Bipolar disorder in children: Helping your child prevent manic episodes
How do I help my child manage a manic episode?
The best way to manage a manic episode is to help your child avoid triggers that can cause mood swings and conditions that might make manic feelings more intense. Some simple lifestyle adjustments can help. Work with your child to:
- Maintain a stable sleep pattern. Your child should go to bed around the same time each night and awaken around the same time each morning. Changing sleep patterns can cause chemical changes in the body that trigger mood episodes.
- Maintain a regular daily routine. Your child should follow a routine of trying to do the same things every day at about the same time.
- Set realistic goals. Setting high goals and focusing too hard on achieving them can trigger a manic episode.
- Avoid alcohol and illegal drugs. It may be tempting for your child to use alcohol or drugs to help get through a manic episode. However, this will make the mood changes worse. Even small amounts can interfere with sleep, mood, or medications used to treat bipolar disorder. Nonprescription medications for a cold, allergies, or pain can also trigger a change in mood.
- Get help from family and friends. Your child will sometimes need help getting through a manic episode, especially if he or she loses touch with reality. Having a plan in place before any mood changes occur will assist family members and friends in getting the needed help. However, remember that these mood changes can sometimes be upsetting to loved ones and that these people may also need to seek support.
- Reduce stress at home and at school or work. Your child should try to keep regular hours at school and at work. Doing a good job is important, but avoiding a depressive or manic mood episode is more important. Communicate with your child's teachers and guidance counselor about your child's needs. Academic adjustments or a plan such as an individualized education program (IEP) may be helpful.
- Learn to recognize the early warning signs of a new manic episode. This is one of the most important ways to avoid a full-blown manic episode. If you catch the episode in its early stages, your child may be able to avoid an intense manic episode by avoiding triggers that are causing the new mood change. You may want to keep a chart to record your child's mood changes and the activities that may trigger those changes.
- Continue treatment. It may be tempting for your child to discontinue treatment because he or she feels better or enjoys the euphoric feeling of a manic episode. However, it is very important to continue treatment as prescribed to avoid the unpleasant consequences associated with mania. If you have concerns about treatment or the side effects of your child's medications, talk with your doctor; do not adjust the medication on your own.
Test Your Knowledge
Learning the early warning signs of particular manic behaviors, seeking treatment early, and getting help from loved ones can help you and your child avoid a full-blown manic episode.
My child with bipolar disorder can try to manage a manic episode by avoiding the behaviors that trigger mania or that make an episode worse, not using alcohol or drugs, avoiding stress, getting enough sleep and exercise, and keeping a regular daily routine.
There is no need to ask family and friends for help with a manic episode until one occurs.
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| Author: | Jeannette Curtis Ralph Poore | Last Updated: May 14, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Lisa S. Weinstock, MD - Psychiatry | |
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