PEDIATRIC BIPOLAR
DISORDER FACT SHEET
- Bipolar disorder (also known as "bipolar
illness" or "manic-depressive illness") is a treatable and
heritable brain disorder characterized by severe fluctuations in mood,
activity, thought and behavior.
- The onset of illness can be triggered by trauma, but
often appears with no identifiable cause. Symptoms can emerge at any time
of life, including during preschool years.
- Bipolar disorder is believed to occur in at least l-2%
of the adolescent and adult population, with bipolar spectrum disorders
(such as recurrent depression) believed to occur in 5-7%. There are no
studies that measure the prevalence among younger children, but the number
of children diagnosed is rising as doctors begin to recognize signs of the
disorder in children. The incidence may also be increasing, for unknown
reasons. CABF conservatively estimates that at least three quarters of a
million American children and teenagers, mostly undiagnosed, may currently
suffer from bipolar disorder.
- Children with bipolar disorder are at risk for school
failure, addiction, and suicide. The lifetime mortality rate from bipolar
disorder from suicide is higher than that for some childhood cancers.
- 59% of adults with bipolar disorder surveyed by the
National Depressive and Manic-Depressive Association in 1993 reported that
symptoms of their illness appeared during or before adolescence. The time
between onset of symptoms and proper treatment is often 8-10 years, longer
for pediatric cases.
- Bipolar disorder in children often begins with major
depression marked by not wanting to play, chronic irritability and
sadness. Preschoolers may talk of wanting to "make myself dead."
Mania (the activated state) may include decreased need for sleep,
hyperactivity, daredevil acts, elation and grandiose thinking. Racing
thoughts, separation anxiety and intense temper tantrums (also called
"rages" or "affective storms") can occur during
depression or mania. Sometimes symptoms of both states occur together in
mixed states (depressed mood with high energy) or in quick succession
within a single day (called rapid cycling).
- The symptoms of bipolar disorder resemble symptoms of
ADHD with some important distinctions. About l5% of children diagnosed
with ADHD may also have bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder may first
emerge with an episode of depression. Treatment with stimulants or
antidepressants can trigger mania or mixed states in children with bipolar
disorder or a family history of the illness.
- According to the National Institute of Mental Health,
over l.5 million children under the age of 15 are severely depressed. In
one recent longitudinal study, nearly half of children with major
depression before puberty developed mania (necessary for a diagnosis of
bipolar disorder) by age 20.
- A good treatment plan may include medication,
psychotherapy for the child, multi-family psychoeducational
groups for child and family, peer support for parents, and accommodations
at school.
- For more information, visit the Web site of the Child
& Adolescent Bipolar Foundation at www.bpkids.org.
The Child & Adolescent Bipolar Foundation
A parent-led, not-for-profit
organization providing education, support and advocacy for families raising
children with bipolar disorder.
Child & Adolescent Bipolar
Foundation
1000 Skokie Blvd., Suite 425
Wilmette, IL 60091
e-mail: cabf@bpkids.org
web site: www.bpkids.org (847) 256-8525