Studies involving children have produced some alarming results about the realities and risks of bipolar illness to our young.

Bipolar illness, also referred to as “manic-depression,” is a devastating condition brought on by a chemical imbalance in the brain. A person experiences the worst kind of emotional rollercoaster ride that whisks them to opposite extremes.

Manic – the “high” end – is a persistent feeling of extreme giddy happiness or agitation mixed with high energy. Depression – the “low” end – is a persistent feeling of extreme sadness or irritability accompanied by low energy. Two extremes; no middle ground.

Historically, bipolar research has focused on adults. However, recent studies of children as young as six years of age have made it abundantly clear that many youth, adolescents and teens are also at risk with this disease.

According to the Child & Adolescent Bipolar Foundation (CABF), 1 million or more U.S. children under 18 suffer from bipolar disorder that is being overlooked, misdiagnosed and even going untreated.

If bipolar disorder is ignored or approached as a different illness, the consequences can be devastating. Risk to the child extends to school failure, substance abuse and even the path of suicide.

Why has this connection between bipolar illness and children taken so long to uncover? One reason is because bipolar disorder in children looks different than it does in adults.

Bipolar adults experience distinct emotional cycles that, over time, move between extreme euphoria and severe depression. The bipolar child has symptoms that are less distinct, with ups and downs that can change rapidly throughout a day.

Research also brought to light that bipolar illness in children was being masked by two other conditions. It shares common symptoms with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and Depression. Treatments for these illnesses do not address many bipolar needs.

Common to both bipolar and ADHD are displays of irritability, high energy levels, restlessness, impulsivity and distractibility.

Common to both bipolar and depression are persistent sadness, sleeping too much or too little, agitation and irritability, severe anxiety, withdrawal from once-enjoyed activities, drop in grades, thoughts of self-destruction, low energy, and changes in appetite.

Beyond the symptoms of ADHD and depression, a bipolar child also experiences symptoms of mania (the high or “activated” state), such as:

• Insomnia; a decreased need for sleep (4-6 hours)
• An elevated or irritable mood; increased physical and mental energy
• Exaggerated or extended silliness
• Racing thoughts and speech; jumping topics; need to keep talking
• Grandiose displays (trying to rule over adults; acting like rules don’t apply to them)
• Daredevil acts that put physical safety in jeopardy
• Inappropriate sexual behavior; flirtatious beyond their years

In the case of early onset of bipolar disorder in young children, they can also display very oppositional, volatile and explosive behaviors. Oftentimes they have prolonged and violent tantrums that are triggered by the word “no.” The red flag is when these things happen beyond the age of four.

Symptoms aren’t always obvious at onset. Separating it all out can be difficult and challenging. While medicines alone help to treat depression and ADHD, these medicines will not address the full needs of a bipolar or suicidal child. The treatment of bipolar disorder requires therapy beyond medicine, beyond what the family doctor can prescribe.

Parents of children diagnosed with depression or ADHD, of a teen who abuses substances, or a child engaged in inappropriate sexual behavior need to seriously consider taking it one step further by consulting with a child psychiatrist or psychologist who has experience in recognizing and treating bipolar disorder in youth.

Find out if your child is at risk or not. When it comes to early onset, the sooner it is caught the better a child’s chance at living a stable, healthy and full life.

If you feel your youth, adolescent or teen is at risk for bipolar disorder, seek professional help from your local Mental Health Services. Trained professionals are dedicated to the emotional healing and well-being of children.