Bipolar disorder is a mental illness which affects adults, teenagers and children. As a result, it is important for parents to be aware of symptoms associated with the condition, especially as most cases are first identified in those under the age of eighteen.
While many sufferers respond well to a combination of medications (anti-psychotics, mood stabilizers or antidepressants) and therapeutic intervention, partial hospitalization may be required for some children.
What is Partial Hospitalization?
Partial hospitalization is an intensive form of treatment used for a variety of mental health conditions such as eating disorders, anxiety disorders, addictions, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. This is also a valuable alternative for those who require a significant degree of support as they cope with their illness, but do not need twenty-four-hour in-patient care.
While it is less intensive than in-patient or residential treatment, partial hospitalization provides the patient with more support than that received in out-patient settings and may be used as part of an aftercare plan, implemented following inpatient treatment.
Understanding Partial Hospitalization For Bipolar Disorder
Although all programs differ, there are usually several main similarities associated with partial hospitalization treatment programs. Partial hospitalization programs will help the bipolar child by monitoring and attempting to improve medication stabilisation. These programs may involve a variety of different skills, including social skills and coping skills.
Coping skills are useful for helping the patient to identify negative or unhealthy, unhelpful forms of behaviours and replace them with healthier, positive alternatives. Anger management tools should support the child in finding new ways of coping with difficult situations and group therapy is helpful in understanding the disorder better, feeling less isolated and learning new skills.
Occupational therapy as well as individual therapy is typically offered within partial hospitalisation programs. While individual therapy provides a valuable means for the child to identify and cope with different mood states and other bipolar symptoms, occupational therapy is primarily aimed at helping sufferers to develop abilities that necessary for them to function independently.
Benefits of Partial Hospitalization Treatment For Bipolar Disorder
One of the main benefits of a partial hospitalization program is the fact that the child can remain living at home and thus, the youth will not have to experience the potentially-distressing experience of separation from parents and siblings.
Also, this approach makes it easier for the child to remain in education and different programs will have a greater emphasis on specific issues, so specialised, intensive treatment may be provided.
Source:
Anglada, T. & Hakala, S. (2008) The Childhood Bipolar Disorder Answerbook Illinois: Sourcebooks
Related Articles:
Different Types of Bipolar Disorder
Treatment Team for Childhood Bipolar Disorder
Treatment Approaches for Childhood Bipolar Disorder
Childhood Bipolar Disorder Medication
Helping Teenagers with Bipolar Disorder
Residential Treatment for Children
How to Parent a Child with Bipolar Disorder
How Bipolar Disorder Affects Education
Kate Le Page - Kate Henning-Le Page writes about eating disorders, body image and recovery issues. She specializes in anorexia recovery.
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