The studies are just being done.'' The best guess among professionals is that about 0.5 percent of U.S. children and adolescents have the illness. Fristad has treated dozens at OSU during the past 14 years. Lately, more cases have been diagnosed because more mental-health professionals are looking for them. Diagnosis is tricky because children are not always able to articulate their feelings. Pediatric bipolar usually occurs with other psychiatric conditions, such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and its symptoms are different than those in adults.
Children are more likely to experience depressive and manic states together.
Children cycle through their mood swings faster and often express mania with irritability instead of euphoria. The word 'no' just sets Bryan off,'' said Reusch, who is starting a Columbus-area support group for parents. To cope with her son's rages, which would persist for up to two hours, Reusch has locked Bryan in his room and called police. Bryan once threatened to kill himself with a kitchen knife. Bryan gets mad and pops him,'' Reusch said.