Bipolar Disorder is probably the most controversial topic in the field of child and adolescent mental health. A 2007 study published in the Archives of General Psychiatry reported a 40-fold increase in office visits for pediatric bipolar disorder between 1994-95 and 2002-03.  Fueling the controversy is concern that the vast majority of kids receiving a bipolar diagnosis don’t meet the official criteria for the condition outlined in the DSM-5. In particular, many kids with predominantly irritable mood, symptoms of ADHD and difficulty with emotional self-regulation that often leads to aggressive behavior are receiving the diagnosis along with medication with potentially serious side effects.

I’m going to present a six-part series to help children’s pastors, youth pastors and ministry volunteers better understand and serve kids with bipolar disorder and their families. Consider this as a “prequel” to the official launch of this blog on September 12. The schedule for this week:

Sunday: What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder in children and teens?

Monday: What challenges do kids with bipolar disorder face?

Tuesday: What challenges do families of kids with bipolar disorder face?

Wednesday: How might bipolar disorder affect church participation and spiritual development?

Thursday: How can the church help?

Friday: Resources for ministers and parents

Updated January 27, 2014

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Confused about all the changes in diagnostic terminology for kids with mental heath disorders? Key Ministry has a resource page summarizing our recent blog series examining the impact of the DSM-5 on kids. Click this link for summary articles describing the changes in diagnostic criteria for conditions common among children and teens, along with links to other helpful resources!