Understanding Childhood Bipolar Disorder: Symptoms & Treatment

Because the symptoms of juvenile manic depression resemble other common childhood conditions, such as ADHD, this condition can be hard to diagnose. With a combination of therapy and medication, manic depressive children can attend normal classes at school and have meaningful relationships with their family and peers.

Sleep Issues

• Manic depressive children often sleep fewer hours than other children and can function on as little as 4 to 6 hours of sleep per night. They may suffer from frequent nightmares.

Hypersexuality

• Children with manic depression may exhibit hypersexual behaviors inappropriate for their developmental level.

Grandiosity

• Manic depressive children frequently have grandiose ideas, such as believing that they can fly, read minds or that they are famous. These behaviors go beyond normal childhood imaginative play.

Depression

• Children with manic depression may display symptoms of depression common in adults: unexplained sadness, lack of interest in pleasurable activities and thoughts of suicide.

Defiant Behaviors

• Children dealing with manic depression may behave defiantly towards parents and teachers and show aggression toward other children.