Pediatric Bipolar Disorder Is/Are:
More common than we think: approximately 750,000 U.S. children have full bipolar disorder and another 2-3 million are on the bipolar disorder spectrum
In children, mania symptoms are generally extreme irritability unlike the euphoria seen in adults.
Caused by a combination of factors, including genetics.
Only one aspect of a child.
A group of symptoms including mood changes and certain behaviors.
Symptoms that can look different depending on the child's age, severity of the illness, and if any other disorders are present.
Complex, chronic, and unpredictable with rapid cycling and mixed mood states.
Can appear in one of these settings: home, school, stores, other people's homes, but not appear in other settings, in all settings or not in one particular setting.
Sometimes mistaken (or misdiagnosed) as ADHD.
Pediatric Bipolar Disorder Is NOT:
Only in adults.
"The end."
Easy.
Rare in children.
Bad parenting.
Inconsistent discipline and/or lack of discipline
The same for all children.
The same everywhere.
"Souped Up" ADHD.
An excuse for bad and/or poor behavior.
Simple or straightforward with obvious clearcut cycles between lows, highs, and normal moods.
Additional Reading: http://www.bipolarchildsupport.com/dispelmyth.html
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