Helping Bipolar Children

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Any parent feels helpless when their child is suffering or sick. A child with bipolar disorder can be very difficult for a parent to deal with because it is not something that can be treated with a band aid and a hug. Helping Bipolar Children is best done when you understand the disorder and have some idea what they are going through.

Diagnosing Bipolar Children

Bipolar in children can be difficult to diagnose. The disorder may be different in every child. The one thing to keep in mind is that bipolar is characterized by the presence of two very distinct moods and that the child will go between the high or manic and the low or depressive.

You will have to watch for symptoms of both type of episodes – manic and depressive – to form a proper diagnosis of bipolar. Manic symptoms include:

• Extreme happiness or silliness
• Aggression
• Agitation
• Unusually high self esteem
• Increased energy
• Fast speech
• Easily distracted
• Inability to concentrate
• Risky behavior

Depressive symptoms include:

• Sadness
• Crying often
• Lack of joy
• Complaints of headaches or other illness
• Low energy
• Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much

It can be difficult to tell if your child is exhibiting symptoms of bipolar disorder or if they are dealing with common age related issues in a natural way. What you have to watch for is the switch between moods that seems unnatural or without a trigger. Even then you should not try to deal with it alone. Getting a doctor to properly diagnose your child is important.

Bipolar Children need to get the help and treatment needed so that their disorder does not cause them harm. People with bipolar may engage in very risky, possibly life threatening, activities when in a manic episode. When in the depressive episode Bipolar Children are more prone to suicidal thoughts. This is why diagnosis is extremely important.

Treatment

Treating Bipolar Children involves medication and counseling. The family is often involved in the treatment to ensure that everyone, the child and the parents, understand how to cope with the disorder.

Common medications prescribed include lithium, a mood stabilizer, antidepressants and some antiseziure medications. Psychotherapy is an important part of treatment as it will help the child to understand their disorder and teach them how to live with it and not let it interfere with their life.

The best way parents can help their child diagnosed with bipolar disorder is to get involved in the treatment. Ignoring the problem is not a solution and could lead to serious consequences. Treatment can help in every case and allow the child to have a normal and happy childhood.

Just thought you may be interested in reading this guide:   bipolar medication



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