Bipolar disorder is a mental condition that can affect individuals of all ages, including children. A child with bipolar disorder will experience the same symptoms that an adult with the disorder will. During a depressive state, the child will feel intense feelings of sadness, morose, lack of energy and perhaps have sleeping problems. While they are in a manic state, they might feel very happy, have a great deal of energy and be able to focus or sit still.
The child will experience mood swings ranging from mania and depression, which is characteristic of bipolar disorder. There may also be physical problems associated with the conditions as well. A child may also experience physical problems, for example, their metabolic and cardiac systems may be affected. Those behavioral and perhaps physical symptoms associated with bipolar disorder may come on gradually or all at once, either during childhood or adolescence. Some people won’t experience these symptoms until adulthood.
Managing Bipolar Disorder
There is no cure for bipolar disorder, but there are ways to manage it. Children may be prescribed medications by their doctor. They may also be referred to a psychologist or psychiatrists for therapy. Used along side medication, this combination is sometimes very effective.
An option for young persons with moderate-to-severe cases of bipolar disorder, are centers especially for children. Bipolar disorders centers for children will provide focused and appropriate care for kids with the mental condition. All therapies and treatment plans will be geared so that they are most effective and easy to understand by younger patients.
The exact types of treatment offered will differ. This is because the condition will not affect every child the same way. Some kids will experience manic and depressive episodes only occasionally and when they do, they may not be extremely intense. Others may experience these mood swings quite a bit and they can be very intense. How a child is thus treated, will depend on the severity of the condition and how often it occurs.
When looking into bipolar disorder centers for children, it is very important that a parent or guardian chooses a quality program. Parents who do not have a lot of experience in this area will need to be extra cautious. It is always a good idea to go with a center that is reputable, that has experience and that is proven in the effective treatment of children with bipolar disorder.
Reputation is a factor that can not be compromised. This probably is pretty apparent, but does warrant a mention. Programs that have a good reputation are more likely to offer quality care that is satisfactory and they make a real difference in a child’s life. An experienced center can also be of great help because they will have staff onboard that understands bipolar disorder, the various ways to treat it and the options which are most effective. Programs that have proven that they can help children with bipolar disorder are a treasure and parents, when they are able, should do their best to enroll their child in this type of facility.