Bipolar

Symptoms of mania or a manic episode include:

Symptoms of depression or a depressive episode include:

Mood Changes An overly long period of feeling "high," or an overly happy or outgoing mood Extreme irritability. Behavioral Changes Talking very fast, jumping from one idea to another, having racing thoughts Being unusually distracted Increasing activities, such as taking on multiple new projects Being overly restless Sleeping little or not being tired Having an unrealistic belief in your abilities Behaving impulsively and engaging in pleasurable, high-risk behaviors.

Mood Changes An overly long period of feeling sad or hopeless Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, including sex. Behavioral Changes Feeling overly tired or "slowed down" Having problems concentrating, remembering, and making decisions Being restless or irritable Changing eating, sleeping, or other habits Thinking of death or suicide, or attempting suicide.

• 1. Bipolar I Disorder—defined by manic or mixed episodes that last at least seven days, or by manic symptoms that are so severe that the person needs immediate hospital care. Usually, depressive episodes occur as well, typically lasting at least 2 weeks.
• 2. Bipolar II Disorder—defined by a pattern of depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes, but no full-blown manic or mixed episodes.
• 3. Bipolar Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (BP-NOS)—diagnosed when symptoms of the illness exist but do not meet diagnostic criteria for either bipolar I or II. However, the symptoms are clearly out of the person's normal range of behavior.
• 4. Cyclothymic Disorder, or Cyclothymia—a mild form of bipolar disorder. People with cyclothymia have episodes of hypomania as well as mild depression for at least 2 years. However, the symptoms do not meet the diagnostic requirements for any other type of bipolar disorder.

Children and teens having a manic episode may:

• Feel very happy or act silly in a way that's unusual
• Have a very short temper
• Talk really fast about a lot of different things
• Have trouble sleeping but not feel tired
• Have trouble staying focused
• Talk and think about sex more often
• Do risky things.

Children and teens having a depressive episode may:

• Feel very sad
• Complain about pain a lot, like stomachaches and headaches
• Sleep too little or too much
• Feel guilty and worthless
• Eat too little or too much
• Have little energy and no interest in fun activities
• Think about death or suicide.

Several factors may contribute to bipolar disorder, including:

• Genes, because the illness runs in families. Children with a parent or sibling with bipolar disorder are more likely to get the illness than other children.
• Abnormal brain structure and brain function.
• Anxiety disorders. Children with anxiety disorders are more likely to develop bipolar disorder.

The causes of bipolar disorder aren't always clear. Scientists are studying it to find out more about possible causes and risk factors. This research may help doctors predict whether a person will get bipolar disorder. One day, it may also help doctors prevent the illness in some people.

Bipolar disorder in young people can co-exist with several problems.

• Substance abuse. Both adults and kids with bipolar disorder are at risk of drinking or taking drugs.
• Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. Children with bipolar disorder and ADHD may have trouble staying focused.
• Anxiety disorders, like separation anxiety. Children with both types of disorders may need to go to the hospital more often than other people with bipolar disorder.
• Other mental illnesses, like depression. Some mental illnesses cause symptoms that look like bipolar disorder. Tell a doctor about any manic or depressive symptoms your child has had.

Sometimes behavior problems go along with mood episodes. Young people may take a lot of risks, like drive too fast or spend too much money. Some young people with bipolar disorder think about suicide.Watch out for any sign of suicidal thinking. Take these signs seriously and call your child's doctor.