Child Bipolar Disorder Treatment
Brooklyn, New york

Navigating the complexities of bipolar disorder in children can feel overwhelming for both the child and their family. At Interborough, we specialize in treating children with bipolar disorder, offering a path to balance and well-being. Our team of expert therapists employs a combination of evidence-based therapies tailored to each child’s unique needs and symptoms.

We focus on holistic care, addressing the emotional, behavioral, and cognitive aspects of bipolar disorder. Our goal is to empower your child with the tools and strategies they need to manage their condition, fostering emotional stability and a more fulfilling life. Trust us to provide the compassionate, specialized care your child deserves.

TL;DR

Child bipolar disorder involves severe mood swings, including manic and depressive episodes, that can disrupt daily life, relationships, and school performance. Symptoms may include extreme energy, sleep disturbances, loss of motivation, and suicidal thoughts, with subtypes such as Bipolar I, Bipolar II, Cyclothymic Disorder, Rapid Cycling, and Mixed Episodes. Early diagnosis and ongoing treatment are essential, often combining medication, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), family-focused therapy, and self-care strategies. At Interborough (IDCC), expert therapists provide compassionate, evidence-based, and culturally sensitive care to help children manage symptoms, reduce stigma, and build fulfilling, stable lives.

How Do I Know if My Child Has Bipolar Disorder?

Many children experience mood swings or “Ups” and “Downs” in life, but the shifts a child who is Bipolar exhibits, are much more powerful. The mood swings are more extreme and are accompanied by changes in sleep, energy level, and the ability to think clearly. Bipolar symptoms are so strong, they can make it hard for a child to do well in school or get along with friends and family members. The illness can also be dangerous. Some young people with Bipolar disorder try to hurt themselves or attempt suicide.

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

Symptoms are divided into two categories: mania and depression.

Mania which can last up to three months if untreated, may include symptoms such as elevated levels of energy, reduced need for rest, and severe loss of fully understanding reality.

Depression can include symptoms such as reduced energy, lower motivation than what the child is used to, and little interest in daily activities. Depression could come before or after a manic, hypomanic, or normal period of mood episodes can last days or months at a time and may also be associated with suicidal thoughts.

Bipolar disorder can be classified into: Bipolar I Disorder, Bipolar II Disorder, Cyclothymic Disorder, Rapid Cycling and Mixed Episode.

Bipolar I Disorder: Bipolar I Disorder is given when a child has at least one episode of mania. While a person with Bipolar I might only experience manic episodes, it often includes episodes of Depression and hypomania. Hypomania includes the same symptoms of mania but can be shorter in duration and less severe. They do not include symptoms of psychosis or require hospitalization.

Cyclothymic Disorder: Sometimes called Cyclothymia, this disorder includes episodes of hypomania and depressive symptoms that occur on a fairly regular basis. While changes in mood are not as extreme as those associated with Bipolar I and Bipolar II Disorders, it can still cause serious problems in a child’s life and may later progress to symptoms of mania, hypomania, and Depression.

Rapid Cycling: Rapid cycling is a term used when a child experiences four or more episodes of hypomania, mania, or Depression within a 12-month time period.

Mixed Episode: A mixed episode occurs when a child is experiencing symptoms of both Depression and mania or hypomania at the same time. Children with Bipolar disorders are at an increased risk for suicide, and this risk is thought to be especially high during mixed episodes.

WHY IDCC?

IDCC wants you to know that you and your child are not alone. We help your children do the things they enjoy by developing and teaching them to follow a treatment plan, dramatically reducing many of the symptoms of Bipolar Disorder.

Children with various mental health conditions can and do pursue higher education, succeed in their careers, make friends and have stable relationships. Clinicians are trained in destigmatizing the therapy process and to listen to children and their families, through which they are made aware of the cultures of the clients they treat.

This ensures that children and their families feel as comfortable with the therapy process as possible

My Child Has Bipolar Disorder, Now What?

Proper treatment helps most children living with Bipolar Disorder control their mood swings and other symptoms. Because Bipolar disorder is a chronic illness, treatment must be ongoing. If left untreated, the symptoms of Bipolar disorder can get worse. Thus, diagnosing it early and beginning treatment as soon as possible is very important. Treating Bipolar Disorder may include medication, psychotherapy, education, self-management strategies and external support such as family, friends and support groups.

There is no single approach to treating Bipolar disorder usually there are two or three therapies going on at the same time as well as medication.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps change the negative thinking and behavior associated with Depression. The goal of this therapy is to help your child recognize negative thoughts and to teach coping strategies.

Family-Focused Therapy helps children with Bipolar Disorder learn about the illness and carry out a treatment plan.

Psychotherapy focused on self-care and stress regulation, helps children improve their self-care, recognize patterns of the onset of the symptoms and manage stress.

Key Takeaways

Understanding Childhood Bipolar Disorder
- Bipolar disorder in children involves extreme mood swings far beyond normal ups and downs.
- Symptoms affect sleep, energy, thinking, relationships, and school performance.
- The condition can be dangerous, with some children attempting self-harm or suicide.
Types of Symptoms
- Mania: Elevated energy, little need for sleep, impaired reality perception, lasting weeks to months if untreated.
- Depression: Low energy, lack of motivation, loss of interest, suicidal thoughts, lasting days to months.
- Children may experience mania, depression, hypomania, or mixed episodes.
Classifications of Bipolar Disorder
- Bipolar I: At least one manic episode, often with depression or hypomania.
- Cyclothymic Disorder (Cyclothymia): Ongoing hypomanic and depressive symptoms, less extreme but disruptive.
- Rapid Cycling: Four or more mood episodes within a year.
- Mixed Episode: Symptoms of mania and depression at the same time; carries high suicide risk.
Treatment Importance
- Bipolar disorder is chronic; early diagnosis and consistent treatment are essential.
- Untreated symptoms can worsen over time, but effective treatment improves long-term outcomes.
Therapeutic Approaches at IDCC
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps children identify negative thoughts and develop coping strategies.
- Family-Focused Therapy: Educates families and supports consistent treatment plans.
- Psychotherapy for Self-Care & Stress Regulation: Builds resilience, symptom awareness, and stress management skills.
- Medication: Often used alongside therapy to stabilize mood swings.
Holistic Care Focus
- IDCC emphasizes destigmatizing therapy, cultural awareness, and family involvement.
- Treatment integrates emotional, behavioral, and cognitive support, helping children pursue education, friendships, and stable relationships.
Long-Term Outlook
- With proper treatment—often a combination of therapies and medication—children with bipolar disorder can manage symptoms effectively and live fulfilling lives.