Bipolar disorder does not only affect adults, it plagues thousands of teenagers and children as well.  Children with pediatric disorder display symptoms distinctly different than those that adults show, and they are frequently misdiagnosed several times before pediatric bipolar disorder is finally recognized.

Conditions such as these make life very difficult for children, especially when it comes to attending school.  However, by better understanding pediatric bipolar disorder, parents and teachers alike can make educating children with this illness easier, both on themselves and the child.

Symptoms and Misdiagnosis of Pediatric Bipolar Disorder

Children with pediatric bipolar disorder display symptoms that are different from form of this condition seen in adults.  Children often experience rapid or mixed cycling.  Rapid cycling is when the cycles between mania and depression occur very quickly.  Mixed cycling occurs when both depression and mania are observed at the same time.

Oftentimes, other conditions are misdiagnosed as being pediatric bipolar disorder.  When this happens, it prevents a child from getting the help they need to manage their condition.  Misdiagnosis commonly occurs in children who have Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), depression, schizophrenia, Tourette syndrome, and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.

Meeting Their Educational Needs

A child with pediatric bipolar disorder is often more needy in terms of education.  Most schools and educational facilities can be accommodating in these circumstances.  One of the first things that the parents of a child with pediatric bipolar disorder should do is contact their school’s special education department.  They will be able to create an Individual Education Plan (IEP) for the child and describe what service might be available to the child.

Schools frequently make many accommodations for children with pediatric bipolar disorder.  Some provide a special education aid, or a tutor for when the child is absent for an extended period of time.  Other schools will lighten the homework load, or allow the child to have extended time on tests.  It is up to the parent to ask about these services; if they don’t ask, then they won’t know what is available!

Unfortunate Conditions

It is terrible when a child is diagnosed with pediatric bipolar disorder.  This means that he or she will be forced to manage and control the condition for the rest of their life.  It is important that they learn to take advantage of all the opportunities, educational and otherwise, that are offered to them.  How else will they be able to succeed?

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