bipolar children in school
Would you think this child has bipolar disorder based on these actions?
She is in art class at school and the teacher gives the students an assignment to draw a picture using only their favorite color. This girl’s favorite color is red. So she takes a small blade and slices the inside of her palm and presses her bloody hand to her heart. Based on that scenario would that be a symptom of bipolar disorder?
I would say no, ma inly because officially according to the DSM manual bi polar disorder cannot be diagnosed in a child, but that is just a loose guidance, I would say although her behavior is concerning it may be a case of a very imaginative child.
Have you tried to talk it over with her and ask her why she choose to do her picture with that method? I think you should have a chat with her and try to get her view on what she did and then go from there, although I would certainly tell a doctor about the incident so that it can be kept in mind.
The most important thing is to act with caution, you don’t want to create a issue out of this and cause her to feel she is abnormal, stigma sticks and the effect on her self esteem and friendships could be quite profound.
If you want to get a Professional opinion on it then do so because there is nothing they haven’t seen or heard from children and will be better placed to offer advice.
Most of all try not to worry, its hard not to when its children involved but they learn by experimentation, it could just be that.
xxxx
Life Matters at Monarch – Disabled Children & Schools (1 of 4)
