Early Onset Bipolar Red Flag Symptoms

IN reviewing the “red flag symptoms” of bipolar in children, here’s how The Captain stacks up (ones that match are bolded and red):

Very Common Symptoms of Early-Onset Bipolar Disorder

• Separation anxiety
• Rages & explosive temper tantrums (lasting up to several hours)
• Marked irritability
• Oppositional behavior
• Frequent mood swings
• Distractibility
• Hyperactivity
• Impulsivity
• Restlessness/ fidgetiness
• Silliness, goofiness, giddiness
• Racing thoughts
• Aggressive behavior
• Grandiosity
• Carbohydrate cravings
• Risk-taking behaviors
• Depressed mood
• Lethargy
• Low self-esteem
• Difficulty getting up in the morning
• Social anxiety
• Oversensitivity to emotional or environmental triggers

Common Symptoms of Early-Onset Bipolar Disorder

• Bed-wetting (especially in boys)
• Night terrors
• Rapid or pressured speech
• Obsessional behavior
• Excessive daydreaming
• Compulsive behavior
• Motor & vocal tics
• Learning disabilities
• Poor short-term memory
• Lack of organization
• Fascination with gore or morbid topics
• Hypersexuality
• Manipulative behavior
• Bossiness
• Lying
• Suicidal thoughts
• Destruction of property
• Paranoia
• Hallucinations & delusions

Less Common Symptoms of Early-Onset Bipolar Disorder

• Migraine headaches
• Binging
• Self-mutilating behaviors
• Cruelty to animals