Children with ESM more likely to suffer from learning disabilities than bipolar disorder

According to a new study by the Longitudinal Assessment of Manic Symptoms (LAMS), children with elevated symptoms of mania (ESM) are more likely to meet the criteria for disruptive behavior disorders than for bipolar disorder, reports onmedica.com.

Research involved 621 children with ESM, who were between the ages of 6 and 12. Experts found that 76 percent of children were diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and 43 percent with mood disorders. However, nearly 25 percent of participants met the criteria for bipolar spectrum disorder. Furthermore, the presence of ESM may represent severe pathology, rather than bipolar disorder

Individuals who suffer from bipolar disorder often experience extreme mood changes, irritability, insomnia and suicidal ideation in addition to being easily distracted from normal daily activities.

Boarding schools for teens can help children who suffer from the symptoms of bipolar disorder by providing recreational and educational activities that are designed to help their behavior.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly 5.7 million people in the U.S. suffer from bipolar disorder. Furthermore, approximately 2.6 percent of the population is diagnosed with the condition each year.