Fourth Edition, September 2011

How long does bipolar disorder last?
Bipolar disorder is a major mental illness, with lifelong consequences. Students with a diagnosis of bipolar 
disorder will most likely, or should be, under the care of a doctor or mental health professional.
What causes bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a disorder that runs in families, but has a complex pattern of inheritance. If one identi-
cal twin has a bipolar disorder, the other twin has a 43% chance of also having the disorder. If they are 
fraternal twins, the chances drop to 6%. If one parent has bipolar disorder, about one quarter of their chil-
dren will have a mood disorder. These mood disorders will be split about 50-50 between bipolar disorder 
and depression.
Some of the more common signs a child may be struggling 
with bipolar disorder

Rapidly changing moods lasting a few minutes to a few days

Separation anxiety

Crying for no apparent reason

Strong and frequent cravings, often for carbohydrates and sweets

Hyperactivity, agitation, and distractibility

Depression

Expansive or irritable mood

Excessive involvement in multiple projects and activities

Impaired judgment, impulsivity, racing thoughts, and pressure to keep talking

Impulsive, talkative, distractible, withdrawn, unmotivated, or diffi
cult to engage

Grandiose belief in personal abilities that defy logic (ability to fl y, knows more than the 
teacher)

Explosive, lengthy, and often destructive rages

Defi ance of authority

‘Dare devil’ behaviours

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H 3
Bipolar Disorder
Making a Diff erence: An Educators’ Guide to Child and Youth Mental Health Problems
www.cymhin.ca
Educational implications
Students with bipolar disorder may fl uctuate considerably in their ability to attend school, concentrate 
in the classroom, and complete assignments. During depressive episodes, they may appear sad or with-
drawn. They may avoid other students at break, and in the playground. They may complain of feeling 
tired, or of not having any energy. During manic episodes, they may have a great deal of energy, have 
diffi
culty focusing on the task at hand, and make grandiose plans.
This fl uctuation in mood can alienate other students and lead to interpersonal confl icts and social isolation.
If you have any concerns that a student may be suff ering from a bipolar disorder, you should discuss those 
concerns with the resource staff or your principal. Professional help to deal with this problem will likely 
be required.