Test Your Knowledge

Bipolar disorder can have a major effect on the lives of children who have the condition. However, with treatment, children can live full lives. Tips for parents or caregivers of children living with bipolar disorder include:

• Make sure children follow the prescribed treatment regimen closely. Children should take medications as directed, without skipping any doses. Primary care physicians or psychiatrists may have to monitor medical compliance closely if the child also has a bipolar parent, who may not monitor the child. If psychotherapy has been recommended, children are urged to attend sessions regularly. Do not make any changes in therapy without consulting a physician or mental health professional.
  
  
• Keep an eye out for signs of an upcoming episode. A mood chart can help identify and track triggers or signs that occur prior to an episode. As soon as it seems that a mood episode may be developing, contact a physician (e.g., psychiatrist) or other mental health professional.
  
  
• Avoid drugs, alcohol or other triggers. Many substances, both legal and illegal, can affect the mood. Recreational or club drugs can be particularly dangerous, but legal drugs such as diet drugs may also need to be avoided. Parents should also observe any foods that may trigger an episode in their child. For instance, excessive consumption of sugar can result in a temporary surge in energy followed by fatigue and lethargy, which can accentuate the mood symptoms of individuals with bipolar disorder. It is also important to discuss any of the child’s over-the-counter or prescription medications with the physician or mental health professional who is treating the child’s bipolar disorder.

In addition, parents should ensure that their child eats a varied, well-balanced diet that is high in nutrients (e.g., vitamins A, B-12 and C, calcium, folate, iron), which is important for overall mental and physical well-being.