08/29/2026
A common misconception with bipolar disorder is that children cannot experience it.
About 2.9% of children and adolescents will experience cycles of extreme highs and lows in mood and energy levels, more so than other children. Moods may oscillate between bouts of energetic happiness with periods of intense tiredness or irritability. This can be the experience of a child with bipolar disorder, a mental health condition that can cause unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity, and day to day functioning.
Please visit https://aimymh.org/bipolar-disorder-in-youth-toolkit/
for resources on childhood bipolar disorder.
Throughout the highs and lows, a fulfilling life is possible for every adolescent—experiencing bipolar disorder included.
