This is a question posed a lot recently on talk shows, on health blogs and in newspapers across the country. Why?
Because, health commentators say, the diagnosis of bipolar disorder has gone through the roof in the last ten years, especially in young people.
In fact, children with bipolar disorder seem to be everywhere. Researchers have found that the increase in a bipolar disorder is 40 times greater now than it was in the mid 1990s.
The study, lead by Columbia University and the New York State Psychiatric Institute, finds that there is probably not an actual increase in the amount of children with bipolar disorder. Rather, there was an under-diagnosis in the past or there is a major over-diagnosis now.
But which is it?
Researchers don't know. Some in the field believe that bipolar disorder has been under-diagnosed and like many other conditions, when experts know more, they can diagnose more. Others claim that bipolar disorder is an easy way to dot i's and cross t's, excuses irresponsible behavior, and also fills millions of money-making prescriptions that people don't need and can actually be dangerous.
Many doctors don't even believe it possible to diagnose a young child as bipolar.
Dr John March, of Duke University is not a fan of medicating all these "bipolar" kids. He considers it "one big experiment" on America's children and can lead to dangerous side effects.
It can also lead to labeling that tells a child they can't amount to too much because they are bipolar and need to accept limitations and on the same vein, can allow people to think that they are not accountable for their actions and behaviors because they have a medical 'excuse' for acting how they do.
One thing we know for sure is that bipolar disorder is real and it's a serious condition. According to EmpowHer's encyclopedia, bipolar disorder is characterized by "extreme swings in mood, energy, and ability to function. The mood changes of bipolar disorder are more dramatic than normal ups and downs. They can hurt relationships and cause poor job or school performance. Bipolar disorder can be treated; contact your doctor if you think you may have this condition.
The two extremes of the illness are mania (when energy peaks, mood may be overly euphoric or irritable) and depression (when lethargy takes over, mood may be very blue). Severe episodes of mania or depression may sometimes be associated with psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, or disorders of thought."
Treatment is varied - from medications to talk therapy:
"The following medications may be used to treat bipolar disorder (many patients are treated with a combination of two or more of these medications):
◦Lithium—a mood stabilizer, often used as initial treatment (helps prevent manic and depressive episodes from returning)
◦Valproate (Depakote), carbamazepine (Tegretol), lamotrigine (Lamictal), topiramate (Topamax)—antiseizure medications, also used as mood stabilizers instead or in combination with lithium
◦Benzodiazepines (clonazepam [Klonopin] or lorazepam [Ativan]) can be used to treat agitation or insomnia
◦Zolpidem (Ambien)—used to treat insomnia
◦Antidepressants (serotonin reuptake inhibitors or bupropion [Wellbutrin])—used to treat depression
◦Antipsychotic medications—used for acute manic or mixed episodes and maintenance treatment
■Classic antipsychotic medications (eg, haloperidol [Haldol]) are not often used because of risks of tardive dyskinesia (uncontrollable movements).
■Atypical antipsychotic medications (eg, risperidone, olanzapine, aripiprazole, ziprasidone, and quetiapine) are more effective with less risk of tardive dyskinesia
Treatment may need to be continued for prolonged periods or indefinitely, depending on the pattern of the illness, to prevent significant mood swings."
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, there are more than 5.5 million in the United States with bipolar disorder, which is more than 2.5 percent of the population. A fairly staggering statistic - for every fifty people, more than one has bipolar disorder.
Experts are currently examining signs of bipolar disorder in children as young as preschool age (3 to 5 years old).
Tell Us
How do you feel about the surge in the diagnosis of bipolar disorder, especially in children? Do you feel it shows more education and understanding of the condition or do you think it's diagnosis overkill, and a psychiatric "trend" as some critics have said?
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Add a Comment27 Comments
Thanks for a nice response. I am the crazy one nicknamed crazy kim throughout life . Who wouldnt be depressed today. Bipolar I agree is not being able to control your behavior. Stratera and Riddelin do not work. I almost burnt house down then wrote to you then was happy. Bounced back and hide. hate people my answering machine says :this number has been disconnected. I hate people because they always made fun of me. Depression causing bipolar seems easy. I feel isolation and not being understood because of rude comments I make and laughing when nothings funny. I maybe was not hyperactive /add at age 7 when meds were required after accidently stabbing a girl with a pencil. Is it possible being bipolar is genetic and has nothing to do with the world. If you are bipolar remember people fear what they dont understand. I tryed to fix the behavior of laughing and not sitting still finishing tasks since I was a kid. As a adult gambling 8000 one night and still online. I have rent due today and 2.00 My husband did burn his leg last night on my accident with the candle almost burned house down and know he again has to pay my rent. He finally agrees after reading bipolar symptoms its true. He always asked ''whats wrong with you'?''. I hope I am not stupid. Depressed or Happy I dont know. Depressed I am alone, but happy I am safe. I am so happy I have a husband . Still is close to leaving me but he understands after learning about bipolar. Hey if bipolar is the cool thing you will learn not to tell anyone if you like them around. Many people look at you different. unfortunatly if bipolar the urge is tell everyone if it scares them then you will laugh. If this is still misunderstood seems it cant be treated. Is the more popular opinion it is genetic or evolves later in life. I may of been the genetic one. Bye wrote earlier and it vanished. forgot most of it now thanks to computers. I may continue writting on paper then scan then paste it. Oh technology dont let it make you go bipolar. lol thats would be a great commercial. well bye hate those who dwell about themselves like we all do. Only created 1 more enemy today thats good. Real mad this guy got and its my fault. Highs and Lows extreme. Thats when I fear a manic attack It sucks being scared of yourself. I feel treatment is needed and that I will get. I dont want to hurt anyone ever again. Burning my husband. swearing at everyone. not going out with my brother to movie but buy him the same movie on the blackmarket. I am so hated my husband is moving us to a new neighborhood. He doesnt want to but me happened again. Are u who replyed bipolar or doctors. Oh doing god like things I literally applyed to be a doctor. Why I was feeling good that day and have taken enough college courses that equivalate to a doctor. Not true art classes and my goal was never medical. If a stupid person really applys to be a doctor and confident is that depression or is that syball or really really stupid. bipolar is just doing unheard of things and its right until it is explained. i can piss off the pope popular saying we all i am sure heard lol bye try not going crazy today. Was singing that song I think i ammmmmmm crazy. glad to be attractive and glad to scare them away after a hour. Goals today hide and not do dumb things.
September 1, 2010 - 4:45amThis Comment
over 24 years ago, a 'drug rep' at a hospital I was working at told us about some 'new' drugs coming out for 'depression'. He said, and I remember this distinctly, 'Now they just have to think up some disorders to prescribe them for'. We all had an uneasy laugh, but even then we could see the writing on the wall and...I believed him. And I still do. We are NOT a nation, or world full of bi-polar depressives. We are people who experience life's ups and downs and don't know how to handle our emotions without running to the medicine chest. Please note: I am not talking about seriously psychotic people (I have worked in mental health), I am talking about people who are depressed because life isnt what they expected. I am talking about people who get depressed when a loved one dies, or their finances crash or their kids run away or the dog dies. The people who run to their doctor for such things. Things happen in everyone's life, that are sad and depressing. There is no magic 'cure'....you have to ride through it. If you are seeing or hearing things that are not there, by all means, get medical help. But if you are feeling depressed over events in your life, join the club! One can learn how to grasp that sadness, acknowledge it, then let it go. We need more therapists, not drugs. Sorry for going on and on, but this issue of over diagnosing and medicating depression has bugged me for years!
August 30, 2010 - 9:39amThis Comment
I have done much research on this and I am sorry to invade. It seems you are more professionals. I just had to say it and I dont want it. Was on medicine for hyperactiviy since I was 8 years old. It is very hard to understand all this. I just started seeking help last 2 months. Did have a DV charge. It was strange you snap and then you don't remember what you even did to upset everyone. Like writting this. I believe my case in my opinion is interesting because there is no help unless you have insurance or money. I fly under the radar because I am cute and look normal. God I am sorry bye folks please continue on before I rudely inturupted.
August 30, 2010 - 7:41amThis Comment
I believe I am bi-polar. Why it would be a trend I do not get. I would not wish it on my worst enemy. I guess we are all crazy but bipolar will destroy everyone else around you like a alcoholic. Its embarrasing knowing I have it I don't want a diagnosis. I am trying to get better but was turned down by the free clinics. They said yes you are either bipolar or dual personality but it takes years to know. I cant seem to do a thing right its frusterating. I am 35 had 92 jobs. moved to denver after loosing 8000.00 in one single night. I have manic attacks and break things. I scared all my friends and family away. Where do you go when you are not rich. What do you do. I almost broke a tv the other day and burnt my house on fire and know my husband said he cant take much more. I dont want to loose the only person I have left.
August 30, 2010 - 7:21amThis Comment
Glad to here such a young girl did recieve help. You must really care she is lucky. Being bi-polar will destroy a persons life. I do not understand how long it takes to get a diagnosis. Does anybody have a idea. I was told years then told weeks. How easily is hyperactivity or add confused so easily. Guess it depends on the doctor. huh
August 30, 2010 - 7:10amThis Comment
people who are bipolar and have no money dont get help. guess only well off financial people get the help they need.
August 30, 2010 - 7:05amThis Comment
I agree that it seems very 'trendy' to have Bipolar at the moment. Far too many young people struggle for other reasons and Bipolar is an easy explanation in a difficult world. I feel very strongly that part of teenagers education in school should include coping mechanism for their emotions and life's events to prevent mental health problems developing.
April 3, 2010 - 12:37amMy daughter needs medication for her Bipolar to survive but other routes were tried and tested thoroughly before this happened so she was fortunate not to just be fobbed off with a prescription. She is now 17 and beginning to stablise with the right meds.
This Comment
Yes! I have been concerned about the huge increase of people being diagnosed as Bipolar in the 2000 years. It seems one has only to see a Psychiatrist one time, and they are labeled "Bipolar" complete with being given antipsychotic meds. My own Therapist ( PhD in Psychology ) saw me for THREE YEARS before diagnosing me as Bipolar. I fear with the trend of Psychiatrists only seeing patients to prescribe meds has caused part of this problem. It takes a long time and a lot of patience to make an accurate diagnosis of any psychiatric problem. It's just far easier to see someone and start pumping them full of meds instead of getting to the root of their problems. If the meds help you some, then you must be Bipolar! Back in the '90's everyone was being diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. I've forgotten the "in" illness of the '80's, but I remember in the '70's everyone had Hypoglycemia. I have always been a little sceptical of mass diagnoses.
April 1, 2010 - 8:37pmThis Comment
buddha2310,
I am so sorry to read about your situation. It sounds like it has been extremely difficult for your daughter and your family. How do you deal with this as a mom?
David Mariant
December 21, 2009 - 10:10amThis Comment
Thank you and you are right, it has been very difficult for all of us. I do struggle with coping, sometimes more than others, but if my daughter can do it, then so can we! It doesn't help that my daughter also has an 'attachment disorder' to me which means she feels she can't be away from me and has me on a very high pedestal!! Sometimes I feel I need to fall off that high place but she tries to keep me on a tight leash! It sounds harsh but thats how it feels sometimes. I have had to give up my job as many people do in this situation and you feel as if you don't exist as anyone else anymore apart from the carer role. But my love and pride for my beautiful, strong, fiesty daughter helps try to keep the balance and we can only hope for the future.
Hazel
December 29, 2009 - 1:12amThis Comment