| Ever noticed sudden and extreme mood swings in | | | | consult with a pediatric psychologist or a |
| your child? Does he often show high levels of | | | | psychiatrist. Keep a journal of his mood swings |
| excitement and activity only to be unusually | | | | and his hyper active behavior before scheduling an |
| irritable and irrationably angry or enraged the next | | | | appointment with the doctor. That way, the |
| minute? Are your child's tantrums exceptionally | | | | doctor will be given a good background on the |
| long and easily provoked? | | | | child's behavior and will thus be able to properly |
| If you answer yes to all three questions, your | | | | diagnose the existence and the extent of the |
| child may have a condition known as a bipolar | | | | disorder. |
| disorder or manic-depression. It is a brain disorder | | | | If positively identified to have bipolar disorder, |
| that causes frequent and extreme behavior | | | | start considering alternative school accomodations |
| changes in a person. Until, recently children have | | | | for your child. Special education facilities may be |
| not been known to acquire or develop bipolar | | | | necessary in order for your child to adapt and |
| disorders but several doctors agree that children | | | | eventually learn to manage his condition. Get your |
| diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity | | | | child involved in creative play, arts and music as a |
| disorder or ADHD may actually be experiencing | | | | form of therapy. Have the teacher carefully |
| the early symptoms of a full-blown bipolar | | | | monitor his behavior and the development of his |
| disorder. | | | | socialization skills in relation with other children. |
| While considered a very serious condition, this | | | | Moreover, children under medication may suffer |
| genetically acquired brain disorder is treatable. With | | | | from side effects such as frequent thirst and |
| early detection and proper diagnosis, monitoring | | | | urination as well as a heated feeling. They may |
| and medication, children with bipolar disorders can | | | | also feel fatigue and sleepiness during lows while |
| lead normal and productive lives. | | | | becoming agitated the next. Constantly consult |
| Early detection and proper diagnosis of bipolar | | | | with your child's teacher on his development in |
| disorder in children can only be successful with | | | | school. |
| involved and observant parents. Try to observe | | | | At home, make sure that siblings and members |
| sleep patterns as children with bipolar disorders to | | | | of your family are made aware of your child's |
| tend to feel no need for sleep during mania or | | | | condition. This will help the rest of the family |
| highs and thus sleep very little or on the other | | | | adjust to the mood swings and understand your |
| hand sleep too much during depression. Children | | | | child's unusual behavior. This will help ensure that |
| who also tend to believe themselves to have | | | | despite their condition, children with bipolar disorder |
| super powers and thus figure in dare devil stunts | | | | are given the love and care they need. |
| during periods of extreme high while engage in | | | | With proper guidance, medication and care, |
| prolonged tantrums during extreme lows may | | | | children with bipolar disorder will eventully learn to |
| also have bipolar disorder. During depression, | | | | cope with their condition, manage their mood |
| children will have no interest in play or socialization. | | | | swings, live normal and happy childhoods and |
| If you suspect your child to have bipolar disorder, | | | | consequently develop into productive adults. |