Bipolar Disorder In Children & Teens

Recently Answered

• QHow can I help my young child with bipolar disorder?

  1 Answer

  A

  

  A International Bipolar Foundation answered

  Here are some ways you can help your child with bipolar disorder:

  • learn relaxation techniques to help your child cope with stress; ask your child's doctor for guidance and resources
  • research coping strategies that have worked for others
  • provide outlets for your child to express feelings through art, music, play and other special interests your child has
  • make sure you maintain routine and structure in your daily activities
  • at the same time, give your child sufficient freedom within limits
  • try to arrange a calm, low stress environment in the home
  • when disciplining, focus on problem-solving rather than criticism and punishment
  • talk to your child's school about an individualized educational plan (IEP) to help your child be successful at school
• QHow can I tell if treatment for my child's bipolar disorder is working?

  1 Answer

  A

  

  A Keith Star , Psychology, answered on behalf of Tarzana Treatment Centers

  Medical professionals and families of children and teens with bipolar disorder should monitor symptoms and treatment to decide if changes to the treatment plan are needed. Different medications can be more helpful for one type of symptom than another. The child or teen may need to change medications or try different treatments if symptoms change.
  
  It is recommended to work closely with your child's doctor and therapist and discuss treatment choices can make treatment more effective.
  
  You may want to monitor your child's daily mood symptoms, treatments, sleep patterns, and life events. This can help you and your child.
• QHow is bipolar disorder treated in children and teens?

  2 Answers

  A

  

  A World Federation For Mental Health (WFMH) answered

  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 are most commonly used to treat children and adolescents; risperidone and aripiprizole were recently approved in the U.S. for use in children and adolescents in the U.S.
  • Treatment of Acute States (mania and depression): Additional medications are also needed to treat the acute phases of the disorder. Because of the severity and complexity of the disorder in young children and adolescents, many treatment pathways are used.
  • Overall Treatment of the Disorder: Once a child is stabilised with medication, therapy can help build skills and provide families with the information and support they need to help their child or adolescent. A comprehensive and coordinated approach to medication and psychotherapy is recommended for optimal care for children and adolescents with bipolar disorder.

  See All 2 Answers
• QHow is bipolar disorder diagnosed in children?

  3 Answers

  A

  

  A Dr. Michael Roizen, MD , Internal Medicine, answered

  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, especially when they are tired, sick, or hungry, so it can be hard to pinpoint the exact reason for the changes in their mood or behavior. Your child’s doctor will need to rule out factors such as trauma, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or behavioral problems that often occur along with bipolar disorder.

  See All 3 Answers
• QWhat mental conditions may occur along with bipolar disorder in children?

  2 Answers

  A

  

  A World Federation For Mental Health (WFMH) answered

  Often, those with Childhood-Onset Bipolar Disorder are diagnosed with other mental health disorders, known as comorbid conditions. These other diagnoses can mask or co-occur with Bipolar Disorder:

  • attention-deficit disorder with hyperactivity (ADHD)
  • disruptive behaviour disorders
  • anxiety disorders
  • substance abuse
  • developmental and intellectual disabilities

  In adolescents, bipolar disorder is often misdiagnosed as borderline personality disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or schizophrenia. Studies have indicated between 40-90% of children with bipolar disorder also have ADHD, and around 50% have comorbid conduct disorder.

  See All 2 Answers
• QHow do I choose a mental health expert for my bipolar child?

  3 Answers

  A

  

  A Dr. Michael Roizen, MD , Internal Medicine, answered

  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 doctor for referrals. You can also find the closest teaching hospital to your home and contact their child and adolescent psychiatry department. If that still doesn’t get you what you’re looking for, you can search the online doctor finder of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists website or the CABF Directory of Professional Members. If you still can’t find a child psychiatrist, select a psychiatrist with experience treating mood disorders in adults and children.

   

  Once you’ve identified a mental health professional that you are interested in working with, ask what insurance he/she takes. Ideally, you will want to find one that takes your insurance.

  
  

   

  See All 3 Answers
• QHow should I choose a doctor for my child with bipolar disorder?

  1 Answer

  A

  

  A International Bipolar Foundation answered

  Find a pediatrician or child psychiatrist (or pediatric psychiatrist) who specializes in mood disorders. Be persistent in finding someone who has had extensive experience with children manifesting symptoms of all kinds of mood disorders. Ask the doctor or pediatric psychiatrist whether they've treated any children with pediatric bipolar disorder before. Ask them their opinion of the debate surrounding this mood disorder.
• QWhat medications help treat bipolar disorder in children?

  1 Answer

  A

  

  A International Bipolar Foundation answered

  Although not something parents like to hear and often experience some resistance to, prescribed medications are the mainstay of treatment for stabilizing the moods in children and adolescents with bipolar disorder. There are several medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of bipolar disorder in children and adolescents. They include lithium, and the second generation antipsychotics (SGAs) Risperdal, Abilify, Seroquel, and Zyprexa. However, it is important to keep in mind that many medications used to treat childhood illnesses, including childhood cancers, may be Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved for use in adults, but not for use in children. Often times, we extrapolate the use of these medications from adults to children and adolescents. There are several other medications that have been or are used to treat bipolar disorder in children and adolescents with varying degrees of success. They include the anticonvulsants Depakote, Tegretol, Trileptal, Topamax, Neurontin and Lamictal, as well as other SGAs, such as Geodon and Clozaril. Many of these medications are used alone or in combination, depending upon each individual's unique circumstances.
  
  The use of antidepressant medications, such as the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), including Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, Celexa and Lexapro, while often helpful in treating depressive symptoms in children and adolescents, pose serious risks when used in attempting to treat depressive symptoms in the context of bipolar disorder in children and adolescents. Activation, disinhibition, the triggering of a manic episode and the worsening of mood symptoms are not uncommon results. If these medications are to be used, caution and careful monitoring are required.