Monday, December 23, 2013

Bipolar Disorder in Children: Parents, Know What to Do


Bipolar depression affects thousands of children all over the world, but not all of them get the right kind of help. A lot of parents misinterpret this type of depression as usual tantrums and mood swings of kids. They view irritability and hyperactivity to lack of attention.

If these children remain untreated, the problem can get worse, leading to aggressiveness or worse death.

What is bipolar depression?

Bipolar depression, also known as manic depression, is a real mental illness. It describes the brain's inability to remain calm or stable. It affects all sorts of people, including children.

Bipolar depression is characterized by excessive depression and mania, which separates bipolar disorder from typical depression.

What are the symptoms of bipolar depression?

One of the earliest signs of manic depression is severe mood swing. A child may appear quiet at first and burst out laughing or crying after a while. His thoughts are very wild. He or she can exaggerate things, almost close to hallucinating, or be filled with morbid thoughts such as suicide and death.

Manic depression manifests itself in a lot of ways. Physically the child experiences several migraine headaches, tiredness or lethargy, and digestion problems. There are also changes in his or her manner of sleeping and eating. He or she can be very depressed or very happy or silly.

How do you diagnose a bipolar disorder depression?

A sudden shift in moods shouldn't be immediately attributed to bipolar disorder. Children, after all, have very short attention spans. But to be sure, see a doctor right away. A doctor can conduct a bipolar depression test, and the result can determine if your kid is suffering from one or not.

What do you do when he or she is diagnosed?

Dealing with bipolar disorder isn't easy, but it is very manageable. A lot of kids grow up to be professionals because they have obtained help.

As a parent, here are some things you can do:

Work closely with the doctor or therapist. Your doctor is the best person to help you out. He or she can provide the right kinds of treatments, from drugs to therapies. His or her wide range of experience and expertise can ensure your child doesn't have to live the rest of his or her life in misery.

Provide a happy environment for your child. Bipolar manic depression becomes worse when your child goes through traumatic events. Surround your kid, therefore, with a lot of love and support. If you have other children, teach them to be more patient, giving, and loving.

Coordinate with your child's teachers. Safety should extend all the way to your kid's school.

Learn more about bipolar depression. With the right knowledge, you can provide the essential help your child needs. Know more about his or her medications and treatments. thebe more aware of the other signs of the illness or discover other revolutionary approaches used by others these days.

Be motivated. Caring for a child with bipolar disorder is strenuous. There are definitely times you want to give up. Use subliminal messages to continuously encourage and inspire you.

No comments:

Post a Comment