Psychiatrist Demitri Papolos and his wife Janice, authors of the book, The Bipolar Child, enlightened and advised parents further on this disorder.

What we learned:

	Record numbers of children are being diagnosed with bipolar disorder, but it is difficult to spot because so many symptoms resemble hyperactivity
	90% of bipolar children were first diagnosed with ADD or ODD.
	Some medications — like Ritalin — that are used to treat explosive outbursts, attention deficits and hyperactivity can make bipolar conditions worse, causing children who are misdiagnosed to suffer from hallucinations and psychosis.
	Because of the medication issue, Janice says doctors should first look at bipolar before treating children with multiple conditions.
	Unlike adults with bipolar, the symptoms in children are different. Bipolar children feel scared all the time.
	Many bipolar children refuse to sleep for days at a time.
	Lines between reality and fantasy are often blurred for bipolar children.
	Janice says we're seeing more and more bipolar babies — some as young as 18 months.
	Diet may also have an effect on "explosive behavior."

The Bipolar Child: The Definitive and Reassuring Guide to Childhood's Most Misunderstood Disorder by Demitri F., Md. Papolos, Janice Papolos.

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