The Effects of Bipolar Disorder on Children and Their Families

Varying moods and energy levels have been a part of the human experience throughout history. As time has progressed and these mood changes have been identified as disorders. One example, bipolar disorder is perhaps one of the oldest known diseases. It has grown into one of the most common illnesses that people of every age, culture, and gender must deal with on an everyday basis. In recent times bipolar disorder has become quite prevalent in children and adolescents causing and increased concern and interest in this area. Bipolar disorder is a lifelong mood disorder, characterized by recurrent manic or hypomanic and depressive episodes, (Miller, 2006). It has been know to interfere with cognition and behavior, which ultimately severely impacts relationships with family, friends, employers, etc, (Miller, 2006). There are various symptoms and characteristics that play into a bipolar diagnosis. Each individual may experience very different symptoms depending on their personality and biological makeup. Most commonly bipolar disorder is illustrated by manic episodes associated with “pressured speech, hyperverbosity, physical hyperactivity, agitation, decreased need for sleep, hypersexuality, and/or extravagance,” (Miller, 2006). It is classified into four specific disorders, bipolar disorder I, bipolar disorder II, cyclothymic disorder, and bipolar disorder not otherwise specified. Each form has a variable course, meaning years or months may pass in between episodes. There are four domains of bipolar disorder that have been identified, “manic mood and behavior, dysphoric or negative mood behavior, cognitive symptoms, and psychotic symptoms,” (Miller, 2006). Bipolar disorder has been most commonly found in adults but it is becoming more prevalent in children and sometimes has a different diagnosis. Pediatric bipolar disorder is defined by “chronic non-episodic, ultra-rapid cycling,” of moods and energy, (Bradfield, 2010). There are numerous possible causes of

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