Q: what are the symptoms of bi polar and schizophrenia in children 8-10
Hi, Gogoblu. I can't speak to schizophrenia. But for bipolar in kids:
There is lack of a definitive diagnostic consensus, but there is strong agreement on the following:
Grandiosity, very rapid cycling, daredevil behavior, excessive risk-taking, sustained rages, extreme sleep difficulties and night terrors, depression, mania. In some cases, also psychosis. Plus co-occuring ADHD is par for the course, not to mention anxiety.
A bipolar child is generally a lot sicker than a bipolar adult. Medical and psychosocial and educational interventions are no-brainers, whether one chooses to call it bipolar or something else.
We are not talking about merely over-active kids who may benefit from a bit more TLC or parental discipline. We are talking about kids living in internal hells experiencing a condition that confounds even the experts.
Diagnosis requires extremely close observation, with strong family input. The diagnositic tie-breaker is often whether BP runs in the family. Treatment is often problematic, but there is every reason to have faith that the child will grow up to lead a productive and rewarding life if action is taken.
Doing nothing - as a lot of people who should know better suggest - is an invitation to disaster.
You would not typically diagnosis schizophrenia in someone under 18. Schizophrenia does not usually have onset until someone is in their 20's, usually late 20's early 30's. I don't see children so I am not sure if there is a diagnosis you would us under 18 to acknowledge that but children can have make believe out of touch thinking without it being a mental illness. Children are diagnosis with bipolar and bipolar can have psychotic episodes. If a child is has a sever case of Type 1 bipolar you can have extreme grandiosity, delusional thinking and psychotic breaks. I can not think of any symptoms that could not be explained by bipolar which would be dramaticly more likely in that age range.
1)Strange ideas and thoughts
2) Isolates self from others
3) Blurts out comments
4) Has no friends
5) Does not receive praise or love
6) seems depressed
7) complains about being tired
Important:
We hope you find this general health information helpful. Please note however, that this Q&A is meant to support not replace the professional medical advice you receive from your doctor. No information in the Answers above is intended to diagnose or treat any condition. The views expressed in the Answers above belong to the individuals who posted them and do not necessarily reflect the views of Remedy Health Media. Remedy Health Media does not review or edit content posted by our community members, but reserves the right to remove any material it deems inappropriate.
Featuring Content From:
By using this service, you accept our Terms of Use. Please read them. The consumer health information on is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should promptly seek professional medical care if you have any concern about your health, and you should always consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Copyright © 2012 Remedy Health Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
