Bipolar Disorder or manic depression is a neurobiological brain disorder that was once thought to be rare in children. However, over time research has revealed that bipolar disorder not only can begin in early childhood, but it affects more children than ever imagined. A recent study showed a 40 fold increase in the diagnosis in a 10 year span.

Pediatric bipolar disorder is still often misdiagnosed. It is suspected that many children diagnosed with ADHD have early-onset bipolar disorder instead of, or in conjunction with ADHD. Also, according to several studies, it is estimated that 3.4 million children and adolescents with depression in the United States may be experiencing early onset bipolar disorder, but have yet experienced the manic phase of the illness.

Bipolar is a disorder of the brain. It is a long-term illness in which there is no cure, but it is a treatable condition. Education and understanding is the first step to stabilization.

(source CABF)

Additional Resources:

Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation
1000 Skokie Blvd. Suite 425, Wilmette, IL 60091
Phone:  847- 256-8525

Juvenile Bipolar Research Foundation
550 Ridgewood Rd, Maplewood, NJ 07040
Phone: 866-333-JBRF

Depressive and Bipolar Support Alliance
730 N Franklin St., Suite 501,Chicago, IL 60610-7224
Phone: 800-826-3632

International Society for Bipolar Disorders
P.O. Box 7168, Pittsburgh, PA 15213-0168
Phone: 412-605-1412

BPChildren.com
BPChildren.com provides a wealth of resources for parents, children, and educators.