Bipolar Disorder
Symptoms
Children
and teens with bipolar disorder have mood swings with extreme ups (mania) and downs (depression). Many children change
continuously between mania and depression, sometimes several times a day. These intense moods quickly change from one
extreme to another without a clear reason. It is also possible that your child may return to a normal mood between the
two extremes.
Note: Times of mania or depression may be less obvious in children and teens than they are with adults.
Here are some of the signs and symptoms you may see in your child or teen.
During a mania episode:
- Irritability
or throwing violent temper tantrums
- Seeming extremely happy or having high levels of energy
- Using sexual language
or approach others in a sexual way
- Getting minimal sleep or roaming the house late at night looking for things to
do
- Talking very fast
During a depression episode:
- Feeling empty, sad, down, or bored
- Complaints
of headaches, muscle aches, stomachaches, or fatigue
- Spending a lot of time alone
- Constantly feeling rejected
or criticized
Bipolar disorder can occur in adolescents and children as young as age 6.
You will notice these children or teens having mood swings with extreme ups and downs. When they are up,
they have brief, intense outburst or feel irritable or extremely happy several times a day. They will have a lot of
energy and high activity levels; however, when they are down you will notice the opposite behavior, such as being depressed
or sad.
It’s not fully understood what causes bipolar disorder in children or adults; however, studies have
shown that it tends to run in the family. A child has a greater risk of having bipolar if a close family member, such
as a parent, grandparent, brother or sister also has the disorder.
Parents often wonder what they may have
done to cause this disorder, but there is nothing a parent can do to cause or prevent it.
Pacific Institute of Medical
Sciences is conducting a clinical trial evaluating if a specific medication is safe and effective for bipolar disorder
in children and teens ages 10-17.
For more information about our clinic, the research study, or to schedule
your child an evaluation call our office at 425 821 5021.
Clinical Trial Participation
If your child is under the age of 18, and you think
he/she may have Bipolar Disorder, you can contact our office for more information about this study and/or to schedule an appointment.
Call our office at 425-821-5021 or complete the questionnaire on this page. Our clinical staff will provide a free evaluation,
discuss how clinical trials work, and explain what would be involved if your child were to participate in this study.
Frequently Asked Questions About Participating in a Study
Why do clinical trials exist?
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that all prescription medications be evaluated for safety
and efficacy before they are marketed to the public. Therefore, before a new medication can be made available, it must undergo
extensive testing. Clinical trials are part of this testing process.
Why do clinical trials involve
children?
•To see if a medication is safe and effective for use in children
•To find a new treatment
and improve upon existing treatments for children
•To compare existing treatments
•To determine the appropriate
dosages for children
What are some of the possible benefits of my child’s participation?
•Your
child will have access to potentially new study medications or therapies that are not otherwise available
•Your
child will receive study-related medical care for the condition being studied
•You and your child will be helping
other children by contributing to medical research and treatment advances
Does it cost anything
to participate in the study?
•There is no cost to you to participate in this study.
Some
key questions to ask the clinical staff before your child participates in a study
•What is the purpose of
this specific study?
•Will my child receive any follow-up care after the study has ended?
•What are the
obligations and expectations of me and my child as a volunteer?
•How many visits to the clinic are required?
•What are my other options if I choose not to have my child participate in this study?
Address
Hours of Operation
10634 E Riverside Dr Monday through Friday
Suite 300 8:00 AM to 4:00
PM
Bothell, WA. 98011
Phone: Email: sini@pspc.org
(425) 821 5021
Fax:
(425) 821 7968