods may be more than growing pains or puberty? Younger children can have bipolar disorder, even though it is usually diagnosed in young adults.1
Many children cry, pout, and act out when they don't get their way. They have ups and downs. It is part of normal childhood development.If your child swings from extreme highs and lows in mood and energy, it could be bipolar disorder.1-5
What is bipolar disorder in children?
Monitor your child's behavior and watch for any patterns that seem extreme. For example:1
- Do they cycle between extreme highs and extreme lows?
- Do they act extra happy (manic) followed by deep sadness (depression)?
- Do they have trouble with sleeping or learning?
Like adults, children with bipolar disorder will cycle between manic and depressive episodes. They may act very excited or "up" for a few days and then seem depressed or sluggish.1-5
What causes bipolar disorder?
Researchers continue to study bipolar disorder in children. Some risk factors include:1,3
- Family history
- Differences in brain structure
- Genetic factors
- Difficult or traumatic childhood experiences
- Abuse, trauma, or violence
- Drug or alcohol use at a young age
The challenge is determining what are normal mood and behavior changes versus a more serious mental illness.
Until recently, doctors waited until a person's early 20s to diagnose the condition. A young adult's brain is more fully developed and they are past puberty.1-5
Can children have bipolar disorder?
Children can behave in extreme and emotional ways. Bipolar disorder in children goes beyond the usual age-appropriate outbursts.
In children, the phases of mania and depression can be less obvious. For example, a child may act happy, silly, angry, or emotional all in a single day.3
Studies show about 4 percent of people under the age of 18 have bipolar disorder.3
Symptoms of bipolar disorder
Mania symptoms:1-5
- Unusual shifts in mood
- Unprovoked anger
- Irritable or impatient
- Talking fast or too much
- Acting happy or silly
- Doing wild or risky things
- Problems at school or home
Depressive symptoms:1-5
- Lack of energy
- Feeling sad or hopeless
- Upset stomach or headaches
- Withdrawal
- Not going to school
- Changes in sleep
- Not thinking clearly
- Talking about self-harm or suicide
Mania phases can be chaotic and cause more problems. Your child might make bad decisions that get them into trouble. They may skip school, harm themselves, or try drugs and alcohol.1-5
Diagnosis of bipolar in young people
Bipolar disorder can be tough to diagnose in children. Symptoms can mimic those of other conditions:1,3
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
- Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Oppositional defiant disorder
- Other mood disorders
- Anxiety or major depression
- Substance use issues
A pattern of manic episodes is one of the key factors for a diagnosis. These mood swings often make it hard to make friends or get along at home.2
Children with bipolar may get in trouble at school, have learning delays, or give up on activities. Some children even try to self-harm or attempt suicide.1-5
Treatment for children with bipolar disorder
If other disorders are ruled out, you should support your child and seek out mental health services.
An age-appropriate treatment plan may include:2,5
- Medicines that stabilize moods or ease depression
- Talk therapy in groups or one-on-one
- Regular sleep
- Consistent routine
- Healthy habits and diet
- Self-care, rest, and exercise
- Learning ways to calm down
It is important to remember that help is available. If left untreated, your child may spiral into delinquent behavior, drugs and alcohol, and even suicide.3
Help for families
The whole family may need therapy. You are your child’s advocate and need coping skills too. Family support makes a difference. Things you can do to help include:1-5
- Being patient and encouraging them
- Finding a good therapist and psychiatrist
- Paying attention to routines, moods, and manic episodes
- Keeping a symptom diary
- Making sure they take medicine as prescribed
- Monitoring side effects
- Reducing stress at home, for example by going for walks
With the right tools, your child can regain balance, find hope, and learn to thrive.