How Does Bipolar Disorder Affect the Family?
Bipolar disorder affects the child’s ability to relate to others in the family or in the school setting, especially when ill. Most commonly, parents and siblings of the bipolar child complain about the child or teen’s irritability, stubbornness, and impulsive outbursts of rage. Some families complain of a “toxic” atmosphere in the household when their child’s mood is cycling. Your family problems may be most apparent during or just after your child or teen’s episode of mania or depression, but then may improve as he or she gets better. Part of our treatment program at CHAMP involves teaching families how to resolve family conflicts through good communication and problem solving.
