Bipolar Disorder in Children, Essay Example

Bipolar disorder, sometimes known as “manic-depressive illness” is one of the most common emotional disabilities that are seen in the 21^st century child. It is fundamentally a mental condition where the inflicted person, in this case child, fluctuates between depression and mania. The main characteristics of this disorder is the unusual shifts in energy and mood levels.

Treatment

Bipolar disorder can be treated using different psychotherapeutic and pharmacological techniques. However, one can choose to utilize self-help in the case where the condition is not severe.

Psychotherapeutic Techniques: these are targeted at addressing the core symptoms, helping the patient discover the prodromal symptoms, triggers to episodes and help the patient exercise the factors that eventually lead to the preservation of remission (Hart, Brock, & Jeltova, 2014, p. 23). The most effective are psychoeducation, family-focused therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy.

Pharmacological Techniques: different types of medications can be used to effectively treat the disorder. Lithium has shown great effectiveness in this endeavour as it treats the severe manic episodes and averts relapse (Kowatch, 2009, p. 12). It has also been found to reduce incidents of self-harm, death and the risk of suicide.

Anticonvulsants such as Carbamazepine have been found to treat manic episodes, however, it does not prevent replaces. Lamotrigine has also been found to treat bipolar depression, with more effectiveness seen in severe depression (Kowatch, 2009, p. 15). It also prevents further occurrences or episodes. Antipsychotics such as Olanzapine have been found to effectively manage episodes of mania.

Risks in School Settings

A child with bipolar disorder poses a huge risk to their fellow students depending on the episode they are experiencing. During an episode of depression, a child may potentially become suicidal due to their outlook towards their surroundings (Association for Youth, Children and Natural Psychology, 2012, p. 48). They may pose a potential risk to fellow students as they may potentially harm one of them. During an episode of mania, the child may be too energetic to concentrate. This may lead to disruption of class or school routine as they may potentially cause a scene.

Professional Help in School Setting

In a school setting, a professional, such as the school counsellor, can take the afflicted child through a series of sessions that may help alleviate the effects of the symptoms and help identify and avoid the triggers.

References

Association for Youth, Children and Natural Psychology. (2012). Overcoming ADHD Without Medication: A Guidebook for Parents and Teachers. Newark: NorthEast Books & Publishing.

Hart, S. R., Brock, S. E., & Jeltova, I. (2014). Identifying, Assessing, and Treating Bipolar Disorder at School. New York: Springer.

Kowatch, R. A. (2009). Clinical Manual for Management of Bipolar Disorder in Children and Adolescents. Washington: American Psychiatric Pub.

Lombardo, G. T. (2006). Understanding the Mind of Your Bipolar child : The Complete Guide to the Development, Treatment, and Parenting of Children with Bipolar Disorder. New York: St. Martin’s Press.

Mennuti, R. B., Christner, R. W., & Freeman, A. (2012). Cognitive-Behavioral Interventions in Educational Settings : a Handbook for Practice. Hoboken: Taylor & Francis.