Does Bipolar disorder progress with age?

Question

My grandson who is 12 years old was diagnosed with bipolar two years ago, he is on medication and had attended several counseling programs.. Is there a way to determine when a child is acting out or having a episode due to their disorder?

Answer 1

the best bet is to learn all you can about bi-polar and to react to his episodes accordingly. I know that personally, mine got way worse until about 30 when it started to go back down and allowed me to have a fairly normal life. I am 36 now and have not had a serious suicide attempt for about 4 years. In my 20's I was constantly attempting to do something stupid.
The bi-polar aggravates some of the things that a young person has to go through. It makes things harder, and it makes things worse.
Try to give him the benefit of the doubt. Your grandson likely feels so out of control with the disease that he likely gives 150% to being "good" because he can't help it when he can't be good. Try to let it ride as the disease. Tell him what he did messed up, but be certain to reinforce it with something positive. Bi-polar people often have low self esteem because of their lack of control.
So, yes, it gets worse with age from where he is starting with it, and, no, he is likely not acting out for the sake of teenage rebellion.
Bless you and best of luck to all of you.

Answer 2

These are two different questions.

My answer to the first is, it's not defined. Some do, some don't. The disease will progress if it's not treated. But you said he's being treated in the two most popular and effective methods.

As far as your second question, it could be due to the medications he's on. Bipolar-ism is hard to treat in pre-adolescents and very tricky because many of the medications used for adults have been shown to actually progress the disorder in pre-adolescents, even cause suicidal tendencies.
His behavior is still HIS BEHAVIOR, whether or not it's subjective due to his disorder. If you make him aware of his behavior and that it's not acceptable, it may help him control it.

Answer 3

The current thinking is that if left untreated bipolar (aka manic depression ) can get worse. It can have its roots in lesser psychiatric conditions suchas Depression if the causes of this was not treated or addressed But it can also be worsened by doctors not getting the medication ballance right. Sometimes they change the medication for the least provocation and this can upset the balance between extremes of High and Low which medication is intended to bring. It seems too young to give such a label (bipolar) but thats my opinion

Answer 4

Common sense should tell you the difference. Many people "hide" behind their "diagnosis" to get away with things, of course. This is not a license to do whatever we want (yes, i have bipolar) but in no way would I let that affect my behavior to someone else, I'm STILL RESPONSIBLE FOR MY BEHAVIORS even when I'm not happy. Aren't we all?

Answer 5

Bipolar disease is an affective (temper) disease whilst schizophrenia is a thought disease. this is attainable to have the two on the comparable time; despite if, an affective disease does not evolve into schizophrenia. the two circumstances want therapy, and a psychiatrist is the medical distinctiveness that grant analysis and effectual therapy. therapy for the two circumstances place self assurance in the affected person consistently taking the medicine prescribed. the main reason for relapse in the two cases is failure to proceed taking drugs whilst the no longer worry-free indications subside.

Answer 6

See this site under bipolar to show that his diet can make a huge difference, according to MD, whether getting better or worse.

http://phifoundation.org/heal.html

Answer 7

I don't think it progresses with age, but it is prone to relapse. I think a qualified professional should be the one to track his illness and see if he is having a relapse. You didn't say what kind of bi-polar he is, there are more then one type. The symtoms vary depending on the type of bi-polar.

Answer 8

I can't help you with the signs but I truly do believe it can progress with age. After puberty he may get better, too... I'd go by what my doctor said, if I were you.

Answer 9

Hi,,,, good luck,,, my wife was bi polar when we were teenagers,,, and before she ever went on any medication... and I am telling you ,, it can get worse with age.... try to make sure he takes his meds.. for sure...and pray....

good luck....

Answer 10

I don't know see Info:
www.bipolar.com