By Abhishek Agarwal -
Recently, children who are as young as six years old have now been diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. There are doctors who think that this is a fair assessment of many children, while others think that this is exaggerated. It is a discussion which causes controversy, but is not so amusing for those who know of a child with possible Bipolar Disorder. All aspects of the disorder need to be looked at to be understood.
Diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder in children is difficult as they exhibit symptoms which are typical of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), or may be regarded as the usual wild ways of a child’s behaviour. Young children have been known to cycle fast, that is they can easily go from being in a depressed state to a manic phase, and back again. This can also happen within days or weeks, and very quickly.
With little or any warning at all, suicide attempts in children can happen on the spur of the moment and heard of in news today. In adults, suicide is usually well thought out when depression is long term. It is imperative that children are diagnosed successfully so that they can be given the correct treatment as soon as possible.
Children usually present in mania with Bipolar disorder. Younger children will experience this in forms of hallucinations that are both auditory and visual. It may be difficult to distinguish this as a child can have an active imagination. The hallucinations are usually extremely disturbing and more threatening than that imagined by a healthy child.
Teenagers usually experience similar symptoms to adults when they have Bipolar Disorder. Teens nowadays have the influence of alcohol and drugs which complicate matters more. The practice of using alcohol and street drugs is known as “self-medicating”, like adults do, which can often mask the actual symptoms found in this disorder. To rule out Bipolar Disorder in children, it is always best to consider this is as the cause when drugs are involved.
Teenagers are not adults, but minors so there is a difference when they have Bipolar Disorder. They are more reluctant to seek help for their problems, or to believe that any psychiatric help is of use to them, and are opposed to any authority figure who thinks so.
To cut down on the confusion, it is best to speak to the teachers of a child, to see how well the child does day-to-day. This can compared with how different a child is in their home environment. If more people are aware of the symptoms found in Bipolar Disorder in children, it would prevent it being masqueraded as another type of disorder or behaviour, and a child could be helped.
It is important to get a second opinion, as doctors differ on their opinions on Bipolar Disorder in children. This can help a family as when they have received a second opinion, they can then proceed on the best course of action for their child. Having a second opinion is more informative to clarify any questions which may come after the first consultation, so that the parents can weigh up the opinions of two doctors. When you know your child more, you are able to assess what sounds more accurate, and ultimately, it is the parent or guardian who decides what would be best for their child. It is better to get the correct diagnosis and treatment for any child with Bipolar Disorder, and a parent must accept that what the doctor has told them is true. They can then go ahead and help the child to get better, by finding out all they know on Bipolar disorder so as to get the best therapy for their child’s health. Most important of all, your child needs to understand that they have your utmost love and support; that your feelings for them haven’t changed.
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