Today, it's estimated that up to half a million children have bipolar illness, but the diagnosis remains controversial. A relatively small number of psychologists and psychiatrists treat the condition in young people. So how do parents, teachers, physicians recognize the brain disorder in a child, and then seek help?

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Tell us your story of living with bipolar disorder, or read the stories of others.

Read Karen Brown's account of working with bipolar children and their families.

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Read A childhood epidemic we can no longer ignore by Paul Raeburn.

Find out more on bipolar disorder in children.

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Credits

Most children can be volatile at some point in their development, with no particular cause for worry. But at what point do irritability, mood swings and tantrums constitute a serious mental illness? - more

Bipolar disorder is a relatively new and controversial diagnosis for children. Does it exist? And if so, how many kids have it? As the professionals debate the prevalence of the disorder in children, anguished parents are still wondering, "What is going on?" - more

Public schools are among the most important community institutions when it comes to dealing with mental illness. During the school year, kids spend about a third of their waking hours in the classroom. But how does a child learn during rapid mood swings and unpredictable behavior that turns teachers and administrators into adversaries? - more

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Additional support for A Mind of Their Own was provided by the van Ameringen Foundation,
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Support for this program is also provided by the Hanna Andersson Children's Foundation.

Hanna Andersson Children's Foundation builds a brighter future for vulnerable children. The Foundation formalizes the charitable giving that has been part of Hanna Andersson clothing company since its beginning in 1983. Continuing Hanna's commitment to children and community, the company donates financial and in-kind support to the Foundation. Each year, the Foundation gives grants to hundreds of schools and nonprofit groups building healthy lives for children. Visit www.hannafoundation.org to learn about its programs.