Bipolar Children Research Paper

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Running head: Bipolar Children and Adolescents Bipolar Children and Adolescents It has been an exceptional experience to creatively explore a subject that I have been captivated by for years. The opportunity to investigate and share research material in the area of pediatric and youth bipolar medical issues has been inspirational, and invaluable. I will further elaborate on what special knowledge might be beneficial for a therapist working with young bipolar patients. It is important to understand the different ways bipolar cycles can present, and to have the skills to recognize them when they do. Cycling patterns can be defined in many ways, and it is imperative to be aware of the most up-to-date definitions available.…show more content…
Also, the website, www.bpkids.org states “a majority of teens with untreated bipolar disorder abuse alcohol and drugs. Any child or adolescent who abuses substances should be evaluated for mood disorder.” Regarding treatments and adjustments, safety must be immediately assessed. Bipolar patients are at high risk for suicide, and youths are at even greater risk. Trudy Carlson is the author of the very compelling book The Life of a Bipolar Child. In this book, Carlson tells of her trials and tribulations raising her bipolar son Ben, and there are many incredible challenges. At age 14, just when Ben is perceived as “stable” on his lithium, and his Prozac, he kills himself. Carlson details her viewpoint on suicide prevention; and it is insightful. She proposes age-appropriate self-tests and workbooks that allow a child to answer questions regarding his/her state of mind. She emphasizes the need for schools to extend the hearing and vision testing in the schools to expand into this realm of testing. It makes so much sense. We as therapists can certainly involve ourselves in this type of proactive testing and questioning as well. Understanding how our youth population is feeling and thinking before they take drastic actions to try and tell us is clearly a better way to

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