How to diagnose bipolar disorder in children
Bipolar disorder can also occur in children. Diagnosing BPD in children can be difficult because of the possible other conditions the symptoms could imply, such as anxiety disorder [5], plain depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) [6], and conduct disorder. A child that has bipolar disorder may experience:
- Irritability
- Hyperactivity
- Impulsiveness
- Emotional outburst
- Aggression
- Sadness
Diagnosing BPD in an adult is similar to diagnosing the condition in children. The doctor may have to deal with the parents depending on the child’s age, they will ask a series of questions about the child’s behavior, mood, and sleep pattern. Questions like:
- How long your child sleeps in a day
- How often does your child have a period of aggression or irritability
- How often your child experiences an emotional outburst
The doctor will also ask about your family medical history and if there has been any case of bipolar disorder in the family.