Growing out of the "Mixed-State?"

I do believe that our daughter has grown out of the "mixed-state" as it is called, when a bp child exhibits both depression and extreme agitation and energy at the same time. This is the most dangerous stage for these kids, because their energy level combined with their negative and angry thoughts combine to cause them to lash out physically against themselves and others. When an adult experiences depression, they usually become listless, lack energy to care for themselves or others, and withdraw. But a bp child can be quite depressed, even suicidal, and have a huge amount of energy creating havoc in their homes and schools if not treated quickly with the right meds.

As Caroline has moved into the teen years, we have seen less and less of these "mixed-states" and much more of the classic swing between mania and depression. This has been easier to deal with by far. I don't know if this would be true for every bp child as they move into the teen years, but I do think that many of them become more classic BP I or II. As awful as it is to have bipolar disorder, I will take the adult version over the child version any day. I hope that if your child is experiencing the rages that cause so much damage to your home, to their relationships, and to themselves, that you will hang in there and know that there is hope that these rages can lessen over time.