Boy Interrupted- Pediatric Bipolar Disorder

Lithium (a mood stabilizer) is a first line treatment for bipolar disorders but may require up to two weeks to achieve a therapuetic blood level.

• True

• False

Pediatric bipolar disorder is complex and is a relatively new diagnosis in children.  Identify some of the barriers to early identification and intervention from the list below: (choose all that apply)

• Parents & providers think the mania and depression episodes are just the mood swings and that the child will grow out of it

• Some think seeking help is giving up and admitting to bad parenting

• Symptoms may emerge gradually during childhood or adolescence and maybe overlooked.

• Psychiatrist will not treat a child with bipolar disorder until their 18th birthday

Manic episodes may be characterized by: (choose all that apply)

• Flight of ideas

• Poor judgement

• Fatigue

• Reduced need for sleep

• Hopelessness

• Delusions and hallucinations during severe episodes

In the video, Evan was brought to the emergency department after he was found on the roof of his school building. Identify the ways we provide for the safety of suicidal children who present to the ED: (choose all that apply)

• There is a strict no visitor policy (including no parents) for pediatric suicidal patients

• Pediatric suicidal patients are place in rooms 12 & 13

• Special pyschiatric bathroom

• Security is available for observation

What characteristics of bipolar disorder did you recognize in the video clips of Evan growing up?

Manic behaviors can be difficult to deal with in the Emergency Department. Describe how you would deal with a patient who is out of control during a manic episode.