Bipolar

Bipolar Disorder 

What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is characterized by manic and depressive episodes that alternate over periods of months and years.

Signs of mania include:  increased energy, excessively happy mood, extreme irritability, rapid speech and thoughts, poor concentration, sleep problems, aggressive outbursts, and unrealistic views about one’s capabilities. 

During depressive phases, children are sad or anxious, feel hopeless and worthless, lose interest in activities that were once enjoyable, have decreased energy, experience changes in sleep and eating habits, and may think about death or suicide.  Depressive episodes are diagnosed when five or more of these symptoms last for a period of two weeks or longer. 

Sometimes, symptoms of mania and depression occur together, creating a mixed state that is characterized by agitation, difficulty sleeping, changes is appetite, and suicidal thinking

Treatment Options

Non-medication Interventions

• Psychoeducation-  teaches clients and their families to increase communication, decrease family conflict, and recognize the signs of relapse, so that a full-blown episode can be prevented.
• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT):  With CBT children learn to change negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with bipolar disorder. 
• Family Therapy-