In adults these abnormal intense moods can often last for weeks or even months. Childhood bipolar symptoms are often chronic and continuous rather than acute and episodic, as in adults. To get an accurate diagnosis of bipolar disorder a thorough evaluation of the child must been done by a psychiatrist. This evaluation generally includes interviewing the child and the parents, interviewing the child's teachers, gathering data on the child's family history, a medical exam as well as blood tests to ensure no underlying medical problem exists. Often, a family history of depression, bipolar disorder or alcoholism can be a clue to diagnosis.
Bipolar disorder tends to be inherited.
Although being a parent of a bipolar child has often been challenging, it has also be rewarding. It is important to remember that there are stages of recognition, adjustment and adaptation each family will travel through in its own time and its own fashion.