Recognize the signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder in children and adolescents

Bipolar disorder is a psychiatric problem that is most often diagnosed in children aged 6 years and over. However, it is possible that the signs and symptoms have started to appear early. children who have bipolar disorder should receive special medical attention so that their condition does not get worse and their quality of life can be better. What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder in children and adolescents that should be watched out for? Check out the following explanation.

Symptoms of bipolar disorder in children and adolescents

As the child gets older, the curiosity gets bigger but he also can't control himself well. That's why your little one must often cause problems. Child stubbornness at this stage is still relatively normal, and in most cases it is not a sign of psychological problems.

It's just that if the child's mood is very easy and quickly changes, you should be suspicious. Extreme mood swings may indicate your little one has bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder has a characteristic symptom, namely, mood swings from depression to mania that occur very quickly.

More specifically, some of the symptoms of bipolar disorder that may appear include:

Symptoms of mania in children and adolescents

Moods change very quickly, from happy to angry and aggressive.
Have high self-esteem and often think unrealistically, for example, they feel the greatest self and believe that they can fly or do things that don't make sense
Can sleep for days without getting tired or vice versa can not sleep for quite a long time and be very active in motion
Doing so much that it is difficult to divert attention to something else
Tends to talk a lot, but his tone is too fast, sometimes not clear. Plus, it's very easy to change the subject on the fly.
Doing things that are not needed excessively or trying actions that are dangerous to himself or others.

Depressive symptoms in children and adolescents

Often feels sad and suddenly cries
Being lazy to do activities or less enthusiastic about something
Feeling of failure, guilt, and worthlessness
Worry about failure or rejection
Complaining of headache or stomachache
In adolescents, they may have tried or thought about committing suicide or hurting themselves

If your child shows the characteristics above, you should immediately consult a trusted pediatrician and psychologist to get a more accurate diagnosis.