Bipolar Disorder In Children & Teens

Bipolar Disorder In Children & Teens

Recently Answered
Q What is bipolar disorder in children and teens?
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Bipolar disorder in children and teens is a mood problem that causes extreme ups and downs. When children are up, they have brief, intense outbursts or feel irritable or extremely happy several times almost every day. They may talk very fast and have... Full Answer
Q Is there a cure for childhood bipolar disorder?
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Dr. Michael Roizen, Internal Medicine
There is no cure for bipolar disorder, so treatment focuses on relieving and controlling symptoms. A comprehensive plan of treatment including medication, stress reduction, and psychotherapy attacks symptoms from all sides.   Your child can take... Full Answer
Q What are the symptoms of bipolar depression in children?
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Dr. Michael Roizen, Internal Medicine
Bipolar disorder can cause depression, which is more than just sadness or feeling down. Major symptoms to look out for include:  loss of energy  withdrawing from activities that your child used to love  feelings of worthlessness... Full Answer
Q How do I choose a mental health expert for my bipolar child?
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Dr. Michael Roizen, Internal Medicine
Finding a mental health expert for your bipolar child can be a challenge, especially since child psychiatrists these days are almost as rare as a Siberian tiger. Your best bet for finding one is to start by asking your doctor and your child’s... Full Answer
Q How is bipolar disorder treated in children and teens?
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Guidelines indicate that for treatment of bipolar disorder in children and adolescents, combination treatment (medications and psychotherapy) is recommended: Maintenance Therapy: Medications such as lithium, divalproex sodium, or carbamazapine... Full Answer
Q How is bipolar disorder diagnosed in children?
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Dr. Michael Roizen, Internal Medicine
Bipolar disorder can be diagnosed in young children, but it is about as difficult as it is to get a two year old to sit down for 20 minutes. We all know that children’s behavior and moods tend to change as fast and as often as a stop light,... Full Answer
Q How do I help my teenager manage bipolar disorder?
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Julie A. Fast, Psychology
The #1 management tool (outside of medications) is getting your teen and yourself to discover and write down the very first symptoms of a mood swing- especially for mania, depression, anxiety and psychosis. It you catch the small signs that a mood swing... Full Answer
Q How can I help my child get the right bipolar diagnosis?
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Dr. Michael Roizen, Internal Medicine
Bipolar disorder can be diagnosed in young children, but it is about as difficult as it is to get a two year old to sit down for 20 minutes. We all know that children’s behavior and moods tend to change as fast and as often as a stoplight,... Full Answer
Q Should I tell my child's school about his or her bipolar disorder?
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Dr. Mark Morocco, Emergency Medicine
Most definitely, your child's school must know about his or her bipolar disorder diagnosis. Regrettably, there is a lack of knowledge about bipolar disorder in children and teenagers. Sometimes children with bipolar disorder are punished unjustly for not... Full Answer
Q Are children with bipolar disorder ever misdiagnosed with ADHD?
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Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is an increasingly common diagnosis for children, teens, and adults. Some children with bipolar disorder are often misdiagnosed with ADHD. If children with bipolar disorder have co-occurring ADHD,... Full Answer