It Can Be Hard To Diagnose Bipolar Symptoms in Children
Bipolar in children and symptoms of bipolar covers a ranging degree of seriousness. It is occasionally difficult to detect the symptoms of bipolar and bipolar in children due to this as confusion with other issues like hyperactivity, attention deficit or allergies in children. This can also be misconstrued in adults as other things especially if they are on drugs and/or alcohol.
Manic Depression is what we now know as Bipolar Disorder. While it can be hereditary and environmental, according to studies it is suggested that the primary cause of this is due to a shortage of Serotonin, a natural occurring chemical that balances and controls mood. Extreme mood swings are the main symptom due to the shortage of Serotonin but there are also other things to look out for as there are four phases to the disorder.
The Four Phases Along With the Typical Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder:
Mania or Manic, Hypomania, Depression and Mixed episode are the four phases or moods that are split on each side of normal and balanced moods that most people vary little from. They can vary in degrees, and some people are more prone to episodes of mania over depression or vice versa, but some can alternate frequently or infrequently between the two sides of normal.
People usually talk fast and seem generally hyperactive when in the mania or manic phase because it causes them to have extreme energy and euphoria.
The hypomania stage is less severe than the manic phase. Here, people tend to live their everyday lives in a way that outsiders describe as an overly happy person. Because of this, it is harder to recognize but sometimes the impulsive tendency comes through. At some point, they go into a full blown manic episode.
In the depression phase, there is a tendency to sleep more, gain weight, have higher irritability and unpredictable mood swings involving guilt and can lose touch with reality.
When a mix of high energy with a depressed mood is experienced, this is known as the Mixed Emotion Phase. It can also be counted as a combination of anxiety mixed with racing thoughts.
The Usual Symptoms of Bipolar in Children:
Similar to the four phases are the typical symptoms of bipolar in children who include irritability, frequent mood swings, hyperactivity and impulsivity, restless and fidgeting.
In studies, it was shown that up to 80% of bipolar children may come from families where both parents were either alcoholics or parents that also have bipolar disorder or both.
The symptoms of bipolar in children fit the ADHD (Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) due to the guidelines set out for diagnosing it. However, it is not recognized until later in life.
Conclusion:
It is vital that the symptoms of bipolar in children be diagnosed as early as possible as episodes may get worse in time.