Bipolar Disorder And Its Effect On Children - 3715 Words

Bipolar disorder is typically a condition that affects people in their late teens and early adulthood. It is usually not thought to affect a child but it is something that, if present at a young age, can seriously affect the way a child grows up. Bipolar disorder affects every aspect of a person’s life and is not as understood as it should be. Researchers are still looking for the cause of this illness and how it can be treated but overall it is a condition that many people are undereducated on and that is something I’m hoping this paper might be able to change for some. Bipolar disorder, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), is â€Å"a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels,† and†¦show more content†¦Those who are researching this illness believe that it had a lot to do with genetics but that there are also many other factors involved. In an example by the National Institute of Mental Health, they found that even if there is a pair of identical twins and one develops bipolar disorder the other twin might never develop it. As I stated earlier, bipolar disorder consists of shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels. This can mean someone can seem very sad and depressed for a long period of time and then a period of extreme happiness. These can be shown in mood or behavioral changes and can be shown in how well they are able to concentrate, how much sleep they are getting, or even if they have thoughts of suicide (NIMH). Although the easiest way to spot bipolar is through extreme mood swings, it can still be present when such mood swings are less noticeable. It is important to look out for even the smallest mood swings because if they are frequent enough it can be a sign of one having bipolar disorder. Those who are diagnosed, or are looking for a diagnosis because they believe something may be wrong, with bipolar disorder work very closely psychiatrists. Psychiatrists are able to diagnose as well as help to treat patients who have already been told they are bipolar. It is important that a person works with the same psychiatrist because they will learn more