El bipolar disorder in children it acts in the same way as in adults. They are children who get excited or irritated very easily, their emotional states vary above the average of other children and this affects their mood both at school and at home.
Your diagnosis can be challenging because other mental conditions that may exist in children are created in conjunction with this disorder. A mental health specialist will determine if your child has this type of condition. In addition, it is convenient to clarify whether or not you suffer from it as soon as possible for a early and effective treatment, since delaying it can prevent serious consequences.
What is bipolar disorder?
Although in most cases bipolar disorder It is diagnosed in adolescents and older, also children can suffer from this serious brain disease. It is also associated as a manic-depressive illness since children suffer from unusual mood swings.
These mood swings are distinguished from normal ups and downs why are too extreme. In most cases, they are unprovoked and without apparent cause and are accompanied by energy changes, sleep disturbances and not having the ability to think clearly.
Children with this bipolar disorder often have behavior and sociability problems with his environment and family. It can coincide with other disorders such as depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and anxiety. Its diagnosis associated with other disorders can be complicated and its evaluation must be determined by a well-trained mental health specialist.
How is this disorder treated in children?
Bipolar disorder can be treated to alleviate your symptoms, but there is no specific cure to combat it. Children have a treatment similar to that of an adult and in their case it works with the taking of medicines. A training plan must be provided to be able to stabilize the mood.
Each child may respond in a different way to treatment with medication, so depending on the symptoms you may receive more than one treatment. In most cases, a drug that has already been evaluated is prescribed to try to check whether it is appropriate or not.
It begins prescribing low doses that later can be increased if they are evaluated correctly and does not cause side effects. In any of the cases, if the child does not respond well, do not stop suddenly, because it can worsen the polar symptoms. In this case, a doctor will refer you to a much more feasible solution.
On the other hand, there is the therapy where it will be implanted psychotherapy classes or "dialogue" therapy. Children and their families should participate in this treatment as a key point to control symptoms. They are research-focused therapies for correct cognitive behavior and can help control bipolar disorder. They will emphasize knowing how to handle emotions, doing routines and participating to improve social relationships.
As support and words of some adolescents who have gone through this disorder, it should be noted that it is something very hard and sometimes not very understandable. However, you must be condescending with children when their first symptoms appear and make an effective diagnosis to determine it. The best therapy that has come to fruition is to follow medication, have a relaxed and stress-free life. Eating, sleeping well, and exercising regularly help and are very supportive.