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If a child has four or more of the symptoms of bipolar disorder and these symptoms have persisted for more than two weeks, the parent urgently needs to have them evaluated. The parent should look for a doctor who is familiar with early-onset bipolar disorder and mood disorders in general. The doctor should also have a good familiarity with psychopharmacology. Parents should take notes on their child's mood, behavior, sleep patterns, unusual events, and any statements of concern (such as talk of death) and should share these with the doctor. Expect a good evaluation to take at least two appointments and a detailed family history.

Parents should learn all they can about bipolar disorder and it's effects. Ask your doctor for information to start with. Do a search on the internet but be careful that you are getting correct information. Online sites of reputable organizations would be best such as the National Institute of Mental Health (www.nimh.nih.gov) or the Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation (www.bpkids.org). Both of these sites have a lot of great information and links to other resources.

Finding a good support group can be very beneficial as it gives the parent the opportunity to network with other parents. Dealing with constantly shifting moods, continuous irritability, and frequent defiance can leave parents extremely frustrated. Parents also can easily become isolated due to concerns over how their child is going to behave in front of others. Many find individual or family therapy can be helpful in finding new ways to cope with the effects of their child's disease.

Parents should provide an environment that is consistent and as stress-free as possible. Allow the child a great deal of freedom within safety levels. The more rules there are then the more defiance the parent will see. An important skill for a parent will be learning to pick their battles. Focus on the serious issues and learn to let the smaller issues go. As in normal children, many behaviors are exhibited just to aggravate the parent. By ignoring the smaller things (such as swearing or constant complaints), parents often find that those behaviors decrease as the child realizes they are not getting a reaction.

Parents need to remember to take time for themselves, as well. Coping with the stress of gaining control over bipolar disorder in an adolescent can be a long, frustrating, and exhausting job. Be careful not to let it overwhelm you.

Learn more about this author, Tina Golden.
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