The Bipolar Child

In other words, an underlying neuropsychological deficit or an unrecognized learning disability could independently produce low self-esteem, irritability, and angry outbursts relating not so much to the mood disorder but to the child’s inability to perform academic tasks. In fact, these learning disabilities can continue to exert significant influe

Denial abounds, especially, it seems, on the part of the fathers, who may feel the need to minimize the severity of the problem.

You know that Ryan has unique problems, and for some reason, he experiences any limit-setting in a catastrophic way. If we tell you “no” you are able to hear us. But, unfortunately, Ryan cannot, and we feel that it is better for the family to eat dinner, do homework, watch a movie, or play a board game without a three-hour rage going on in the back

They learn to suppress their own intense feelings, particularly of anger, which might be construed by the parents as a sign that these children, too, are going to pieces. Siblings often learn that any outbursts will be met with parental disapproval. To protect their parents, and to reassure themselves that they are not next to become ill, they may

The well sibling will look desperately to the mother and father to provide protection against a brother or sister who may be threatening or abusive. What the well sibling probably will see are two exhausted, grief-stricken, and confused people, busy running to doctors’ appointments, beginning to pull away from social networks as they become bankrup

We also learned how important it was for us to stay calm and look calm. She must be scared to death to have these feelings, and it’s reassuring to her that we’re calm, in control, and will protect her.

Most of the parents we interviewed were very confused by their children’s precocious knowledge. Knowing how sensitive and prone to night terrors these children are, the parents screened all television, movies, and popular media that might present anything scary, overstimulating, or sexual. It may be that these children are so exquisitely attuned to

Every morning, in America and abroad, many parents of bipolar children wake up and experience dread as they prepare to get their children up for school. Contrary to cheery television commercials where families gather around quaffing fresh-squeezed orange juice, these parents often have to mount a siege simply to get their children out of bed.

We all experience bouts of boredom in life, but children and adolescents with bipolar disorder seem particularly prone to them. It often seems difficult for these children to become engaged with projects, or to set goals, and though a parent can offer any number of choices of activities, the children can’t seem to invest in any of them. They whine