Question 1

can kids get bipolar disorder?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Yes, most patients start bipolar disorder in childhood.  The earlier a child is treated, the less likely the child will continue on to have bipolar symptoms in adulthood. See: http://www.Thebalancedmind.Org/  also see the great book by janet wozniak, md "is your child bipolar?".

Question 2

might i pass my bipolar type 2 onto my children?

Accepted Answer

Possibly: It is possible that certain psychiatric conditions or traits run in families. Have your child evaluated by a competent psychiatrist to see if this trait is likely present in your child. Good luck.

Question 3

how might one explain bipolar disorder to a child?

Accepted Answer

Depends on age: 3-7 year olds need a very simple explanation.  Older children or adolescents should participate in discussions of their condition with the doctor.  Together, parents, physician, counselor & patient form an interactive team to educate, discuss, treat & improve the life of a bipolar child. Use a volcano metaphor as a simple form of explanation. One explodes for no (or minimal) reason then cools down.

Question 4

where can we find help for a bipolar-behaving child?

Accepted Answer

Bi-polar: If you have concerns of your child being bipolar you need to find a good pediatric psychiatrist. A good pediatric psychologist can help but when medicine is needed you will need a psychiatrist.

Question 5

how do you explain to your child that you are bipolar?

Accepted Answer

Depends: It depends on your childs age and level of maturity, preschoolers and school age children are going to have a hard time understanding the concept...From mommy is sick to sometimes mommy feels very happy and other times very sad could be enough.Middle schoolers and up, downloading patient information from a medical site or asking your md to explainit to the child could be viable options.

Question 6

what are the symptoms of bipolar disorder in children?

Accepted Answer

Cycling etc: Irritability, rapid changes in mood, easy anger, meaness, destructibility, sleeplessness, infallibility (thinking one is always right, aggressiveness, hypersexulality, aggression toward animals, lying & deceitfulness.  See www.Bipolarchild.Com/resources/jbrf/. Dr papolos developed an effective questionnaire to screen for bipolar disorder. The diagnosis will be made by your doctor or psychiatrist.

Question 7

how do you explain your bipolar disorder to your children?

Accepted Answer

Warmly by age: Each child has a particular maturity. Address yourself using this as your guide. A younger child will understand ''medicine'', being ill . More mature child will appreciate more details such as ''mood'', ''feelings'', have a really good doctor, ''will be with me, us for a long time''. Do make sure you allow each to feel you are available for concerns & questions. And each is safe & loved.

Question 8

how likely will my child have bipolar, because i'm bipolar?

Accepted Answer

Possibly: Twin, adoption, and family history studies have demonstrated a 4 - 6 fold increased risk in first degree relatives of parents and siblings with bipolar disorder.

Question 9

what are the chances of my children being bipolar if we are?

Accepted Answer

High : Bipolar disorder is the most heritable condition we know.  If both parents are bipolar, then there is better than a 50-50 chance the children will be bipolar.

Question 10

what are the usual symptoms of bipolar disorder in children?

Accepted Answer

BIPOLAR DISORDER: Manic depressive personality sometimes child is sad alternates with elation lasting for a few months.Stressful life events or other psychosocial  factors may precede  mood changes.

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Doctor answers about:

NIH bipolar in kids

A member asked:

Can kids get bipolar disorder?

A member asked:

Might i pass my bipolar type 2 onto my children?

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How might one explain bipolar disorder to a child?

A member asked:

Where can we find help for a bipolar-behaving child?

A member asked:

How do you explain to your child that you are bipolar?

A member asked:

What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder in children?

A member asked:

How do you explain your bipolar disorder to your children?

A member asked:

How likely will my child have bipolar, because i'm bipolar?

A member asked:

What are the chances of my children being bipolar if we are?

A member asked:

What are the usual symptoms of bipolar disorder in children?

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