Bipolar Disorder
Is your grandchild wildly happy or angry, and then very depressed? Perhaps it's bipolar disorder. People with this disorder have extreme mood swings. Sometimes, they may have lots of energy and talk a mile a minute. They might not be able to sleep. They may do things that are very risky. They may get angry and violent. These are called "manic" symptoms. At other times, the same people will be very quiet, sad and hopeless. They may have very low energy. They may cry a lot and feel like they want to die. These are called "depressive" symptoms.
Anyone can develop bipolar disorder. It often runs in families. It can also appear in families that have a history of drug or alcohol abuse.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
It's normal for children to feel afraid when they have to do new things or meet new people. But these fears usually go away after a while. Does your grandchild have fears that don't go away? Then he or she may have an anxiety disorder.
There are many anxiety disorders. One is called Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, or OCD. Children with OCD tend to get stuck on a particular fear or worry. They just can't let go of it. They feel that they have to do something over and over in order to make their fear go away. One example, a child with OCD may be obsessed with germs. To deal with that obsession, the child may wash his or her hands over and over until the skin becomes raw.
OCD may run in families. New events like starting school can bring it on. So can major losses, like moving, losing a loved one, or a change in the family.

Helping a Child Improve
Serious behavior problems aren't a child's fault. And they aren't your fault either. But both you and your
grandchild must work together so the child will improve. Get the help you need. Take part in the child's therapy. Give the child your support. And, together, both you and your grandchild can look forward to better days ahead.

AARP Resources

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