Bipolar disorder is a very serious brain illness which is also called maniac depressive illness. Those children who suffer from it are typical to changes in their moods very often and these moods dictate how they act regardless of where they are or what they are doing. These children sometimes feel extremely happy and become much more active than they are known to be, a state regarded as mania. Then, at other times, these children become very sad and become less active than they are normally and become a bit depressed (Fristad & Arnold 2003). Actually, children suffering from bipolar disorder are not characteristic of the normal mood changes that children go through, such that at times these children are just unhappy or excited but rather, the bipolar symptoms are much worse or powerful. Children as young as six year olds can show the symptoms of bipolar disorder. It is just a matter of identifying this condition early in order to seek proper treatment.
Any child is at risk of developing bipolar disorder. When they develop it, it is referred to as early onset bipolar disorder. This type is known to be very severe than the normal bipolar disorder seen in teens and even adults. Research findings have provided substantial evidence that of all the children seen in psychiatric centers seeking treatment, about 7% of them are suffering from this condition (Somer 2007). But because it is sometimes overlooked, there are many more who could be suffering from it without their parents or guardians rally knowing the truth behind their children’s at times funny behavior and mood swings. Early diagnosis is therefore important because it leads to the journey of treatment early so that the problem does not get out of hand.
There are several known factors that lead to bipolar disorder. While there is no known exact cause of it, evidence shows that the condition is biological. Genes contribute to a child contracting this condition because the condition may be running in the family. Genetic research and findings have shown that this disorder is likely to be seen in a family that has its history. A history of depression, drugs and substance abuse is a good pointer to the fact that a child can develop this problem. Imbalances of the chemicals, responsible for sending messages within the brain, are known to cause this problem. When the areas that are responsible for controlling thoughts and emotions are not functioning normally, bipolar disorder can crop in and cause the kind of signs that are seen in these children who suffer from this condition (Fristad & Arnold 2003).
The clinical history these children often show that from the time they are very young; toddler years and infancy, they experience intense colic and extreme irritability. Some of them even have problems of Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD), anxiety and depression (Somer 2007). Further on, this condition is made worse by psychosocial impairment such as not being able to make friends at school, school failure, an increased use of mental health services and even multiple hospitalizations. This therefore means that apart from biological factors, the society, behavior and environment seems to cause more harm to these children as they make the problem grow from bad to worse. These children can also be subjected to further damage by their caregivers who may think that they are solving the problem; instead, they cause these children further damage. This means that the problem seems to grow over time if the right procedures are not done well. If they are done well, assessment of the outcomes should be done so as to ensure that the children are helped.
Just like many other chronic illnesses, bipolar disorder in children has got no known cure. Normally, it is recommended that the signs and symptoms be noted in order for the condition to be properly managed. These symptoms when properly handled can be prevented from recurring. This means that the impact of this condition can be lessened even though not in totality. Proper pharmacological, psychosocial and even home and school based treatments can be offered in order to help these children (Somer 2007). Pharmacological treatment is the most recommended form of treatment because it seeks to alleviate most of the symptoms of mania and even depression and prevent the two from co- occurring. Medication can also be given but it has not yet been established whether there is any that can completely cure bipolar disorder. But if the medication has to be administered, the physicians should really be careful in giving the right ones and give the caregivers proper information on how this is supposed to be done so as to take note of any dangerous side effects if any.
While medication does not offer the ultimate solutions, it is also imperative to note that dietary interventions are also good when they are properly used. Foods that are rich in omega- 3fatty acids and also high intensity vitamin mineral complexes are as good. This does not mean that by observing diets that are rich in these substances or using their supplements offers the ultimate solution. But rather, the dietary value gotten from these foods help in brain development and this may lead to taking control of the neurotransmitters and therefore a child can be helped in managing their moods. Together with dietary treatment, caregivers can also engage psychosocial treatment such as use of family therapy, guidance and counseling from close family members and even other people from outside the family. This may entail mental health support, academic help and also skills development. This therefore means that everyone in the treatment of the disorder is a major stakeholder as one really does not know who might achieve the breakthrough among all these people, in helping a needy child with bipolar disorder.
A family with a child suffering from bipolar disorder could undergo possible trauma as it is in itself problematic as it is chaotic to deal with this problem. The child and family can be helped when the right people are engaged. When a child has been diagnosed with it, it does not really mean that the child can never be helped and the child is doomed to be a mental case (Somer 2007). With proper help, the disorder can be contained. But the caregivers need to take care of themselves too so as to do a better job in taking care of the children as this is a very daunting task. It is imperative to keep the stress levels down in order to be sober in dealing with the child. People outside the family, more so the educators; also need to be on the lookout in order to handle these children in the best way possible. This will be in an effort to prevent further damage. The bottom line is that these children need help from everyone around them.
References
Fristad, M., & Arnold, J. G. (2003). Raising a Moody Child: How to Cope with Depression and Bipolar Disorder: A Book for Parents. New York: Guilford.
Somer, R. (2007). Pediatric Bipolar Disorder: A Global Perspective. New York; Nova Publishers
