Even though bipolar disorder is treatable, it is still a devastating disorder. Some signs are severe mood changes and changes in energy and behavior. Until only a few years ago, bipolar disorder was rarely diagnosed in children. It is increasingly happening more often.

The current thought is that earlier treatment is better than later treatment for children with bipolar disorder. Handling it earlier can help kids become stable, productive members of the world. For those with children with bipolar disorder, it is essential to get medical help and social support. It is obvious that a significant number of children with bipolar go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed anually. Rather, they are often misdiagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) instead.

Symptoms of bipolar disorder are the following, wide ranging mood changes. When a child is sad and has little energy this is considered depression. When they are hyperactive, elated and full of energy, this is the manic state. Mood changes can last for days or even months in adults with bipolar disorder, but in children an ongoing mood disturbance, which is a mix of mania and depression, is more common. Irritability is usually a very difficult problem with these children.

Some symptoms of children with bipolar disorder include:

* irritable mood

* sadness

* mood changes

* rage

* anxiety

* defiance

* hyperactivity

* sleeping problems

* bed wetting

* cravings

* impaired judgment

* dare-devil behavior

* inappropriate sexual behavior

* hallucinations

* grandiose belief in one's self

Symptoms can begin as soon as early in infancy. Frequently, infants that demonstrated sleeplessness and irritability are later diagnosed with bipolar.