Bipolar disorder in children is characterized by alternating periods of manic, depressive episodes and normal state, each of which lasts for several weeks or months seroquel for anxiety.
In recent years, the term “bipolar disorder” is also used in children pre-adolescent age, whose options are limited due to the tense, unstable mood. In such small children, however, a certain state of mood lasts from moments to several days. In both cases the diagnosis is based on the history and Mental State Examination; Treatment includes a combination of drugs, normalizing the mood (eg, lithium, some antiepileptics and antipsychotics), psychotherapy and psychosocial support.
Bipolar disorder usually begins in adolescents and young adults aged 20-25 years. In many cases, it is the first manifestation of one or more episodes of depression; approximately 2/3 of the children who had severe depressive episode before puberty, a teenager or a young age will develop bipolar disorder.
Causes of bipolar disorder in children
Until now, researchers can not be called up with the causes of bipolar disorder in children.
It is believed that bipolar disorder in children is hereditary. If the close relatives of the child were ill with the disease, such as mother, father, grandmother, grandfather, brother or sister, it is likely that it is also ill.
If your child has bipolar disorder, the tragic events in life can provoke an attack of mania or depression. Despite the fact that the reaction to a particular event in the life can be completely natural, it will be over in bipolar disorder.
Sometimes, symptoms of mania may occur as a result of another disease, such as thyroid disorders or multiple sclerosis. These symptoms can also occur in response to certain medications, such as corticosteroids or antidepressants. Also, alcohol abuse, drugs, drinking large amounts of caffeine and lack of sleep can provoke an attack of mania.
Symptoms of bipolar disorder in a child
The hallmark of bipolar disorder in children is a manic episode. During a manic episode teenage mood can be both extremely high and irritable and often alternate, depending on social conditions. This fast and energetic, decreased need for sleep and self-inflated. Mania can reach psychotic dimensions, for example, “I have become equal with God.” Awareness of the danger can be reduced, so the teenager can make risky behavior, such as to be sexually promiscuous, irresponsible driving.
In recent years, the term “bipolar disorder” is also used in children pre-adolescent age, whose options are limited due to the tense, unstable mood. It is controversial and is an active area of research. Such children have marked mood changes, but they last for a much shorter, often only a few minutes. Characterized by a gradual imperceptible beginning, there are indications that a child has always been a very temperamental, and it was difficult to cope with it in history.
a number of diseases and toxic effects should be avoided by appropriate examination, including toxicology testing for the presence of narcotic drugs (eg, amphetamines, cocaine and phencyclidine) and external factors (eg, lead). It is also necessary to clarify the presence of triggering events, such as severe mental stress, including sexual abuse or incest.
All types of bipolar disorder in children characterized by phases of mania (or hypomania, a mild form of mania) and depression. Different types of the disorder depends on what kind of symptoms the patient more intense mania or depression.