How to Manage Bipolar Disorder in Children

Bipolar disorder is a serious medical condition, and for children with Early Onset Bipolar Disorder, or EOBD, it can be a devastating illness for the whole family. Symptoms like rages, violence toward parents and siblings, childhood suicide attempts, and child depression are difficult for parents, siblings and even doctors to understand. These behaviors are equally difficult on the child with bipolar disorder because they usually do not understand their own behavior and usually wish they could be like everyone else.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Support group that focuses on supporting the family as a whole.
• An understanding psychiatrist
• Books to learn the side effects of your child's medication
• PDR or Physicians Desk Reference

Medications

1. Ask questions. Never give your child medication without researching the drug. Ask about short term and long term side effects, nutritional effects, required lab work, drug interactions, and expected benefit. Be sure to pose your questions to your pharmacist, as well as your psychiatrist. If possible, look up the prescribed drugs online, as well.

2. Keep a daily log of your child's symptoms, overall mood, medications taken--including over the counter (OTC) meds for allergies, coughs and colds, along with any unusual or gluten containing foods they eat that day. Review this log often to look for any behavior patterns.

3. Ask your child's psychiatrist for a med review often, and always advocate for the least amount of medication that allows your child to live a full life.

4. Watch for long term medication side effects. Many psych meds can cause a serious side effect called Tardive Dyskinesia or TD. Tardive Dyskinesia causes loss of muscle control, and in some cases, mental retardation.

5. Consider medication as only one way to manage Bipolar Disorder, and consider using other, more natural ways to manage the disease.

Diet And environmental factors

6. Evaluate your child's diet. Many parents notice and improvement of mood and behavior after removing gluten, meat, artificial colors and flavors, MSG, and aspartame from their child's diet.

7. Have your child allergy tested. Some types of allergy can mimic bipolar disorder. EILSA testing is best. Have your child tested for lead and heavy metals, as well.

8. Ensure your child gets enough B vitamins from their food. B vitamins help stabilize mood, and alleviate depression.

9. Consider having your child do a detoxification program. Bipolar disorder is worsened by toxins in the blood stream.

10. Evaluate the amount of stress your child is under. Avoid over scheduling activities or allowing your child to spend time with those who cause stress.

Supplements

11. St. John's Wart is an effective treatment for depression. Consult your physician for the proper dosage for your child.

12. Ginko Biloba helps with concentration, and mood stabilization.

13. Chamomile and Kava Kava are calming herbs. They can be used during periods of mania. Licorice and sarsaparilla are also calming herbs.

14. Ginseng is a good herb to help increase energy and positive mood.

15. Gotu kola is another good herb for the depressed phase of bipolar. Fish oil is effective to help stabilize mood.

Tips & Warnings

• Nutritionists, herbalists and naturapaths can help you decide on the best natural treatment for your bipolar child.
• Homeopathy is also effective when treating bipolar disorder.
• Parents who stay calm during their child's bipolar melt down are more able to evaluate and assist the child.
• Never mix herbs and psych medication without consulting your doctor, pharmacist, or knowledgeable herbalist.
• Consult your doctor, pharmacist or herbalist before determining an herbal dosage for your child.
• If you child exhibits suicidal or homicidal behavior, call your physician or local emergency room right away.
• If your child hallucinates, call your medical provider.

Resources

• PsychCentral