Bipolar Disorder in Children and Teens
Children and teenagers with Bipolar Disorder have manic and/or depressive symptoms.
Some may have mostly depression and others a combination of manic and depressive
symptoms. Highs may alternate with lows.
Manic symptoms include:
• severe changes in mood-either unusually happy or silly, or very irritable, angry,
agitated or aggressive
• unrealistic highs in self-esteem - for example, a teenager who feels all powerful or
like a superhero with special powers
• great increase in energy and the ability to go with little or no sleep for days
without feeling tired
• increase in talking - the adolescent talks too much, too fast, changes topics too
quickly, and cannot be interrupted
• distractibility - the teen's attention moves constantly from one thing to the next
• repeated high risk-taking behavior; such as, abusing alcohol and drugs, reckless
driving, or sexual promiscuity
Depressive symptoms include:
• irritability, depressed mood, persistent sadness, frequent crying
• thoughts of death or suicide
• loss of enjoyment in favorite activities
• frequent complaints of physical illnesses such as headaches or stomach aches
• low energy level, fatigue, poor concentration, complaints of boredom
• major change in eating or sleeping patterns, such as oversleeping or overeating
Some of these signs are similar to those that occur in teenagers with other problems such
as drug abuse, delinquency, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, or even
schizophrenia.
Research has improved the ability to diagnose Bipolar Disorder in children and teens.
Bipolar Disorder can begin in childhood and during the teenage years, although it is
usually diagnosed in adult life. The illness can affect anyone. However, if one or both
parents have Bipolar Disorder, the chances are greater that their children may develop the
disorder. Family history of drug or alcohol abuse also may be associated with greater risk
for Bipolar Disorder. Teenagers with Bipolar Disorder can be effectively treated.
Disorder usually includes education of the patient and the family about the illness, mood
stabilizing medications such as lithium, valproic acid, or ” atypical antipsychotic”, and
psychotherapy. Mood stabilizing medications often reduce the number and severity of
manic episodes, and also help to prevent depression. Psychotherapy helps the child
understand himself or herself, adapt to stresses, rebuild self-esteem and improve
relationships. The diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder in children and teens is complex and involves careful
observation over an extended period of time. A thorough evaluation by a child and
adolescent psychiatrist identify Bipolar Disorder and start treatment.
Quazi Imam, M.D.
Board Certified in Psychiatry.
Board Certified in Addiction Psychiatry.
Board Certified in Geriatric Psychiatry.
Board Certified in Forensic Psychiatry.
Former Assistant Professor of Psychiatry,Mount Sinai School of Medicine, NY.
Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist,Harvard Medical School Trained.
1833 W. Pioneer Parkway Tel: 682-323-4566
Arlington, Texas 76013
Children and teenagers with Bipolar Disorder have manic and/or depressive symptoms.
Some may have mostly depression and others a combination of manic and depressive
symptoms. Highs may alternate with lows.
Manic symptoms include:
• severe changes in mood-either unusually happy or silly, or very irritable, angry,
agitated or aggressive
• unrealistic highs in self-esteem - for example, a teenager who feels all powerful or
like a superhero with special powers
• great increase in energy and the ability to go with little or no sleep for days
without feeling tired
• increase in talking - the adolescent talks too much, too fast, changes topics too
quickly, and cannot be interrupted
• distractibility - the teen's attention moves constantly from one thing to the next
• repeated high risk-taking behavior; such as, abusing alcohol and drugs, reckless
driving, or sexual promiscuity
Depressive symptoms include:
• irritability, depressed mood, persistent sadness, frequent crying
• thoughts of death or suicide
• loss of enjoyment in favorite activities
• frequent complaints of physical illnesses such as headaches or stomach aches
• low energy level, fatigue, poor concentration, complaints of boredom
• major change in eating or sleeping patterns, such as oversleeping or overeating
Some of these signs are similar to those that occur in teenagers with other problems such
as drug abuse, delinquency, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, or even
schizophrenia.
Research has improved the ability to diagnose Bipolar Disorder in children and teens.
Bipolar Disorder can begin in childhood and during the teenage years, although it is
usually diagnosed in adult life. The illness can affect anyone. However, if one or both
parents have Bipolar Disorder, the chances are greater that their children may develop the
disorder. Family history of drug or alcohol abuse also may be associated with greater risk
for Bipolar Disorder. Teenagers with Bipolar Disorder can be effectively treated.
Disorder usually includes education of the patient and the family about the illness, mood
stabilizing medications such as lithium, valproic acid, or ” atypical antipsychotic”, and
psychotherapy. Mood stabilizing medications often reduce the number and severity of
manic episodes, and also help to prevent depression. Psychotherapy helps the child
understand himself or herself, adapt to stresses, rebuild self-esteem and improve
relationships. The diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder in children and teens is complex and involves careful
observation over an extended period of time. A thorough evaluation by a child and
adolescent psychiatrist identify Bipolar Disorder and start treatment.
Quazi Imam, M.D.
Board Certified in Psychiatry.
Board Certified in Addiction Psychiatry.
Board Certified in Geriatric Psychiatry.
Board Certified in Forensic Psychiatry.
Former Assistant Professor of Psychiatry,Mount Sinai School of Medicine, NY.
Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist,Harvard Medical School Trained.
1833 W. Pioneer Parkway Tel: 682-323-4566
Arlington, Texas 76013
