Bipolar Disorder In Children
Raising a child is not an easy task for any parent
. Especially in these stressful times. But, parents who have kids with bipolar disorder have it especially tough.Until recently, only adults were diagnosed with bipolar disorder. That is because, until relatively recently, it was thought that children could not have the disorder.
As researchers studied the condition further, however, that assumption proved to be very much in error. And, as a result of this incorrect assumption, many children have mistakenly been diagnosed as having ADHD when what they really have is early onset bipolar disorder.
The biggest problem for parents to handle is the unpredictable mood swings that typically accompany bipolar disorder. These mood swings can easily stress parents to the point where they don't know who to turn to. One moment, the child can be smiling and laughing, and in a generally playful mood. Then, within only a few seconds, he could be screaming at the top of his lungs having a rage attack.
Many of the parents of these kids are clinging to the hope that, eventually, their kid will outgrow their behavior. But most of these parents are destined to be disappointed as the behavior not only continues unabated, but oftentimes escalates into even more extreme behavior.
A number of times, when people who don't know a child see him acting in an unruly manner, they attribute it to poor parenting. And, in some cases, that is certainly true. But in the case of parents with bipolar children, parenting is not the issue. The issue is bipolar disease and what treatments are available to help the kid through it.
As most mental health experts are ready to admit, bipolar is an inherited disease. If one or both parents have it, the chances that a child will exhibit bipolar behavior is increased.
In the health field, bipolar disorder is known by other names as well. Some call it manic depressive illness, others call it manic depressive syndrome. And in most cases, these terms are used interchangeably. If your child has this disorder, his life will be like a roller coaster. Sometimes he will be up and sometimes he will be down. The moods will come and go without warning and each mood can last for an indeterminate time frame. When he is up, he is said to be in the mania period. When he is down, he is said to be in the depressive period. And, even though the sudden change in behavior can be very disorienting for the parents of the child, it is nothing compared to what the child himself is going through.
Emotional mood swings in children is not at all unusual. Every child goes through ups and down as a natural result of simply being children. If, however, you notice extreme mood swings in your child on a continuing basis, you should have him looked at and diagnosed by a specialist.
Bipolar Disorder In Children
By: Julie Frey Watch Make It or Break It Online To Unravel the Lives of Teenage Gymnasts Childrens Art Easels – Is Cheap Good? Interesting Study (longitudinal) On Local Kids Best Theme for Kids Birthday Parties Party Ideas For Your Children's Birthday Top 10 Treats For Truly Angelic Children Anxiety Disorders In Children - What Are They? Diet After Childbirth Divorce And Its Effects On The Welfare And Emotions Of Children Child Custody Agreements and What You Need to Know About Them GPS Tracking for Children - Three Options Available to Keep Your Kids Safe Helping Kids Cope with Weekend Visits Wooden Thomas Trains Make a Great Gift for Children