Bipolar disorder affects how the brain functions, causing shifts in a person's moods and energy levels. It's also called manic depression, manic-depressive disorder, manic-depressive illness, bipolar mood disorder, and bipolar affective disorder.
People with bipolar disorder go through episodes of low-energy depression and high-energy mania.
Depression episodes may include:
Mania episodes may include:
In adults, mania or depression episodes can last weeks or months. In kids and teens, episodes can be much briefer, going back and forth between mania and depression throughout a day.
Without treatment, bipolar disorder can worsen as children get older. But following a medication treatment plan and making a few lifestyle changes — like eating a nutritious diet, getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and managing stress — can help kids and teens with bipolar disorder control the symptoms and lead normal lives.
Students with bipolar disorder may:
Treatment for bipolar disorder usually involves the use of medications, such as mood stabilizers, and counseling or psychotherapy. Teachers need to watch for extreme behavioral changes or any signs of suicidal thoughts. Educators should take these signs seriously. The student's parents or guardians, psychologist, or other health care professionals can talk to school staff about how to respond to such situations.
Encourage your students with bipolar disorder to participate in all school-based activities as best they can, when they can.
Plan and agree on a "safe place" with your student — a place to go if he or she feels overwhelmed or just needs to relax. You also can agree on a "safe person" (possibly you) your student can talk to. When your student needs to go to the safe place or talk with the safe person, allow for a discreet exit without drawing his or her classmates' attention.
If the student does not have an individualized education plan (IEP) or a 504 education plan, consult with a school counselor, psychologist, or social worker to see if developing a plan with parents or guardians would help. If the student does have an IEP or 504, make sure to follow the plan's requirements.
Reviewed by: Rupal Christine Gupta, MD
Date Reviewed: 14-06-2015