Managing a manic episode in a child or teen
What are the signs of a manic episode?
Your child with bipolar disorder may have unique manic behaviours that are identifiable. Family and friends can help to identify manic behaviours, especially if they know ahead of time what to watch for. General behaviours associated with a manic episode include:
- Abnormal happiness (euphoria).
- Extreme irritability or silliness.
- Long-lasting or intense outbursts or tantrums.
- Unrealistic feelings of self-importance (delusions of grandeur).
- Intense energy levels maintained for a long period of time.
- A decreased need for sleep.
- Increased talkativeness that is difficult to interrupt.
- Racing thoughts and distractibility—attention constantly moving from one thing to the next.
- An intense focus on sexual thoughts, feelings, or behaviours (hypersexuality); use of explicit sexual language.
- An intense focus on reaching a goal.
- Dangerous or reckless behaviour. For example, a young child may think he or she can fly and jump off a roof. A teen may drive too fast, spend money unwisely, or have unprotected sex.
- Extreme behaviour that causes problems on the job, at school, in social situations, or at home.
- Symptoms of psychosis (detachment from reality), such as hearing voices or being paranoid.
Test Your Knowledge
Some signs of going into a manic episode include having a great deal of energy, having racing thoughts, and talking a lot.
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Why is it important to control a manic episode?
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| Author: | Jeannette Curtis Carrie Henley Ralph Poore | Last Updated: July 10, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Andrew Swan, MD, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine Lisa S. Weinstock, MD - Psychiatry | |
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