Bipolar Disorder in ChildrenThe psychiatric community is stubborn The first serious studies on bipolar disorder in children began about fifteen years ago This is despite the fact that case studies in psychiatric literature dating as far back as the 1920’s, document cases of mania in children. You might ask yourself, why did it take so long? The psychiatric profession is notoriously slow to recognize mental health issues in children. Beliefs get established in the profession and Doctors are slow to change their minds, even when there is overwhelming evidence to the contrary. Usually mental health diagnoses are studied in adults, and then whatever is learned is applied children. This is unfortunate because many of the symptoms used to identify disorders in adults are not observed in children. If you suspect your child might have child bipolar you have probably experienced some of the division that still continues in the profession over the diagnosis. Many parents come to me for help insisting that they recognize the symptoms in their child and baffled by the refusal of professionals to make the diagnosis. Difficulties with making the diagnosis Clinicians and psychiatrists are hesitant to make a diagnosis of bipolar disorder in children because with that diagnosis comes the need for a lifelong cocktail of medications. The first line of treatment for bipolar in children is medication. Once your child carries that diagnosis the implication is that they will need medication for the rest of their life. That’s pretty serious! Also, the medications are pretty serious, they are not all well researched and we don’t know much about the long term effects of them.Bipolar Disorder in children hasn’t been accepted into the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual as a new category. The DSM is used to diagnosis all mental health conditions. It is difficult to justify the diagnosis according to adult criteria, and therefore insurance companies could argue that it is not an accurate diagnosis. In children, there are not necessarily easily distinguishable periods of time when they are manic versus when they are depressed. They do have periods of mania and depression, but the cycling is much shorter and the symptoms of mania and depression are different in children. Click here for more information about symptoms in children Click here for more information about bipolar disorder in toddlers Click here for more information about bipolar disorder in teens. It is difficult to diagnosis Bipolar in children. Every day more research is being done in this area and we learning a lot about how to recognize the symptoms of bipolar in children. Not only is it difficult for professional to keep up with all the research, but there is a lot of overlap between ADHD, anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, oppositional defiant disorder and autism with child bipolar disorder. It takes a lot of work to tease out all these other factors and get to the root of the problem. I think my child has bipolar disorder, why is important for him to be diagnosed? It’s is generally the consensus in the field that the earlier a child is identified as having bipolar disorder, the better their long term chance of success is. Children who have bipolar disorder need medication to be appropriately treated, if your child is misdiagnosed or not diagnosed their condition could worsen. When a child is not stable, their academics, social life, self esteem and family life suffer. When diagnosed and treated the prognosis can be very good. Bipolar disorder in children is treatable!You need an actual diagnosis to choose a therapist and psychiatrist who can help.You may need an actual diagnosis to get school accommodations for your child. The diagnosis of bipolar disorder can help you to choose parenting techniques that are appropriate.If mistreated this illness has a high correlation with academic difficulties, substance abuse and suicide.What can I do as a parent to help get my child and appropriate diagnosis? Seek out therapists and psychiatrists who have training in identifying children with bipolar disorder. Ask the therapist or Doctor what their credentials are. Arrive at your first appointment with a typed family history in hand. This family history should include both sides of your family and document substance abuse, mental health issues, legal issues and anything else of relevance. Be prepared to give a clear account of your child’s developmental history, behavior as an infant, school behavior, and interactions with peers. Keep a diary or chart of fluctuations in your child’s mood, sleep patterns, energy levels and appetite. Keep a history of medications trialed and treatment providers your child has seen.
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