Parenting Pointers with Dr. Claudia - Episode 46

Topic - Child Bipolar Disorder. Only recently has the psychiatric community recognized the very real presence of bipolar disorder in children. It’s a chronic brain disorder causing episodes of extreme changes in mood, behavior, energy and thinking. There are serious internal changes, too, including cardiac, metabolic and cognitive aspects. Very severe verbal and physical outbursts, extreme irritability and anger, minimal empathy and affection, marginal cooperation and general negativity unexpected for Amanda’s age may actually be related to bipolar disorder. Because impulsivity and hyperactivity are associated with bipolar, Amanda may be misdiagnosed with ADHD; so a comprehensive evaluation is critical. This is a lifelong disorder requiring medication as well as individual and family therapy. The book, The Bipolar Child, by Demitri Papolos is an excellent resource.