The Washington Post reports today that the number of cases of bipolar disease being diagnosed in children is up significantly (40 times higher)? over the last 10+ years.? Here is a quick excerpt from the article.
“The number of young people treated for bipolar disorder increased 40-fold in the United States between 1994 and 2003, according to a new study.”
For those of you parents who are unsure of what bipolar disease is, I have pulled the following from Wikipedia’s bipolar disorder page.
“Bipolar disorder is a psychiatric condition defined as recurrent episodes of significant disturbance in mood. These disturbances can occur on a spectrum that ranges from debilitating depression to unbridled mania. Individuals suffering from bipolar disorder typically experience fluid states of mania, hypomania or what is referred to as a mixed state in conjunction with depressive episodes. These clinical states typically alternate with a normal range of mood. The disorder has been subdivided into Bipolar I, Bipolar II and cyclothymia, with both Bipolar I and Bipolar II potentially presenting with rapid cycling.”
So what are the insurance implications for parents?? In this case, a diagnosed child will require treatment through medications and therapy/counceling.? In some severe cases hospitalization may be required.? Health insurance is a must in this situation.? If you need help in this regard, please take a look at our child health insurance page for more information and a list of insurance providers? servicing your zip code.
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