Description
Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder that can develop in childhood and adulthood. This condition may be difficult to diagnose in young people because children and adolescents may not talk about their feelings and thoughts as openly as adults (Mood Disorders Association of BC, 2014). Some signs can help carers and young individuals understand that they need to reach out for professional help. Bipolar disorder can include two types of moods: manic (or hypomanic) and depressed.
Symptoms
Hypomanic and depressive episodes characterize bipolar II disorder. During mania, the person’s mood may be elevated, energetic, talkative, and reckless (Center for Rural Health, 2020). Manic states also make people irritable and quickly become angry or impatient. After a few days, a manic episode ends, and a depressive episode begins. During this time, a person’s mood changes – they usually lose interest in all activities, stop eating or overeating, and feel tired, hopeless, or sad (Thapar et al., 2015). The contrast between these long episodes defines bipolar II disorder and separates it from other conditions, like depression, borderline personality disorder, or bipolar I disorder.
Treatment
Medications can help patients of all ages to regulate their moods and feel in control of their emotions. To manage manic episodes, a person may need mood stabilizers and antipsychotics, which include lithium, second-generation antipsychotic medications (SGAs), and antiepileptic medications (AEDs) (Thapar et al., 2015). SGAs are effective, but they also have the most significant side effects, such as weight gain and changes in metabolism (Thapar et al., 2015). Lithium is used in adults but can be prescribed to younger individuals if they do not respond to SGAs positively. Finally, some AEDs, such as carbamazepine or valproate, can be used to treat mania, but the research on their use in children is lacking.
People diagnosed with bipolar II disorder can also benefit from nonpharmacological treatments. Psychotherapy helps children and adolescents understand their mental health and learn problem-solving skills. For example, parents and children can participate in family-focused psychoeducational therapy to learn how to communicate, resolve issues, and approach episodes of mania and depression together (Thapar et al., 2015).
Carer education is as important as youth learning, as parents and guardians are essential to young people’s lives. Parental support is vital for LGBTQ+ children as they are at a higher risk of developing depressive symptoms (Psych Hub, 2020). Another approach to treatment is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) (Thapar et al., 2015). CBT is focused on approaching real-life scenarios and reflecting on the individual’s emotions and actions.
Community Resources and Referrals
Caregivers can contact school counselors and teachers to accommodate the child and create a safe environment. Resources published by the Mood Disorders Association can help parents learn more about this condition. Local organizations that support bipolar disorder research can provide parents with contacts for professionals and support groups. A timely referral to a psychiatrist and a therapist can help a young person adjust to living with bipolar disorder.
References
Center for Rural Health. (2020). Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder & childhood bipolar disorder [Video]. YouTube. Web.
Mood Disorders Association of BC. (2014). Children in depression [Video]. YouTube. Web.
Psych Hub. (2020). LGBTQ youth [Video]. YouTube. Web.
Thapar, A., Pine, D. S., Leckman, J. F., Scott, S., Snowling, M. J., & Taylor, E. A. (2015). Rutter’s child and adolescent psychiatry (6th ed.). Wiley Blackwell.
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