Bipolar disorder is a mental disorder that is quite common nowadays. Even though it is a serious matter, its treatable. Due to its serious psychological symptoms, it can greatly affect a persons vocational and social development and also the persons behaviour. There are over 2 million people in America alone living with bipolar disorder. There is no denying its existence and presence. Even though it occurs in childhood, the peak usually comes during late adolescence and early adulthood.
How common is Bipolar in Children?
Though the diagnosis of bipolar in children is considered controversial and rare, according to studies it is estimated that 0.3% to 0.5% of children under the age of ten are affected with bipolar. However, some argue this finding. There has been an increase of over 40-fold from the year 1994 to the year 2003 and it still continues to rise. Other recent studies also suggest that bipolar can strike as early as the age of seven years old .A staggering number compared to previous years.
Bipolar in Young People
Late adolescence and early adulthood are usually the peak years for bipolar illness in this stage. Since these are the important and more crucial periods in the development of vocational and social aspects in a young adults life, people experiencing bipolar disorder in this time of their lives can be severely affected. About 2.6% of people aged 18 years and older suffer from bipolar in any given year.
There is a difference in the symptoms of bipolar in adults compared to children. This presents a diagnostic challenge to the professionals in the field of mental health. Unlike the predictable patterns and nature of bipolar symptoms, bipolar disorder children most often exhibit explosive outbursts and irritable moods. They also experience the cycles of manic-depression far more rapidly compared to adult cases.
Bipolar disorders in children are most often overlooked due to the fact that some of the symptoms are close to those of mental disorders such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD. In some cases, Bipolar even co-exists with ADHD.
In the case of bipolar in adults, many times it is not recognized as an illness because it is usually mistaken for other symptoms of postpartum psychosis, postpartum depression, premenstrual dysphoric disorder and substance abuse. Throughout the life of a person, it should be carefully managed because it is a long term disorder.
Because of the possible cases that bipolar can be overlooked since it has similar symptoms like other mental disorders, it is necessary to be knowledgeable enough with the disorder. Since in some cases it tends to run in families, then if the symptoms manifest, it is wise to consult a psychologist at once. Bipolar disorder is a serious mental disorder since it is one of the reasons for people to commit suicide. If diagnosed early and with proper management, bipolar has a good prognosis and can easily be treated. - 2275
How common is Bipolar in Children?
Though the diagnosis of bipolar in children is considered controversial and rare, according to studies it is estimated that 0.3% to 0.5% of children under the age of ten are affected with bipolar. However, some argue this finding. There has been an increase of over 40-fold from the year 1994 to the year 2003 and it still continues to rise. Other recent studies also suggest that bipolar can strike as early as the age of seven years old .A staggering number compared to previous years.
Bipolar in Young People
Late adolescence and early adulthood are usually the peak years for bipolar illness in this stage. Since these are the important and more crucial periods in the development of vocational and social aspects in a young adults life, people experiencing bipolar disorder in this time of their lives can be severely affected. About 2.6% of people aged 18 years and older suffer from bipolar in any given year.
There is a difference in the symptoms of bipolar in adults compared to children. This presents a diagnostic challenge to the professionals in the field of mental health. Unlike the predictable patterns and nature of bipolar symptoms, bipolar disorder children most often exhibit explosive outbursts and irritable moods. They also experience the cycles of manic-depression far more rapidly compared to adult cases.
Bipolar disorders in children are most often overlooked due to the fact that some of the symptoms are close to those of mental disorders such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD. In some cases, Bipolar even co-exists with ADHD.
In the case of bipolar in adults, many times it is not recognized as an illness because it is usually mistaken for other symptoms of postpartum psychosis, postpartum depression, premenstrual dysphoric disorder and substance abuse. Throughout the life of a person, it should be carefully managed because it is a long term disorder.
Because of the possible cases that bipolar can be overlooked since it has similar symptoms like other mental disorders, it is necessary to be knowledgeable enough with the disorder. Since in some cases it tends to run in families, then if the symptoms manifest, it is wise to consult a psychologist at once. Bipolar disorder is a serious mental disorder since it is one of the reasons for people to commit suicide. If diagnosed early and with proper management, bipolar has a good prognosis and can easily be treated. - 2275
About the Author:
Ken P Doyle has had a great deal of knowledge in the field of Bipolar Disorder. For more information and resources on the Symptoms of Bipolar and Bipolar in Children, visit his online site now.