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Bipolar Disorder (Manic-Depression)
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Although Bipolar Disorder is often thought of as an adult condition, some 15% to 30 % of those affected experience the illness prior to age 18. It is beginning to be recognized as a significant pediatric mental health problem. It is now estimated that 1% of children and adolescent are affected by bipolar disorder. Children and adolescents with Bipolar Disorder experience feelings of extreme happiness and feelings of extreme sadness. They tend to cycle between these feelings. Although children experiencing bipolar disorder may cycle or experience more than an elevated mood and a depressed mood in a day, adolescents tend to sustain an elevated mood for several days followed by a period of depressed mood. These feelings are different from normal changes in mood. Everyone experiences periods of uplifting happiness or deep sadness. But people with Bipolar Disorder have mood changes that are much more intense than normal. Mania in children and adolescents is characterized by irritability, inflated self-esteem, rapid nonstop speech, racing thoughts, decreased need for sleep, increased energy, difficulty concentrating, excessive spending, poor judgment, aggressive behavior, and risk taking behaviors. Depression in children and adolescents with Bipolar Disorder have similar symptoms found in Major Depression. Bipolar Disorder is a serious medical illness that, when left untreated, can be devastating to children, adolescents, their families and friends. It can disrupt normal development in both academic and social areas and also increase the risk of drug and alcohol abuse. [Keywords: Bipolar Disorder, Manic-Depression, extreme happiness, extreme sadness, elevated mood, depressed mood, irritability, inflated self-esteem, rapid nonstop speech, racing thoughts, decreased need for sleep, increased energy, difficulty concentrating, excessive spending, poor judgment, aggressive behavior, risk taking behaviors] |
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