By Jennifer Brister -

Bipolar disorder, though treatable, can be a devastating illness. It is marked by severe mood changes and changes in energy and behavior. Until only a few years ago, bipolar disorder was rarely diagnosed in children. Now, it is becoming more common.

It is now thought that early intervention is the best way to treat children with bipolar disorder. Dealing with it early on can help children to become stable, productive members of society. It is very important for parents of bipolar children to find help and support. It is apparent that a large number of children with bipolar go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed every year. Most often they are diagnosed with ADHD instead.

Symptoms of manic depression include wide ranging mood changes. When a child is sad and has little energy this is considered depression. When they are hyperactive, elated and full of energy, this is the manic state. In adults who have bipolar disorder, these mood changes can last for days or even months, but in children with bipolar, they more often have an ongoing mood disturbance that is a mix of mania and depression. Irritability is usually a very difficult problem with these children.

Some symptoms of bipolar disorder in children include:

* irritable mood
* sadness
* mood changes
* rage
* anxiety
* defiance
* hyperactivity
* sleeping problems
* bed wetting
* cravings
* impaired judgment
* dare-devil behavior
* inappropriate sexual behavior
* hallucinations
* grandiose belief in one’s self

Symptoms can begin as soon as early in infancy. Babies who are later diagnosed with bipolar were often babies that had trouble sleeping and were difficult to please.

To take a quiz to find out if you or someone you love has bipolar disorder, visit the Bipolar Disorder Help Center

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