Bipolar Disorder

What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar Disorder is a genetically inherited mood disorder. It comes at birth but symptoms do not onset until later in life. Onset time is individual to each patient. Bipolar can be identified by intense moods including depression, mixed states indicated by irritability and anger, and at least one episode of mania.

Bipolar presents differently in children than adults. Often, children first onset with ADHD followed by the onset of Bipolar within the next few years. Children and Adolescents with Bipolar may come off as more aggressive and be misdiagnosed with BPD or ODD.

Risk Factors of Bipolar:

-Family history-Seasonal symptoms
-Depressive episodes
-At least one manic episode
-Mood swings
-Treatment resistant depression/ mania induced by antidepressants
-Family history of drug/ alcohol abuse
-Psychiatric Hospitalization

Mania Symptoms:
-Inflated self esteem
-Decreased need for sleep
-More talkative than usual
-Racing thoughts
– Sped up and more activated than usual
-Harder to focus than usual
-Risky behaviors (shopping, sex, reckless driving)

Depression Symptoms:

-See Major Depressive Disorder

 

How is bipolar in children/teens treated?

The goal is stabilization. When manic, the mood needs to be brought down. When depressed, the mood needs to be brought up. Once leveled, the mood needs to be medicated for stability.
Dopamine Blockers (atypical antipsychotic ), as well as medications such as Lithium, Tegratol, Depakote, or Lamictal, are used to bring down mania quickly by lowering dopamine in the brain.

Bipolar Depression is treated with certain atypical antipsychotics FDA approved to treat bipolar depression, such as Lithium, Latuda, Lamictal, and Vraylar

Stabilization can be achieved through indefinite use of mood stabilizers to keep away highs and lows of bipolar disorder, as well as work with therapists.