Bipolar Disorder
Before you read the webpage please read the following notes:
NOTE 1 – We are giving you an overview of this condition in a question and answer format so you have some information for when you talk to a health professional. We have not discussed how to diagnose this condition, the types of treatment available for this condition and how you as the parent can help your child. We will leave that for a professional to discuss with you when a healthcare plan or special educational needs plan is being written for your child once they have been diagnosed.
NOTE 2 – Children can suffer from more than one condition at any one time. This is known as comorbid
NOTE 3 – The exact cause of many of the conditions we have written about is unknown. Research is continuing. There can often be a genetic component which when inherited can make an individual prone to the condition. There are also other factors which can play a part in the development of the condition and can trigger it. We have detailed these factors in each write up.
NOTE 4 – Education for children with special education needs and disabilities is written elsewhere on this website. Please click the link below to access it.
WHAT IS BIPOLAR DISORDER?
Bipolar disorder is a chronic mental illness. It is a psychiatric illness. An individual who suffers from bipolar disorder has periods of time when they have lots of energy, high moods and they feel good. These alternate with periods of low moods, little energy and being depressed. These extreme shifts can affect the day to day functioning of a child.
The period when an individual suffers from high moods is referred to as manic, hypomanic moods or manic episodes.
The period when an individual suffers from low moods and little energy are referred to as depressive episodes.
These shifts between a manic and depressive period happen more frequently in children (many times in one day in extreme cases) than they do in adults (over weeks, months or years).
As stated above a child can experience both manic and depressive episodes in a very short period of time. Sometimes these episodes are not so clear cut and where this is the case it is referred to as the child is having a mixed episode.
Occasionally a bipolar individual can experience neither high or low periods. This is known as euthymic moods.
Children with bipolar disorder are regarded as children with special educational needs.
Bipolar disorder used to be known as manic depressive illness or manic depression.
LINK TO NHS WEBSITE FOR OVERVIEW – BIPOLAR DISORDER
WHAT SYMPTOMS DOES A CHILD WITH BIPOLAR DISORDER DISPLAY?
Children with bipolar disorder exhibit specific symptoms during specific distinct periods and they are different from those in adults.
The symptoms a child suffering from bipolar disorder can show during a manic period are:
- They are overly happy and joyful. Extremely hyperactive. Very bossy with friends.
- They can be disobedient.
- They can over focus on something
- They can be irresponsible and display silly inappropriate behaviour. They can be out of control.
- They cannot focus on their education.
- They can be loud at inappropriate times.
- They can get angry and aggressive at the slightest thing.
- They can get upset at disagreements between them and their friends.
- They can talk fast.
- They can talk about sex without thinking who may be present.
- They never appear to be tired.
- They can be up all night
- They are restless, cannot sit still and cannot settle.
- If the child is in their teens they can think a great deal about sex.
- If the child is in their teens they can masturbate a lot and participate in risky sexual activity.
- They can be dangerously impulsive and end up hurting themselves.
- They cannot handle change and can get upset.
The symptoms a child suffering from bipolar disorder can show during a depressive period are:
- They can talk about death a lot , going away, and suicide if they are old enough to understand what it is.
- They will tell everyone that they wish they were never born
- They think they are a bad child
- They become uninterested in their family and friends
- They can suddenly acquire a fear of others.
- They are always sleepy and sleeping
- They are tired for long periods of time
- They have constant stomach aches and headaches
- They are very sad and down and think everyone dislikes them.
- They can be emotional
- They may not be able to focus on education.
- They can either lose their appetite or gain one.
- They tend to isolate themselves.
- They display antisocial behaviour.
LINK TO NHS WEBSITE SYMPTOMS – BIPOLAR DISORDER
ARE CHILDREN WHO HAVE BIPOLAR DISORDER BORN WITH IT OR IS IT ACQUIRED?
The exact cause of bipolar disorder is unknown however, scientists believe there may be a genetic link so it could be an inherited condition. However, there are other factors that can contribute and increase the risk of a child developing bipolar disorder such as:
- Childhood trauma
- Abuse
- illness
- Stressful traumatic events
LINK TO NHS WEBSITE FOR CAUSES – BIPOLAR DISORDER
WHEN DO MOST CHILDREN FIRST DISPLAY THE SIGNS OF BIPOLAR DISORDER?
Children can develop bipolar disorder at any age (some as young as aged 5) however in most cases children show signs of bipolar disorder between the ages of 15 years and 19 years of age
CAN BIPOLAR DISORDER GO AWAY, BE CURED OR PREVENTED?
Bipolar disorder once diagnosed can be managed and controlled with treatment. It cannot be cured or prevented.
WHO DO YOUR CONTACT FOR HELP IF YOU FEEL YOUR CHILD HAS BIPOLAR DISORDER?
Contact your GP immediately – Your GP will arrange for your child to be assessed for bipolar disorder. Your GP will then arrange for your child to have the correct support, medication, therapy and treatment to manage and control the condition. They will also inform you of any lifestyle changes you may need to make and refer you for further help if you need it.
Contact the school SEN department – The SEN department (special educational needs) at school will take your concerns seriously and help you. Please read the next section below.
IS BIPOLAR DISORDER CONSIDERED A SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEED (SEN)?
A child suffering from bipolar disorder can be considered as one with special educational needs (SEN) if the issues the child is suffering from make education and learning much more difficult than other children of the same age.
Talk to the SEN department at your child’s school. There will be a special teacher there called a SENCO (special SEN coordinator) who looks after the welfare of all SEN children at the school and they will be able to advise you further.
WHERE CAN YOU AS A PARENT TALK, GET HELP AND ADVICE?
You can contact NSPCC – If your child has bipolar disorder you can contact the NSPCC and speak to them about your concerns. If the child is in danger they will call the police.
LINK TO WEBSITE FOR NSPCC – CONTACT US
You can contact FAMILY LIVES – Family lives was previously known as parentline. You can speak to them about your concerns that your child has bipolar disorder.
LINK TO WEBSITE FOR FAMILY LIVES – CONTACT US
You can contact SUPPORTLINE – Supportline can provide confidential emotional support over the phone about your concerns if your child has bipolar disorder. Their helpline number is 01708 765 200. You can also email them.
LINK TO WEBSITE FOR SUPPORTLINE – CONTACT US
You can contact your local authority child services – You can call them directly or look on their website to see if there are any local support groups where you can get support.
LINK TO GOVERNMENT WEBSITE TO FIND YOUR LOCAL AUTHORITY
You can contact other organisations –
LINK TO OUR L.I.P HELP GUIDE 16 – CONNECT WITH CHARITABLE ORGANISATIONS THAT COULD HELP YOU.
WHERE CAN YOUR CHILD TALK, GET HELP AND ADVICE?
Your child can contact CHILDLINE – If your child has bipolar disorder and they need to talk to someone, they can call childline.