By: Joselyn Nelson

Moods going high and low overtime. In Bipolar II Disorder the “UP” moods never reach full-on mania. Most people with Bipolar II Disorder suffer from episodes of depression also considered “manic disorder”. Bipolar II Disorder is a form of mental illness. It is also known as manic-depressive illness.

Flying suddenly from one idea to the next. Rapid, “pressured” and loud speech. Increased energy with hyperactivity. Decreased need for sleep. Losing energy. People with Bipolar II disorder also may be explosive and irritable during a mood episode.

Children: with Bipolar II disorder have episodes of mania and are hardly ever depressed. Being overly silly or joyful mood that is unusual for your child. It is different than when he or she might usually get silly and have fun. Teenagers: with Bipolar II disorder have episodes of mania called depressive episodes. Where suicidal thoughts and behaviors become more apparent. What are common symptoms of Bipolar II disorder in children and teenagers? An overly joyful or overexcited state is called a manic episode. An extremely sad or hopeless state is called a depressive episode.

Rapid Cycling: that the shifts between depression and mania happen fast, sometimes within the same day. Mixed Cycling: the symptoms of both mania and depression occur at the same time. The mood shifts are continuous rarely returning to normal moods between extremes. Children and teenagers have tended to be rapid-cycling or mixed cycling.

There is no cure for Bipolar Disorder, but it can be treated effectively. Family members of children are encouraged to keep track of their symptoms. Family therapy sessions and patient psychotherapy sessions are a part of treatment. Sometimes a child may switch from one Bipolar to another. This occurs because different medications may be more helpful for one type of symptom than another. Overall, family support is important. What can children and teenagers expect from treatment?

We know that there is no cure for any form of Bipolar Disorder. But, we have treatments, medicine. psychotherapy and above all we have love. To help them live in this world and to feel accepted.

“Bipolar Disorder in Childhood and Adolescence- Symptoms.” WebMD. WebMD, n.d. Web. 30 Mar and-adolescence-symptoms “Bipolar Disorder in Children and Teenagers Symptoms, Treatment, Medications and Risk on MedicineNet.com.” MedicineNet. N.d. Web 31 Mar s/article.htm