Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that causes extreme mood swings. This condition is also called manic-depressive illness. It may be caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. Bipolar disorder is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in a person's mood, energy, and ability to function. Different from the normal ups and downs that everyone goes through, the symptoms of bipolar disorder are severe.

Psychotic features are often present during the manic phase of bipolar I disorder. Aspects of psychosis may also manifest during extreme episodes of depression. They are also present in schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder.

Bipolar disorder typically develops in late adolescence or early adulthood. However, some people have their first symptoms during childhood, and some develop them late in life. It is often not recognized as an illness, and people may suffer for years before it is properly diagnosed and treated.

Bipolar disorder may be a frequent co-morbid condition among children who have experienced early chronic maltreatment, such as physical and sexual abuse or neglect. Bipolar teenagers can have dramatic mood changes within a single day and may have different symptoms than adults.

There is a strong genetic component to this disorder, and parents who severely maltreat their children are themselves likely to suffer from significant mental health issues, such as bipolar disorder.

Signs and symptoms of Bipolar Disorder:

Bipolar disorder causes dramatic mood swings—from overly "high" and/or irritable to sad and hopeless, and then back again, often with periods of normal mood in between. Severe changes in energy and behavior go along with these changes in mood.

• Increased energy, activity, and restlessness
• Persistent sad or irritable mood
• Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
• Significant change in appetite or body weight
• Difficulty sleeping or oversleeping
• Physical agitation or slowing
• Loss of energy
• Feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt
• Extreme irritability
• Poor judgment
• A lasting period of behavior that is different from usual
• Increased sexual drive
• Provocative, intrusive, or aggressive behavior
• Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide

Both children and adolescents can develop bipolar disorder. It is more likely to affect the children of parents who have the illness.

Unlike many adults with bipolar disorder, whose episodes tend to be more clearly defined, children and young adolescents with the illness often experience very fast mood swings between depression and mania many times within a day.

But there is good news: bipolar disorder can be treated, and people with this illness can lead full and productive lives. It's extremely important for parents to get a professional evaluation if they have any suspicion. The consequences for a lack of treatment can be great: suspensions from school, sexually transmitted diseases, depression and even suicide.

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So it's very important, especially in families with a history of bipolar disorder or depression, for parents to seek professional help at the first sign of any suspicion.