Bipolar Disorder in Children and Teens
What Increases Your Risk
Your child's risk of developing bipolar disorder or other mood disorders increases if the child:
- Has a close relative such as a parent, sibling, or grandparent with bipolar disorder or another mood disorder.
- Has a family history of problems with alcohol or drugs. This may be an indication of self-medication for an underlying psychological disorder, such as bipolar disorder.
- Has had several episodes of major depression. At least 15% of adolescents with recurring depression are later diagnosed with bipolar disorder.2
Certain factors can trigger depressive or manic episodes in your child, such as:
- Erratic sleep or changes in daily routines.
- Treatment with antidepressants, which can increase the risk for a manic episode.
- Stressful life events.
- Not taking medications as prescribed.
- Using alcohol or drugs (substance abuse).
- Entering puberty.
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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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