Symptoms of Child Bipolar Disorder:

Bipolar Disorder is a diagnosis previously reserved for adults that is now receiving wide recognition for a subset of children with involved behavioral problems.  They are often identified as Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) while not successfully treatment by traditional ADHD medication and services.  These children exhibit ADHD type symptoms in addition to other extreme behavioral problems.  Consequently they experience social and academic difficulty as wells as a host of other problems.  Parents, teachers, and caregivers often feel helpless to manage their behavior.  The following symptoms are seen in children with Bipolar Disorder.  Usually, a child will not exhibit all of these symptoms.  Adolescents with Bipolar Disorder will exhibit symptoms more typical of the adult Bipolar Disorders.

• Hyperactivity
• Distractibility
• Disorganized approach to projects and school work
• Unusually intense behavior
• Excessive excitability
• Rapid mood changes
• Inappropriate anger
• Irritability
• Explosiveness
• Poor judgment
• Prone to dangerous actions
• Difficulty fitting in socially
• Rages, maybe lengthy and destructive
• Age-inappropriate sexual conduct
• Depressed or sad mood
• Defiant
• Disrespect of peers and authority figures
• Violation of boundaries
• Sleeps to much or too little
• Night terrors
• Bedwetting
• Anxiety
• Food cravings, often sweets or carbohydrates
• Grandiosity (belief in ability to do impossible)
• Hallucinations (sees, hears, or perceives what is not real)
• Delusions (false beliefs about reality)

NOTE:  These diagnoses should only be diagnosed by a Licensed Mental Health Provider or Physician.