Prevalence of Bipolar Disorder in Children: Rare but Possible
Bipolar disorder is estimated to occur in 1to 3% of youth, the majority of whom are adolescents rather than children.1 The condition can be challenging to diagnose—it can take several years for clinicians to follow the patient and make an accurate diagnosis.
There are two types of bipolar disorder—Bipolar I and Bipolar II.
To receive a diagnosis of Bipolar I, a child must meet the criteria for a manic episode (see next slide below). They may also experience depressive episodes, but not necessarily.
To receive a diagnosis of Bipolar II, a child has experienced both hypomania (a milder form of mania) along with a major depressive episode.
Updated: Apr 1, 2021
Article Sources
- Birmaher, Borris. ‘Bipolar Disorder in Children and Adolescents.’ Child and Adolescent Mental Health. 2013 Sep 1; 18(3). Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3835470/ Accessed March 31, 2021.
- National Institute of Mental Health. Bipolar Disorder in Children and Teens. Available at https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/bipolar-disorder-in-children-and-teens/index.shtml Accessed March 31, 2021.
- National Institute of Mental Health. Bipolar Disorder in Children and Teens. Revised 2020. Available at https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/bipolar-disorder-in-children-and-teens/index.shtml AccessedMarch 31, 2021.
- American Psychological Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Fifth edition. Available at https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/practice/dsm Accessed March 31, 2021.
- Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD). Coexisting Conditions. Available at https://chadd.org/about-adhd/coexisting-conditions/ Accessed March 31, 2021.
- National Institute of Mental Health. Bipolar Disorder in Children and Teens. Revised 2020. Available at https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/bipolar-disorder-in-children-and-teens/index.shtml Accessed March 31, 2020.