Bipolar Disorder

Children and teenagers with Bipolar Disorder have manic and/or depressive symptoms. Some may have mostly depression and others a combination of manic and depressive symptoms. 

Bipolar Disorder can begin in childhood and during the teenage years, although it is usually diagnosed in adult life.  The illness can affect anyone; however, if one or both parents have Bipolar Disorder, the chances are greater that their children may develop the disorder.  Family history of drug or alcohol abuse also may be associated with greater risk for Bipolar Disorder.