Bipolar In Kids

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Landmark Study Into Bipolar In Children and Young People

February 3, 2008 in About Bipolar Disorder, Bipolar In Kids | No comments

A recent study by Course and Outcome of Bipolar Illness in Youth COBY found that children and teen-agers with bipolar disorder suffer from the illness differently than adults do with their symptoms lasting longer and changing more swiftly from hyper to lethargy and depression.

In this first major study by COBY psychiatrist conducted a study of over 400 patients some for over five years to determine the effects of bipolar in young people and children.

Dr Martin Keller a front liner in designing and conducting long-term studies of major psychiatric disorders says “Bipolar disorder severely impairs functioning and has a high rate of related psychiatric and physical health issues, such as anxiety and substance abuse,”

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Pediatric Bipolar Versus Asperger’s Disorder

January 31, 2008 in About Bipolar Disorder, Bipolar In Kids | No comments

Pediatric bipolar disorder, or manic depression, is a mental illness that presents itself in patients as mood swings or mood cycling.

Pediatric bipolar type one patients tend to experience episodes of mania alternating with periodic episodes of depression. Pediatric bipolar type two patients tend to experience episodes of depression interspersed with periodic episodes of mild mania.

Depression symptoms include anger, extreme sadness, sleeping too much, and feelings of worthlessness.

Manic symptoms include bursts of rage, extreme happiness, increased energy, hyperactivity, distractibility, sleeping too little, and obsessive behaviors.

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Parenting A Bipolar Child – Help Your Child Lead A Rewarding Life

January 15, 2008 in About Bipolar Disorder, Bipolar In Kids, Coping With Bipolar | No comments

Parenting a child with bipolar disorder presents its own unique challenges. Family and friends may have attributed your child’s difficult behavior to stubbornness or other personality flaws. They may disagree with your parenting skills, however it is important to recognize and accept bipolar disorder for what it is – just another medical condition. If your child had epilepsy, no one would blame you or your child right?

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Bipolar Children – Book Review Of Sharna Olfman’s New Book

December 9, 2007 in About Bipolar Disorder, Bipolar In Kids, Coping With Bipolar | No comments

Bipolar Children, 4 stars (rating scale 1-4)

edited by Sharna Olfman

What is behind the exponential rise in the diagnosis of bipolar disorder in children over the past 10 years? Is medication the best form of treatment for children diagnosed with bipolar disorder? Is bipolar disorder a symptom of a breakdown in values of society, and is it a biological disease that should be medically treated? Is the medical-model approach to bipolar disorder the most accurate explanation for the symptoms normally attributed to the disorder? Are there any repercussions from the extensive use of medication in the treatment of bipolar disorder in children? Is treatment with anticonvulsants and atypical antipsychotics advisable in preteen children?

Sharna Olfman has again edited a thought-provoking series of articles from well known psychiatrists, child psychiatrists, psychologists and child-care experts in her new book The Bipolar Child. (2007) Thought provoking, well-documented details on the repercussions of over-reliance on medication for ADHD, bipolar disorder and depression. It also documents how overeliance on antidepressants and stimulant medication can often times lead to the symptoms of bipolar disorder.

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All Grown Up: Teen Bipolar And Mood Disorder

October 18, 2007 in Bipolar Diagnosis, Bipolar In Kids | No comments

It is a common misconception that bipolar disorder only occurs in adults. In truth, bipolar disorder is not limited to adults at all. The mental illness, also known as manic depression has been diagnosed in babies, children, and teens alike. In fact, teen bipolar and mood disorder is not at all uncommon, and is increasing every year.

For parents, it can be difficult to stand by and watch your teenager go through teen bipolar and mood disorder during their adolescent years. Family support is key in helping them cope—just being aware of the symptoms, prognosis, and potential medications can be immensely helpful in supporting an adolescent with bipolar disorder.

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