Inexplicable Child Tantrums: Could They Be Bipolar Disorder?

According to the Child & Adolescent Bipolar Foundation , as many as one million or more children under 18 in the U.S. may have bipolar disorder - mostly undiagnosed and untreated. Children with bipolar disorder are at risk for school failure, substance abuse, and suicide. Children as young as 3 may talk of wanting to "make myself dead."

It really does get difficult to comprehend why an otherwise cheerful child suddenly goes into a crazy tantrum spell, with mood swings as well at times. More often than not, the reaction would be that he needs a good hiding and that it is a case of sparing the rod. Even if no parent wants to whack their child, the temptation to do so is quite understandable at times like these. Of course, the next thought that could come to mind is: does he have ADD or attention deficit disorder?

Well, one more reason you could look at just to rule it out is bipolar disorder. The common term for it is ‘manic depression' but don't let the term scare you away. If your child has a problem, it can be managed with medication.

Take a look at some of the symptoms that typify bipolar disorder. One of the main things you notice is the mood swings – sometimes quick to change, sometimes lasting for days. Another noticeable trait is what is termed as ‘separation anxiety' where the child seems fearful of being away from the one who he is closest to and who takes care of him. Children with this disorder will also be terribly active and agitated. It's not the active exuberance of a normal healthy child but a strange overactive tendency. Concentrating on anything seems tough for him to do. These children are also mischievous but differently so – you might find them suddenly picking fights for no apparent reason or trying to step out of moving vehicles. There could also be complaints of bullying other children.

Also present are sleep disorders and he will either sleep far too much or way too little. When he does go to sleep, it's a disturbed time and he could be hassled with ‘night terrors' also called ‘pavor nocturnus'. He could keep waking up in fear and it could be accompanied by bedwetting as well. The other symptom of bipolar disorder is finding it difficult to wake up in the morning and this can be a daily problem when you have to get him ready for school.

Or, during the day, you might find him talking to someone who isn't there. They hear voices and are plagued with hallucinations so do keep a sharp eye open for this. They also tend to have slightly strange sexual behavior.

What about food? Well, they have strong cravings for sugary foods and carbohydrates and you'll find he can never get enough. These strange cravings are repeated very often.

Another trait could be his feeling that he really is much superior to everyone. He will tend to have an exaggerated sense of his own importance and tends to dismiss most people as being not up to the mark. They don't like anyone questioning their authority and something like that only ends in a fight. Their speech too is a bit hurried and rather strained. They tend to talk fast and sometimes continuously and there is a kind of an anxious tone in their voice.

If your child exhibits such symptoms, it is important that they are evaluated by a mental health professional that specializes in child psychiatry to establish an appropriate diagnosis and prescribe effective treatment. Earlier intervention may prevent serious consequences and improve the course of bipolar disorder in children.