Bipolar Disorder in children can often be confused with other, more common problems such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). However, kids who suffer from bipolar disorder will cycle very quickly from angry and irritable behavior to giddy and unrealistic grandiosity. Unlike adults with Bipolar Disorder, children can sometimes experience severe mood swings several times a day.
For this reason, it is very difficult for the bipolar child to perform well at school and maintain meaningful friendships with their peers. Teachers may be able to intervene and respond effectively to these emotions in the classroom by using these suggested strategies.
Identify and Lessen Extreme Mood Triggers
Teachers should record any events, food, or situations in the classroom that seem to cause the behavior of a student with bipolar disorder to worsen. If the student seems to become irritable after eating a food high in sugar, or when engaged in play with a particular student, these pairings should be avoided in the future.
Develop a Classroom Plan for Disruptive Behavior
Make sure that there is a team of school personnel that can be called upon in times of crisis and violent outbursts. Create an intervention plan that can be engaged during these potentially dangerous episodes. The plan may include the following:
- A place within the classroom for student to go in order to calm down
- A list of items that will soothe the child (music, stress ball, etc.)
- Contact name or number of school councilor for help
- A place outside the classroom for disruptive student to go
- Cool down processes that seem to be effective for the child (counting, imagining a happy place, etc.)
Within the plan there should also be information on any medications that are currently prescribed to the child, and what should be expected and/or done if dosages are missed or accidentally doubled.
Avoid Manic Arguments
When emotions are running high, the bipolar student may become overwhelmed and not be able to think or perform logically. In these situations, teachers should avoid engaging in any type of heated discussion with the child. Stay calm; try to keep one’s voice steady and soft, even when responding to yelling from the child. Keep from criticizing the child or pointing out the disruptive mood. Consult the plan if behavior becomes too distracting or violent.
Appropriate responses to these outbursts can be imperative for teachers to gain back control of the situation and quiet a difficult moment. Keep to the positive, supportive types of expressions. Try these:
- “Okay”
- “I understand”
- “I’m sorry that you feel lousy”
- “Yes, it’s very hard”
- “That’s too bad”
- “I’m listening”
- “I hear you”
- “Good”
Adjust Homework and Schoolwork Requirements
Allowing for flexibility in the classroom is another way for teachers to accommodate a student with bipolar disorder. When a child’s energy is high, provide him with a more challenging assignment and allow him to shine. When he is frustrated, sad, or has low energy, provide a workload that is lighter and attainable for his current state.
A student with bipolar disorder will experience mood swings that can compromise his or her abilities to perform in school. The erratic behavior that is common with manic depression can also impact relationships with peers, and ultimately deteriorate the sufferer’s self-esteem. Teachers sensitive to the issues surrounding bipolar disorder will be better prepared to handle anything that arises as a result of this debilitating disorder.