Bipolar Disorder in Children
Early-Onset Bipolar Disorder

Treatment

Although there is no cure for bipolar disorder, in most cases treatment can stabilize mood and allow for management and control of symptoms.

A good treatment plan includes medication, close monitoring of symptoms, education about the illness, counseling or psychotherapy for the individual and family, stress reduction, good nutrition, regular sleep and exercise, and participation in a network of support.

The response to medications and treatment varies. Factors that contribute to a better outcome are:

Factors that complicate treatment are:

The good news is that with appropriate treatment and support at home and at school, many children with bipolar disorder achieve a marked reduction in the severity, frequency and duration of episodes of illness. With education about their illness (as is provided to children with epilepsy, diabetes, and other chronic conditions) they learn how to manage and monitor their symptoms as they grow older.

The parent's role in treatment

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As with other chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, epilepsy, and asthma, children and adolescents with bipolar disorder and their families need to work closely with their doctor and other treatment professionals. Having the entire family involved in the child's treatment plan can usually reduce the frequency, duration, and severity of episodes. It can also help improve the child's ability to function successfully at home, in school, and in the community.

Parents: Learn all you can about bipolar disorder. Read, join support groups, and network with other parents. There are many questions still unanswered about early onset bipolar disorder, but early intervention and treatment can often stabilize mood and restore wellness. You can best manage relapses by prompt intervention at the first re-occurrence of symptoms.

More Help for Parents of Bipolar Kids

listen with realplayer. audio table of contents here.

• The Wild Child: Coping with a Bipolar Youth

  The "Wild Child" follows Erin, Eric, and Athena, along with their parents, doctors, teachers, and advocates, as they go through puberty and adolescence with a serious mood disorder. It is an excellent show. (2004)

• Internet Education, Support and Advocacy

  Martha Hellander, Director of The Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation, talks about internet's effectiveness in helping parents of bipolar children. Presentation from the Fourth International Conference on Bipolar Disorder. (2001)

• Parental Concerns

  Children and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation (CABF) Director, Martha Hellander discusses the need for earlier and correct diagnosis and treatment of bipolar children. The impact that bipolar children have on their parents and families. Presentation from the Fourth International Conference on Bipolar Disorder. (2001)

• Family Issues for Adolescents

  Family focused treatment (family therapy for bipolar teens) - how that works. Also specific issues that come up and how families can deal with them. Presentation from the Fifth International Conference on Bipolar Disorder. (2003)

• The Explosive Child

  Ask any parent and they'll tell you, all children "act out" sometimes. Usually such episodes are viewed as necessary stages of development and testing boundaries. But there are children with explosive behavioral disorders, whose outbursts are much more frequent and severe. Their behavior seems fueled by frustration and rage, and often is destructive and violent. Dr. Ross Greene, author of The Explosive Child offers new coping strategies for families with explosive children, and ways to interact in ways that are less frustrating for parents and children. (2004)

• Mental Illness and the Family

  Anger. Frustration. Resentment. Helplessness. If someone in your family has mental illness, you may be feeling all of these things. What can you do to help yourself, and by doing so your loved one as well? Plus, a special report on parents that have had to give up custody of their ill children to foster care when their mental health insurance runs out. (2004)

• Mental Illness and the Family

  Treatment, insurance coverage, dealing with psychiatrists, how the illness affects the family and children are covered in this show. (2001)

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