Recognizing and treating uncommon behavioral and emotional disorders in children and adolescents who have been severely maltreated: bipolar disorders.

Although it was assumed for many years that children do not experience bipolar disorder, it has been recently recognized that some children do. Those who have been severely maltreated may be at an increased risk for developing a bipolar disorder. This article explores the symptoms of the bipolar disorder as well as strategies for distinguishing these symptoms from those of children experiencing more common disorders. Treatment strategies, including the use of medication, for children experiencing bipolar disorder and their families are examined.