ABOUT
Telling the difference between Mania and other conditions or normal behavior can be very difficult for clinicians and usually requires a thorough examination over a period of time. Two of the most important symptoms that point toward Mania are a persistence of elevated mood, inflated sense of self-importance or irritable mood and increased energy paired with decreased need for rest. Other Manic symptoms include talking or thinking quickly, being easily distracted, or engaging in risky activity. Mania and Depression make up the two extremes of mood disturbance that make up the diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder. Sometimes it is helpful to think of these conditions as opposites to get an idea of what it is like to have Bipolar Disorder. Bipolar disorder is usually treated with a combination of medications and talk therapy. Parents of children with Bipolar disorder will need to learn about this condition to help their child manage their symptoms, so parent education is a key component of treatment as is educating the child to manage their own symptoms.
WHAT A PARENT WOULD NOTICE IN THEIR KEIKI
Unrealistic highs in self-esteem - for example, a child or teen who feels unbeatable or like a superhero with special abilities. This feeling of being “on top of the word” is usually something that the child will enjoy feeling. Efforts to help the child or teen accept reality might be angrily rejected.
A noticeable increase in energy. Keiki might feel like they have a powerful motor driving their movements that they can’t shut off. Teens might feel particularly ambitious and take on extra responsibilities or tasks.
Decreased need for sleep such as being able to go with little or no sleep for days without feeling tired. This is very different from insomnia which typically is experienced as physically draining. Children with Mania might resist going to sleep even though they have been awake for a very long time.
Talking too fast, changing topics quickly, or being unable to stop talking during times when talking is inappropriate can be signs of Mania. Sometimes keiki will talk so fast you won’t be able to understand them at all. Some children will also describe that their thoughts are coming too fast and that the feel like their brain is on “fast forward.” This can make it very difficult for them to stick to one topic or make their thoughts understood.
Repeated risk-taking behavior, such as abusing alcohol and drugs, reckless driving, or having frequent casual sex with different partners, especially when these things occur in youth who would normally not become involved in such activities. Some keiki will feel entitled to break the rules because of a feeling of superiority. Spending habits might become extreme in teenagers, or a typically shy child might talk about sex or display sexual behaviors. Inhibitions are lost and risky choices seem impossible to resist.
Parents might ask their children if they are on drugs because Mania can make a child act very differently than they normally would.
FACTS
Mania is a mood disorder which is part of a brain disorder called Bipolar Disorder.
Bipolar Disorder often runs in families.
Treatment for Bipolar Disorder is effective and can make a very positive impact in your keiki’s life.
People with Bipolar Disorder are at an increased risk for suicide so talking to your mental health care provider about ways to prevent suicide is very important.
Getting good sleep is one of the most important factors in reducing risk for Mania
Bipolar Disorder is fairly uncommon occuring in only 1-3 % of youth, most of whom are teens.
Information for this site has been obtained from the following resources:
