Bipolar Disorder (Manic Depression)
Bipolar disorder, or manic depression, often begins in late adolescence or early adulthood, though it can affect children as well. Emotions and behaviors go up and down with severe “lows” (signs of depression) and extreme “highs” (called mania).
Bipolar disorder has been diagnosed more frequently in recent years, especially for children and teens.xxiv It’s not known whether this is because more young people have bipolar illness today than in the past, or because health care providers are getting better at diagnosing it.
Bipolar disorder affects children in different ways.xxv
During “mania” or highs, a child or teen with bipolar disorder might show some of these signs:
- Extreme or irritable moods
- Decreased need for sleep
- Racing speech
- Grand and self-important delusions
- Excessive fun but risky behavior
- More talking and moving
- Poor judgment
- In severe cases, hallucinations
When “depressed” or low, a child or teen with bipolar disorder might show these signs:
- Persistent sadness and crying spells
- Sleeping too much or being unable to sleep
- Agitation and irritability
- Withdrawal from activities they used to enjoy
- Drop in grades and inability to concentrate
- Thoughts of death and suicide
- Low energy
- A big change in appetite.
Other signs of bipolar behavior can include substance abuse, irritability, agitation, not sleeping or sleeping less than usual, cutting or self-mutilation, and problems maintaining healthy relationships.xxvi
Some of these symptoms are normal and may even be common with some teenagers. When the signs or symptoms keep happening and get in the way of daily activities they may be the result of bipolar disorder.
For more information about bipolar disorder see the following fact sheet from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA):
English
http://www.systemsofcare.samhsa.gov/newinformation/docs/FactSheetBipolar.pdf
Spanish
http://www.systemsofcare.samhsa.gov/newinformation/docs/Bipolar_7-20-06.pdf
If you think your son or daughter might be experiencing bipolar disorder, talk to a health care provider like a nurse or doctor, the counselor at your child’s school, or a mental health professional.
This web site describes some of the common mental health problems that affect teens, including:
Last revised: March 27, 2009
