Bipolar Disorder in Children and Teens

Most children who have bipolar disorder need medicine. But other forms of treatment used along with medicine play an important role in balancing mood and improving quality of life. Counseling, education about the disorder, and stress reduction can help.

Other Treatment Choices

Counseling along with medicine has been used effectively to manage bipolar disorder. Types of therapy that counselors use to treat bipolar disorder include:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy, which focuses on modifying certain thinking and behavior patterns.
• Interpersonal therapy, which focuses on social and personal relationships and related problems.
• Problem-solving therapy, a type of cognitive therapy that helps you find immediate solutions to problems.
• Family therapy, which can help educate and support the entire family.
• Play therapy for very young children.
• Psychological education and support groups.
• Dialectical-behavioral therapy, which focuses on building skills to manage mood swings.

In some cases, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be an option. In this procedure, brief electrical stimulation to the brain is given through electrodes placed on the head. The stimulation produces a short seizure that is thought to balance brain chemicals.

Complementary therapy

Complementary medicine is a term used for a wide variety of health care practices that may be used along with standard medical treatment. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oils have been getting some attention as a possible complementary treatment of bipolar disorder. But more research is needed to prove the effectiveness of omega-3 fatty acids in treating this condition in children, teens, and adults.