Even though it may be a serious matter, bipolar disorder is treatable. It is part of a growing list of mental disorders that have become quite common these days. It affects a persons vocational and social development. Also due to the serious psychological symptoms, the disorder can cause a change in a persons behavior. There is in excess of 2 million people in the US alone living with bipolar disorder. Bipolar is not only confined to adults today but also to children. It maybe common in late adolescence and early adulthood but it is not uncommon in children.
Bipolar in Children
The diagnosis of bipolar in children is considered controversial and very rare. According to some studies, the onset of the disorder prior to the age of ten can be estimated to about 0.3% to 0.5% of the people affected with bipolar disorder. Some case reviews even suggest a prevalence rate that is higher than this figure. The number of bipolar kids has increased 40-fold from the year 1994 to the year 2003 and is currently continuing to increase in rate. Recent studies suggest that bipolar can strike as early as the age of seven years old and is now a more common case compared to the cases handled in the past.
Bipolar in Adolescents
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.
In contrast to children, there is a slight difference in the symptoms of bipolar for both. For the professionals in the field of mental health, this presents a diagnostic challenge for them. When children have bipolar, they often exhibit explosive outbursts and irritable moods that are different to the predictable patterns and nature of bipolar symptoms. Kids with bipolar disorder also experience the cycles of manic depression far more rapidly compared to adult cases.
More often than not, bipolar disorders in children may be overlooked due that the fact that some of the symptoms can mimic other symptoms of mental disorders such as the ADHD or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Sometimes, bipolar even co-exists with ADHD.
For adults, many times it is not recognized as an illness because its usually mistaken for other symptoms of postpartum psychosis, postpartum depression, premenstrual dysphoric disorder and substance abuse. It should be carefully managed throughout the life of a person since 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.
Bipolar in Children
The diagnosis of bipolar in children is considered controversial and very rare. According to some studies, the onset of the disorder prior to the age of ten can be estimated to about 0.3% to 0.5% of the people affected with bipolar disorder. Some case reviews even suggest a prevalence rate that is higher than this figure. The number of bipolar kids has increased 40-fold from the year 1994 to the year 2003 and is currently continuing to increase in rate. Recent studies suggest that bipolar can strike as early as the age of seven years old and is now a more common case compared to the cases handled in the past.
Bipolar in Adolescents
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.
In contrast to children, there is a slight difference in the symptoms of bipolar for both. For the professionals in the field of mental health, this presents a diagnostic challenge for them. When children have bipolar, they often exhibit explosive outbursts and irritable moods that are different to the predictable patterns and nature of bipolar symptoms. Kids with bipolar disorder also experience the cycles of manic depression far more rapidly compared to adult cases.
More often than not, bipolar disorders in children may be overlooked due that the fact that some of the symptoms can mimic other symptoms of mental disorders such as the ADHD or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Sometimes, bipolar even co-exists with ADHD.
For adults, many times it is not recognized as an illness because its usually mistaken for other symptoms of postpartum psychosis, postpartum depression, premenstrual dysphoric disorder and substance abuse. It should be carefully managed throughout the life of a person since 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.
About the Author:
Ken P Doyle has had a great deal of knowledge in the studies of Bipolar Disorder. For more information and findings on the Symptoms of Bipolar and Bipolar in Children, visit his online site now.
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