What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a brain disorder that affects a person's mood, energy, and ability to function. The person experiences severe shifts in how they think, feel and act. These serious and often unpredictable changes can result in damaged relationships, poor job or school performance, financial problems, legal difficulties, loss of sense of self and even suicide. This disorder affects millions of American adults.  The number of children diagnosed with bipolar disorder is on the rise. Because bipolar disorder is classified as a mental illness, there is much stigma attached to this diagnosis.  The truth is there doesn’t have to be any stigma or negativity attached to this disorder.  Bipolar disorder is a brain disorder and it is something that can be worked with through medication and therapy.  People do not need to suffer in silence or feel embarrassed.  This is a treatable disorder. Like diabetes or heart disease, bipolar disorder is a long-term illness that must be carefully managed throughout a person's life.

Bipolar disorder used to be called “manic-depressive” illness. 

Following is a list of symptoms for bipolar disorder.  This list is taken from the National Institute of Mental Health:

Signs and symptoms of mania (or a manic episode) include:

·         Increased energy, activity, and restlessness

·         Excessively "high," overly good, euphoric mood

·         Extreme irritability

·         Racing thoughts and talking very fast, jumping from one idea to another

·         Distractibility, can't concentrate well

·         Little sleep needed

·         Unrealistic beliefs in one's abilities and powers

·         Poor judgment

·         Spending sprees

·         A lasting period of behavior that is different from usual

·         Increased sexual drive

·         Abuse of drugs, particularly cocaine, alcohol, and sleeping medications

·         Provocative, intrusive, or aggressive behavior

·         Denial that anything is wrong

A manic episode is diagnosed if elevated mood occurs with three or more of the other symptoms most of the day, nearly every day, for 1 week or longer. If the mood is irritable, four additional symptoms must be present.

Signs and symptoms of depression (or a depressive episode) include:

·         Lasting sad, anxious, or empty mood

·         Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism

·         Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness

·         Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed, including sex

·         Decreased energy, a feeling of fatigue or of being "slowed down"

·         Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions

·         Restlessness or irritability

·         Sleeping too much, or can't sleep

·         Change in appetite and/or unintended weight loss or gain

·         Chronic pain or other persistent bodily symptoms that are not caused by physical illness or injury

·         Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts

A depressive episode is diagnosed if five or more of these symptoms last most of the day, nearly every day, for a period of 2 weeks or longer.

When this disorder is diagnosed in children, it is usually termed “Pediatric bipolar disorder” or “Early-onset bipolar disorder”.  The symptoms look different in a child.  Their mood cycles are not as clear cut as adults and usually they will cycle within the day.  There are often no “normal” periods of mood stability. 

There are no separate diagnostic criteria for children; however, parents often see the following symptoms in their children diagnosed with bipolar disorder: Behaviors reported by parents in children diagnosed with bipolar disorder may include:

·         an expansive or irritable mood

·         extreme sadness or lack of interest in play

·         rapidly changing moods lasting a few hours to a few days

·         explosive, lengthy, and often destructive rages

·         separation anxiety

·         defiance of authority

·         hyperactivity, agitation, and distractibility

·         sleeping little or, alternatively, sleeping too much

·         bed wetting and night terrors

·         strong and frequent cravings, often for carbohydrates and sweets

·         excessive involvement in multiple projects and activities

·         impaired judgment, impulsivity, racing thoughts, and pressure to keep talking

·         dare-devil behaviors (such as jumping out of moving cars or off roofs)

·         inappropriate or precocious sexual behavior

·         delusions and hallucinations

·         grandiose belief in own abilities that defy the laws of logic (ability to fly, for example)

Bipolar disorder in children is hard to diagnose and often is diagnosed as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or simply “mood disorder”.  There are some behaviors that should be considered “red flags” for help.  Those are:

·         destructive rages that continue past the age of four

·         talk of wanting to die or kill themselves

·         trying to jump out of a moving car

Pediatric bipolar disorder is a complex and complicated disorder.  If you believe your child has some of these symptoms or behaviors, it is best to contact a professional to talk about what is happening with your child and family.  You do not need to feel ashamed or embarrassed.  It is not your fault.  I urge you call today and make an appointment.