Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Consulting

Is it my fault?

Bipolar disorder isn’t the result of bad parenting, nor can the best parenting prevent it. It is suspected that a complex combination of genetic and environmental factors is involved in bipolar disorder. Whatever the cause, early diagnosis and treatment is all important; the sooner your child begins to control the disorder, the better off he will be down the road.

Are the drugs safe?

If used properly and managed closely, the medications used to treat bipolar disorder are safe. But you should make sure to listen to the doctor who prescribes the medications and never start, stop, or change a course of medication without the clinician’s instruction.

Will my child outgrow bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a chronic illness that is not usually outgrown. With medication management, a commitment to healthy behaviors and treatment,and family support,  most people with the disorder are able to manage it effectively.

How does it affect school?

The “poles” of bipolar obviously affect children and adolescents differently. In a depressive episode, kids may find it difficult or impossible to go to school, and may also avoid socializing with friends. In a manic episode, your child could become an abnormally high achiever, but  reckless risk-taking and inflated self-importance associated with mania can also place a child at risk of injury, legal troubles, or other consequences.

What is my role in treatment?

The family is integral in helping a bipolar child commit seriously to behavioral therapies so they yield the best results, and in monitoring the child for signs of relapse. Education is a very important part of treatment: teaching a child with the disorder to keep a keen eye out for the onset of a manic or depressive episode so she can attempt to counteract it, or to understand how daily routine, sleep cycle, and relationships impact the disorder.

How long does treatment last?

Experts agree—bipolar can always come back. Though the intensity and type of treatment can vary, treatment is lifelong