Although it may rarely be heard, but bipolar disorder in children can occur. This condition is important to be treated as early as possible, because it can affect the growth and development. Therefore, let's understand the symptoms of bipolar disorder in children and how to handle it.
Bipolar disorder is characterized by drastic mood changes, sleep patterns, and the ability to think. This disorder is more common in the age of adulthood. But in some cases, bipolar disorder can also occur in children and adolescents.
Until now, the exact cause of the occurrence of bipolar disorder in children has not been known with certainty. Hereditary factors and abnormalities in the brain structure of children are thought to play a role in increasing the risk of bipolar appearance in children.
Characteristics of Bipolar Disorders in Children
In general, children who suffer from bipolar disorder will experience two psychological phases in their daily life, namely the manic phase (carefree) and the depressive phase (sad). This makes him sometimes look very happy, active, have many ideas, but suddenly become very sad, reluctant to move, even to shut himself up.
Bipolar children who are in manic phase can behave as follows:
- Looks like more energy than usual.
- Behave aggressively and impatiently.
- Won't sleep.
- Talk quickly.
- Difficult to concentrate.
- Feeling himself more important than others around him.
While the depressive phase in children with bipolar disorder can be characterized by several symptoms or changes in behavior, such as:
- Look tired, listless, have no energy, and lose interest in activities.
- Difficult to concentrate when studying, which results in decreased achievement in school.
- Feeling sad, worried, anxious, and more irritable.
- Loss of appetite.
- There is a desire to commit suicide.
Transition between manic phase and depression in bipolar children can occur in one day, even repeatedly. In between the two phases or often called the transition period, your child can behave normally as usual.
If behavior changes occur quickly, some parents might think of it as mood swings. However, the existence of a phase when the Little One behaves normally, followed by a drastic difference between the manic and depressive phases is key for you as a parent to recognize the possibility of bipolar disorder in your Little One.
Management of Bipolar Disorders in Children
Bipolar management in children aims to reduce symptoms and stabilize the child's mood. Handling is not only done by a psychiatrist, but also parents, family members, as well as teachers and other people who often interact with your child.
There are two methods of handling bipolar disorder in children that can be done, namely through drugs and psychotherapy.
Giving drugs is done to stabilize the child's mood. As a parent, you must ensure that your child takes the medicine regularly. While psychotherapy is done to help children understand their condition, the emotional changes they will experience, and teach them communication techniques when experiencing a bipolar episode.
Children with bipolar disorder need long-term treatment. Recognize the initial symptoms that can be experienced by children with bipolar disorder and treatment options that can be done, if you are confused, take advantage of the psychological counseling services of children in the hospital. Early recognition and proper handling will help the child to continue to be able to do activities like other children.
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