Bipolar disorder can occur in adolescents and children as young as age 6.  You will notice these children or teens having mood swings with extreme ups and downs.  When they are up, they have brief, intense outburst or feel irritable or extremely happy several times a day.  They will have a lot of energy and high activity levels; however, when they are down you will notice the opposite behavior, such as being depressed or sad.

It’s not fully understood what causes bipolar disorder in children or adults; however, studies have shown that it tends to run in the family.  A child has a greater risk of having bipolar if a close family member, such as a parent, grandparent, brother or sister also has the disorder.  Parents often wonder what they may have done to cause this disorder, but there is nothing a parent can do to cause or prevent it.

Northwest Clinical Research Center is conducting a clinical trial evaluating if a specific medication is safe and effective for bipolar disorder in children and teens ages 10-17.  For more information about our clinic, the research study, or to schedule your child an evaluation call our office at 877-453-0404 or complete the questionnaire and someone from our clinic will contact you.