Diagnoses
Suicide
Click here for information on suicide and other Bipolar Information from the National Institute of Mental Health.Bipolar Disorder
Action Signs:
Bipolar disorder begins with either manic or depressive symptoms. The lists below provide possible signs and symptoms, but not all children with bipolar disorder have all symptoms. Like children with depression, children with bipolar disorder are likely to have a family history of the illness.
Manic Symptoms:
- Elevated, expansive, or irritable mood
- Decreased need for sleep
- Racing speech and pressure to keep talking
- Grandiose delusions
- Excessive involvement in pleasurable but risky activities
- Increased physical and mental activity
- Poor judgment
- In severe cases, hallucinations
Depressive Symptoms:
- Pervasive sadness and crying spells
- Sleeping too much or inability to sleep
- Agitation and irritability
- Withdrawal from activities formerly enjoyed
- Drop in grades and inability to concentrate
- Thoughts of death and suicide
- Low energy
- Significant change in appetite
* The Action Signs Project Peter Jensen, MD et al, REACH Institute
Clinical Guidelines:
This diagnosis should not be treated by the PCP without consultation or referral. Click here for MCPAP contact information.AACAP Practice Parameter for the Assessment and Treatment of Children with Bipolar Disorder Vol 6 January 2007
Rating Scale for Bipolar Disorder
YMRS -Young Mania Rating Scale - [pdf].Bipolar Disorder/Mania
P-YMRS-Parent Version of the Young Mania Rating Scale- Scale
- For children 5 - 17 yrs old
- 11 items for parent
- 15 - 30 minutes to complete
- Parent completes questionnaire
- Free
Parent information and handouts:
The Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation has printable materials that may be downloaded and printed. These include pediatric bipolar fact sheets and information.AACAP Facts for Families: Bipolar Disorder In Children and Teens