Are you afraid that your child is having mood swings beyond what is normal for their age? Every child has some mood swings, but rapidly switching from high to low energy could be a sign of a serious mental health condition.
If your child goes from extreme overconfidence to inconsolable sadness, they could be living with bipolar disorder. If that’s the case, you and your child aren’t alone. As many as 2,892,000 people under the age of 18 in the United States have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
At Oceans Healthcare, we understand that everyone has mental health needs, including adolescents. As a parent, you know your child best, and you can recognize when something isn’t right. We want to give you the tools to figure out exactly what’s going on with your child when you need to know. So, today we’re going to walk you through bipolar symptoms in children.
What Is Bipolar Disorder and How Does It Affect Children?
Bipolar disorder is a chronic mood condition that is characterized by the “highs” of mania and the “lows” of depression. For the most part, bipolar symptoms begin in late adolescence or early adulthood. Sometimes, bipolar symptoms begin sooner in childhood, such as in the early teen years.
Mania is a period of sustained elevated energy and activity levels. Often, mania is associated with a good or positive mood, but it is also common for children with mania to be extremely irritable. Mania is usually severe enough to cause significant problems in daily life. People with bipolar sometimes experience hypomania, which is more moderate.
Depression is the opposite, characterized by extremely low energy. Children, like adults, are no longer interested in the things they used to enjoy and feel a lack of purpose.
Bipolar disorder is a bit different in children than it is in adults. Adolescents are more prone to “rapid cycling,” or shifting quickly between mania and depression. Bipolar disorder is much more intense than the usual mood swings a child or teen experiences. These episodes are often, although not always, unprovoked and out of line with external events. This is a serious medical condition that requires a diagnosis.
What Causes Bipolar Disorder in Children?
The exact causes of bipolar disorder aren’t well understood, but we believe that multiple factors contribute to the development of the condition in children. Recent studies suggest there is a significant genetic component to bipolar disorder. Nearly two-thirds of all people with bipolar disorder have a close blood relative who also lives with the condition. However, just because a child has a genetic predisposition for bipolar disorder doesn’t necessarily mean they will develop it.
Scientists also believe the structure of the brain plays a role in whether or not a child will develop bipolar disorder. This means that some regions of the brain could be more active than others, creating emotional instability.
Periods of high stress can increase the risk that children with a genetic predisposition will develop bipolar. Trauma also influences the development of bipolar disorder in children, often involving adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Examples include experiencing abuse, bullying, or the death of a family member.
If your child has bipolar disorder, don’t blame yourself. You did not cause your child’s condition and couldn’t prevent it. Research like this is the right first step. With the right support, your child will have a regular transition through adolescence and adulthood.
What Do Manic Symptoms Look Like in Children?
When it comes to manic episodes, adults usually experience euphoria or are intensely happy. That’s not as common in children living with bipolar, and during a manic episode, they are more likely to be extremely irritable or even destructive.
Common manic symptoms in children include:
- Going for days with little to no sleep but not being tired.
- Talking unusually fast or not letting others talk.
- Being extremely defiant or destructive when they normally aren’t.
- Having trouble concentrating on a specific topic and jumping between ideas.
- Believing that they have unrealistic skills or powers that give them the ability to do things others can’t.
- Having new, frequent tantrums.
Some of the above symptoms might just sound like an energetic child, but it’s important to note that a manic episode is usually an obvious change. If your child is experiencing mania, you will be able to tell that their energy level is different than normal.
A manic episode will also be noticeable to others who spend time with your child, commonly causing significant difficulties at school or daycare. If you’re concerned that your child is experiencing mania, consider talking to their teacher about any behavioral changes that they’ve noticed in your child.
What Do Depressive Symptoms Look Like in Children?
Sometimes, depressive episodes are easier to spot than mania, as they are typically more obviously negative. It’s normal for children and teens to be sad or moody on occasion. However, a depressive episode will be persistent and cause sustained low moods, making it important not to write off these symptoms.
Common symptoms of depression in children include:
- Crying often
- Intense sensitivity to criticism
- Negative self-talk
- Isolating from friends and classmates
- Losing interest in hobbies
- Changes in appetite
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Trouble concentrating
- Worsening performance at school
- Talking about death or suicide
Your child might also mention physical symptoms of depression. These could be headaches, muscle aches, stomach aches, and tiredness that don’t have a distinct cause.
Often, children and teens don’t have the words they need to articulate how depression is impacting them. Don’t wait for them to tell you they’re depressed. If you observe symptoms of depression in your child, start a conversation. Let them know that you’re there to support them and that you will help them find solutions to their concerns.
If your child is showing signs of suicidal ideation or mentions thoughts of harming themselves, seek immediate help from a mental health professional. Calling the National Suicide and Crisis Hotline at 988 will give you free, confidential support 24/7.
Getting a Diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder for Your Child
To diagnose your child with bipolar, a medical professional will perform a comprehensive evaluation. This involves an interview with you and your child, together and individually, about their symptoms and other behaviors. A medical professional may also interview your child’s teacher or other adults in their lives. Alternatively, they may be asked to fill out a questionnaire.
To receive a bipolar I diagnosis, your child must have experienced at least one manic episode. Usually, your child will have also experienced a depressive episode, but it isn’t necessary for a diagnosis. For a bipolar II diagnosis, your child will have experienced a depressive episode and a hypomanic episode, which is not as severe as a full manic episode.
During the diagnostic process, your doctor will also evaluate your child for other mental health conditions. This is intended to rule out the other potential causes of their symptoms. In some children, symptoms of depression or ADHD can be mistaken for bipolar disorder. This evaluation ensures the care team has the information needed to provide a proper diagnosis.
How You Can Help Your Child Living With Bipolar
The first step to helping a child living with bipolar is to get them an appropriate diagnosis and treatment as early as possible. That being said, bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, and your child will need extra support.
We suggest:
- Be patient as your child learns to cope with big emotions
- Help your child understand that treatment can improve their quality of life
- Encourage them to be open about their experiences and take the time to listen
- Create routines and structure so your child knows what to expect
- Do your best to minimize stressful situations
- Understand that triggers happen and learn strategies to help your child manage them
Treatment for Bipolar Disorder in Children
It’s frightening to realize your child might have bipolar disorder. As a parent, you would never want your child to have to live with a lifelong condition. Bipolar treatment is the best way to ensure that your child thrives going forward. Although this condition can’t be cured, the symptoms can be managed. Your child can still pursue their dreams and make their own choices about their future—they just need a little extra support. You can be the one to help them find it.
The team at Oceans Healthcare is ready to empower your child with the skills they need to manage bipolar disorder. We work with adolescents ages 13–17. Plus, with more than 30 locations throughout the south and over 34 thousand clients treated annually, we have the experience to provide your child with the care they need. Call us now at 888-293-6899 to learn more.
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