It is very important for parents to let the childs teacher know about the bipolar disorder. The teacher needs to be aware of what the disorder means, and most teachers are very helpful in helping monitor the childs behaviour. Teachers often see the children when in a low arousal state, and may only notice symptoms such as attention problems, mischevious energy, and not see the tantrums at all. The most improtant first step in treating bipolar disorder in children is to stabliize the mood and help sleep problems or any psychotic symptoms that may be present. Once the child appears stable, therapy is needed to help the child to understand about his illness and the effects of their emotions and their behaviour.
Medication is a helpful way to get the child stable.
However, one must also be careful. It is also important to know that anti-depressant medications can possibly cause very rapid cycling in the bipolar child and that these medications may cause the child to become more irritable, and more aggressive. Mood stabilizers such as Lithium, Depekote and Tegretol are often prescribed. Other medications including Neurontin, Lamictal, Topomax are being tested for use on children. Children with psychotic symptoms may be treated with Risperdal, Zyprexa, Mellaril, Trilafion, Haldol.