Signs of Manic Depression in Children

Manic depression, commonly called bipolar disorder, is a mood disorder that is characterized by emotional, mental, physical and behavioral highs and lows. Manic depression in children is fairly common today, and kids younger than 5 are even being diagnosed with this disorder. Although the symptoms of manic depression can be severe, this mental disorder is treatable. Manic depression symptoms often appear different in children than in adults, making it important to learn more about the signs of manic depression in children.

Mania

Children with manic depression often experience manic episodes, which are periods of extreme elation or intense agitation combined with high levels of energy. Kids in a manic phase might talk excessively or loudly and require little sleep and food. These periods of excitement can make bipolar children appear hyperactive, impulsive, inattentive and easily distracted. In severe cases, manic children might experience symptoms of psychosis, including delusions and hallucinations.

Depression

Manic depression in children also involves episodes of depression, which are periods of persistent or extreme sadness or irritability combined with low energy levels. The signs of depression in a bipolar disorder are similar to those involved in major depression. These symptoms can include a marked decrease in appetite, concentration levels and interest in usual activities. While some children want to sleep a lot during a depressive phase, others have a hard time sleeping at all. Kids might feel helpless, hopeless and worthless.

Rapid Cycling

Unlike a majority of bipolar adults, children with manic depression tend to have moods that cycle very rapidly and severely. They can experience numerous episodes of depression and mania during the course of one day. This rapid cycling can cause the manic depressive patient to be chronically irritable, and yet they can be extremely calm and pleasant to be around when they are in between the cycling periods. A child with manic depression might even experience mixed cycling, which is when symptoms of both mania and depression occur at the same time.

Considerations

Occasionally, the symptoms of manic depression first emerge during infancy. Small infants with bipolar disorder typically exhibit signs of erratic sleep patterns, separation anxiety or extreme rage. Toddlers with this disorder are inclined to throw intense temper tantrums. Children with manic depression often suffer from other medical conditions in addition to bipolar disorder, including attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) Tourette syndrome and schizophrenia. Many children diagnosed with ADHD might actually be suffering from manic depression, and the stimulants prescribed for ADHD can trigger a manic state or suicidal tendencies.

Onset

Many children first experience manic depression symptoms after a traumatic event, especially the death of a loved one. Later bipolar episodes might also be triggered by stress or become worse when the child feels anxious. Female adolescents may experience their first episode of mania or depression with the start of menstruation, and the manic depression symptoms can vary in severity according to where she is in her monthly cycle.

Treatments

Early treatment and intervention is really the only way that children with manic depression can achieve stability and normalcy in their lives. Treatment for manic depression in children nearly always includes prescribed medication, typically some sort of mood stabilizer like lithium or antidepressants such as Paxil or Zoloft. Psychotherapeutic treatments can benefit a bipolar child, and physicians often recommend therapy for the entire family. Support groups offer bipolar kids a chance to talk to with other sufferers and share coping techniques and success stories.