Bipolar Disorder in Children and Adolescents: An Integrative Approach

It is sometimes difficult to determine if a child or adolescent is going through a “phase” or showing signs of a more serious psychiatric challenge such as bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder causes unusual shifts in moods and energy. These shifts are different from the normal “ups and downs” that every child or teenager goes through from time to time. Children and adolescents with bipolar disorder can suffer from damaged relationships, substance abuse, poor school performance, and even commit suicide. However, today there are more treatment options available than ever before for children and adolescents with this disorder.

Purpose/GoalThe outcome of this course is for the learner to describe bipolar disorder in children and adolescents; the symptoms, risk factors, and traditional treatment methods available for this specific population; and integrative approaches to assessing, treating, and managing this disorder.

Course Objectives – Upon completion you will be able to do the following:

1. Define the term bipolar disorder.
2. Discuss the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder.
3. Differentiate between the adolescent symptoms of mania and depression.
4. Describe adolescent behavioral changes associated with the symptoms of mania and depression.
5. Examine the risk factors associated with bipolar disorder.
6. Differentiate between the four types of bipolar disorder.
7. Discuss conditions that often co-exist with bipolar disorder in children and adolescents.
8. Discuss behavioral, social, and financial issues associated with bipolar disorder.
9. List differential diagnoses often misdiagnosed as bipolar disorder.
10. Discuss current research findings related to bipolar disorder.
11. Describe traditional treatment options for children and adolescents with bipolar disorder.
12. Describe integrative treatment options for children and adolescents with bipolar disorder.