Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder that is characterized by the presence of either manic or hypomanic episodes as well as a major depressive episode.
According to DSM-5, manic episodes involve a period of abnormal mood and increased goal directed energy and activity lasting for at least a week, present for most of the day, nearly any day.
Manic symptoms include:
- Decreased need for sleep – feeling rested despite a few hours of sleep
- Elevated mood
- Grandiosity
- Pressured speech or being more talkative than usual
- Racing thoughts
- Being easily distracted
- Increased goal directed activity at school or at home
- Involvement in activities with a high potential for negative consequences, frequently involving sexual behavior, spending sprees, or other impulsive behaviors
Manic episodes typically last a week, whereas hypomanic episodes typically last for four consecutive days.
Major depressive episodes involve:
- Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day, present during the same 2 week period
- Diminished interest in activities
- Feeling irritable
- Feeling bored
- Loss of appetite or increased appetite
- Problems concentrating
- Problems sleeping
- Fatigue or loss of energy
- Feelings of worthlessness or excessive, inappropriate guilt
- Moving slower than usual or alternatively being fidgety
- Thinking and/or talking about death
- Suicidal ideation
The research literature supports a combination of psychiatric medication as well as Child and Family Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CFF-CBT) for treatment of Bipolar Disorder. In CCF-CBT, both parents and children participate in therapy. Children and their parents are taught coping skills for the symptoms of Bipolar disorder over the course of treatment.
