Bipolar disorder is often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed in pediatric populations.

Bipolar disorder in kids often includes rapid “mood cycling” (changes in mood) and irritability (I remember learning to be on the “lookout,” but don’t automatically diagnose bipolar disorder if I came across a child with frequent explosive anger.). Also of note, one study found that more that 80% of children with bipolar disorder also met criteria for ADHD (hyperactive, inattentive, impulsive.)

Please check out these articles for more information about the causes, presentation, and treatment for bipolar disorder in children.

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/bipolar-disorder-in-children-and-teens-easy-to-read/index.shtml

http://www.thebalancedmind.org/learn/library/about-pediatric-bipolar-disorder?page=all

http://nurse-practitioners-and-physician-assistants.advanceweb.com/Article/Bipolar-Disorder-in-Children-2.aspx