Bipolar Disorder in Children and Teens

Medically reviewed by [Name], MD, board-certified child and adolescent psychiatrist · Last reviewed October 2026

Bipolar disorder causes distinct periods of unusually high energy or irritable mood, called mania or hypomania, and periods of depression. It most often begins in the late teens or early adulthood and is less common in young children.

Because many conditions can cause mood swings in kids, a careful evaluation matters. Ally Psychiatry’s child and adolescent providers take time to understand your child’s history before making a diagnosis, then provide steady, long-term care.

Worried about your child? Call 1-833-269-2559 (1-833-B-MY-ALLY) or request an appointment online. Request an Appointment

Signs of bipolar disorder in children and teens

Bipolar disorder involves clear episodes that are a change from how your child usually is.

During a manic or hypomanic episode, your child may:

• Seem unusually happy, silly or irritable for days at a time
• Need much less sleep without seeming tired
• Talk very fast or jump between ideas
• Have big, unrealistic plans or feel unusually powerful
• Take risks that are out of character

During a depressive episode, your child may:

• Feel sad, empty or hopeless
• Lose interest in activities and friends
• Sleep much more or less than usual
• Have trouble concentrating at school
• Talk about death or suicide

Having some of these does not mean your child has a diagnosis. A psychiatric evaluation is the best way to understand what is going on and what will help.

How we treat bipolar disorder in children and teens

Treatment helps your child stay stable and keep growing. Your child’s plan may include:

• Careful diagnosis. A detailed history from parents, your child and, when helpful, school, along with screening for conditions that can look similar.
• Medication management. Some mood stabilizers and antipsychotic medications are approved for children and teens with bipolar disorder. Your child’s provider adjusts treatment over time.
• Lab monitoring. Some medications need periodic blood tests and checks of weight and growth.
• Family therapy and routines. Families learn to recognize early warning signs, and steady sleep and daily structure help prevent new episodes.

Bipolar disorder or something else?

Irritability, outbursts and mood swings are common in children and can come from ADHD, anxiety, depression, trauma or disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD). Bipolar disorder is marked by distinct episodes that last days and differ from your child’s usual self. Tracking mood, sleep and energy before the first visit can help your child’s provider tell the difference.

What to expect at your first visit

1. Call or request an appointment. Our team completes a short intake call with you to gather your child’s history and insurance.
2. Bring what you have. Insurance card, current medications, report cards or teacher notes, and any past evaluations.
3. Meet the provider together. The first visit covers your concerns, your child’s development, health, school and home life. Teens also spend time alone with the provider. Plan for about 60 minutes.
4. Leave with a plan. You decide next steps together, which may include therapy, medication, school support or further evaluation.
5. Follow up. Regular visits track progress and adjust the plan as your child grows.

Why families choose Ally Psychiatry

• Appointments in days, not months. Our scheduling team moves new patients in quickly, so your child is not left waiting.
• In person or telehealth. Visit one of our clinics in Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama or South Carolina, or meet by secure video.
• Care that includes the family. Parents are part of the plan, and teens get time to speak with their provider privately.
• We work with your child’s team. With your permission, we coordinate with your pediatrician, therapist and school.
• Most insurance accepted.

Frequently asked questions

What can bipolar disorder look like in a child or teen?

Bipolar disorder can occur in children and teens. It involves mood episodes that last days or weeks and bring noticeable changes in how a child feels and functions. Everyday mood changes, tantrums, or irritability alone do not establish bipolar disorder.

Here are patterns worth discussing with a professional:

During periods of unusually elevated or irritable mood and increased energy:

• “They sleep much less but still seem full of energy.” Your child stays awake far later than usual and doesn’t seem tired the next day.
• “They’re talking much faster than usual.” They jump between ideas, seem difficult to interrupt, or describe thoughts that won’t slow down.
• “Their confidence seems unusually extreme.” They believe they have exceptional abilities or can do dangerous things without getting hurt.
• “They’re taking risks that are out of character.” Your child acts with unusually poor judgment or little concern for consequences.
• “Their energy and mood have changed together.” Unusual excitement or intense irritability occurs alongside increased activity and changes in sleep.

During periods of depression:

• “They’ve lost interest in things they usually love.” Friends, games, or family activities no longer seem enjoyable.
• “Everyday routines take much more effort.” Getting ready, attending school, or completing homework feels exhausting.
• “They seem persistently sad, irritable, or hopeless.” You also notice changes in sleep, appetite, or concentration.

A careful evaluation helps make sense of the pattern.

Do these signs mean my child has bipolar disorder?

These examples are not a diagnostic checklist. Symptoms can overlap with ADHD, anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and other conditions. An evaluation considers your child’s development, history, and how symptoms occur together over time.

At Ally Psychiatry, we listen to your family’s concerns and work to understand your child’s needs before recommending care.

Let’s talk about the changes you’ve noticed.

Seek urgent assessment for dangerous behavior, hallucinations, or thoughts of suicide. If there is immediate danger, call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department.

What medications are used for bipolar disorder in children?

Some mood stabilizers and antipsychotic medications are approved for children and teens. Some need regular blood tests, and all need follow-up to track benefit, side effects, weight and growth.

Does bipolar disorder run in families?

Yes. Having a parent or sibling with bipolar disorder raises a child’s risk, so share your family history with your child’s provider.

What ages do you treat?

We see children and teens ages [confirm minimum age] through 17. Young adults 18 and older can continue care with our adult providers, so families do not have to start over somewhere new.

Does my child need a referral?

No referral is needed to schedule. Some insurance plans require one for specialist visits, so check your plan or call 1-833-269-2559 and our team will help you find out.

Do you accept insurance for child psychiatry?

Yes. Ally Psychiatry is in-network with most major health insurance plans. Call 1-833-269-2559 to verify coverage before the first visit.

Do parents attend the appointment?

Yes. A parent or legal guardian attends the first visit and must consent to treatment for children under 18. Teens usually also spend part of each visit alone with the provider.

Can my child be seen by telehealth?

Yes. Many follow-up visits can be done by secure video from home in Alabama, Kentucky, South Carolina and Tennessee. Some visits must be in person, including initial appointments, annual visits, follow-ups after a hospital stay, and specialized treatments.

Related conditions we treat in children and teens

• Depression
• ADHD
• Anxiety

Take the first step. Call 1-833-269-2559 (1-833-B-MY-ALLY) to schedule an in-person or telehealth appointment. Most new patients are seen within a day. Request an Appointment

In crisis? If your child is thinking about harming themselves or is in immediate danger, call or text 988 or go to the nearest emergency room. Ally Psychiatry is not an emergency service.

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