Bipolar disorder can be diagnosed in very young children, even as early as age 5, though it's more commonly seen in adolescence (mid-teens) and early adulthood, with symptoms often differing from adult presentations, like heightened irritability. While diagnosis in preschoolers is rare and challenging, researchers have identified cases in children under seven, with strong genetic links often present.
Bipolar disorder has been diagnosed in children as young as 5. When young children experience symptoms, this is called early-onset bipolar disorder.
It's rare but possible in younger children. It can cause extreme mood swings from emotional highs, called mania or hypomania, to serious depression. Emotional unrest and behaviors that disrupt others are common in childhood and the teen years.
Although bipolar disorder usually appears in the late teenage or young adult years, either type can affect people of any age, and first symptoms can sometimes develop later in life. Children and young teens with bipolar disorder may have more frequent mood swings than older teens and young adults with the condition.
Five key signs of bipolar disorder involve extreme mood shifts, including manic/hypomanic symptoms like inflated self-esteem, decreased need for sleep, racing thoughts, high energy/activity, and impulsive behaviors (spending/sex), alongside depressive symptoms such as persistent sadness, loss of interest, fatigue, and sleep/appetite changes, creating significant life disruption.
As mentioned previously, the most common misdiagnosis for bipolar patients is unipolar depression. An incorrect diagnosis of unipolar depression carries the risk of inappropriate treatment with antidepressants, which can result in manic episodes and trigger rapid cycling.
10 Warning Signs
Intense mood swings disrupting daily life. Cycles of depression with guilt, worthlessness, or suicidal thoughts. Risky behaviors (spending sprees, gambling, reckless driving). Surges in energy and multitasking.
Children with bipolar disorder sometimes feel very happy or “up” and are much more energetic and active than usual. This is called a manic episode. Children with bipolar disorder sometimes feel very sad or “down” and are much less active than usual. This is called a depressive episode.
Children naturally experience mood swings—especially during developmental leaps or stressful transitions. Tantrums, frustration, and sadness are all expected during development. However when mood changes become intense, long-lasting, and disruptive to daily life, they may be an indicator of a mood disorder.
Most of the time, bipolar disorder symptoms start during late adolescence or early adulthood. Occasionally, children may experience bipolar disorder symptoms. Although symptoms may come and go, bipolar disorder usually requires lifelong treatment and does not go away on its own.
Differential Diagnosis
The most common comorbid conditions with child-onset bipolar disorder, according to several studies, are attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and conduct disorder (CD). Anxiety disorders, substance abuse, and personality disorders can also occur comorbidly, Weller noted.
It affects men and women equally, as well as people of all races, social classes, and ethnic groups. The problem is, the mania (euphoric) stage can be mistaken for the hyperactivity of ADHD, and the depressive stage can be viewed as inattention and lack of motivation, also common characteristics of ADHD.
The "3-3-3 Rule" for kids is a simple mindfulness technique to manage anxiety by grounding them in the present moment: first, name three things they can see; next, identify three sounds they hear; and finally, move three different parts of their body. This engages their senses, shifts focus from worries, and helps them regain control when feeling overwhelmed, like during test anxiety or social situations.
Adrenarche (pronounced ad-dren-ARK-ee) is the natural bodily process in which your child's adrenal glands start producing more of a hormone called dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). Adrenarche typically happens between 6 and 8 years of age. It begins about two years before true puberty (pubarche).
7-Year-Old Developmental Red Flags
Acts sad or nervous much of the time. Does not share or take turns with other children. Unable to dress self. Unable to feed self.
How many hours should a bipolar person sleep? People should try to sleep at least 7 hours per night, regardless of whether they have a condition such as bipolar disorder.
Childhood trauma
Some experts believe that experiencing a lot of emotional distress as a child can cause bipolar disorder to develop. This could be because childhood trauma and distress can have a big effect on your ability to manage your emotions. This can include experiences like: Neglect.
Mania is a symptom often associated with bipolar disorder, characterized by periods of abnormally high mood, energy, and activity levels. ADHD, or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurodevelopmental disorder marked by patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
People with bipolar disorder often experience periods of extremely “up,” elated, irritable, or energized behavior (known as manic episodes) and very “down,” sad, indifferent, or hopeless periods (known as depressive episodes).
The Takeaway. A poor diet can contribute to bipolar mood episodes, and certain food choices may help manage them. People with bipolar disorder should avoid or limit caffeine, alcohol, sugar, salt, and saturated fats.
The Big Five personality comprises independent traits of neuroticism, extraversion, openness to experience, agreeableness and conscientiousness (McCrae and John 1992) and forms the basis of several personality inventories (Costa and McCrae 1992).
Overview. Cyclothymia (sy-kloe-THIE-me-uh), also called cyclothymic disorder, is a rare mood disorder. Cyclothymia causes emotional ups and downs, but they're not as extreme as those in bipolar I or II disorder. With cyclothymia, you experience periods when your mood noticeably shifts up and down from your baseline.
Mood stabilizers like lithium are often considered the most effective treatment for bipolar disorder, particularly Bipolar I. Lithium not only helps manage manic episodes but also significantly reduces the risk of suicide, a common concern with bipolar patients.
Symptoms of bipolar disorder
1-2-3 Magic divides the parenting responsibilities into three straightforward tasks: controlling negative behavior, encouraging good behavior, and strengthening the child-parent relationship. The program seeks to encourage gentle, but firm, discipline without arguing, yelling, or spanking.