So, while the condition is often associated with adults, kids of any age can have bipolar disorder.
Early intervention can be the key to getting symptoms under control.
Research indicates that having a parent or sibling who has bipolar disorderincreases your child’s chances of developing it.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Schedule an appointment to discuss your concerns.
A physician may refer you to a mental health treatment provider for a complete evaluation.
Unfortunately, there is no simple lab test that identifies bipolar disorder.
Keep an eye out for substance abuse, such as drinking or taking drugs, as well assuicidal behavior.
The risk for suicide in people with bipolar disorder is among the highest for all psychiatric disorders.
If your teen has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, take the risk of suicide seriously.
Work with your teens treatment providers to assess your teens risks and to develop a safety plan.
Your childs academic needs will depend on their symptoms and subsequent academic and behavioral issues.
If they struggle academically, the school may provide services to help ensure they get a solid education.
Its important for siblings to understand what to expect.
Hold regular conversations with your child about treatment and treatment-related issues.
They may also want to stop going to therapy.Validate their feelingsand talk about the importance of following doctors recommendations.
Be open to discussing their options with them.
Its essential to take care of yourself as well.
Coping with the challenges of raising a child with bipolar disorder can be stressful.
Consider joining asupport group for parentswith kids with bipolar disorder (or mental illness in general).
An unbiased, professional opinion could bring you some peace of mind and perhaps a fewnew parenting skills.
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Washburn JJ, West AE, Heil JA.Treatment of pediatric bipolar disorder: A review.Minerva Psichiatr.
2011;52(1):21-35.
National Alliance on Mental Illness.Bipolar disorder.
Goldstein TR.Suicidality in pediatric bipolar disorder.Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am.
2012;69(11).
doi:10.1001/archgenpsychiatry.2012.650
Children and Adults With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD).Pediatric bipolar disorder.
Joshi G, Wilens T.Comorbidity in pediatric bipolar disorder.Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am.
2009;18(2):291-319. doi:10.1016/j.chc.2008.12.005
