In this week's "Newsweek" magazine, the cover story focuses on "Growing Up Bipolar". Bipolar disorder is a condition of highs and lows, extreme hyperactivity or a depressed mood. It has also been referred to as manic-depression.

The story highlights the story of the Blake family and their son Max. Even as an infant, Max was a difficult baby. He never slept through the night, and banged his head against his crib. He walked at 10 months, and talked in sentences by age1. But Max had sensory issues. He did not like the feel of grass on his feet. He would cover his ears when the exhaust fan in the bathroom was on. In day care, he would attack others by biting, hitting, or kicking. By age 2, the Blakes sought medical diagnosis. The doctor stated that Max may have bipolar disorder.

Back in the 1990s, bipolar disorder in children was considered extremely rare. If doctors saw a child in a manic phase, one of agitation, often the child was diagnosed with hyperactivity. Conversely, if a doctor saw a child who was lethargic, they might diagnose depression.

Manic symptoms include:

* Unusually happy or silly, or angry and aggressive

* Great increase in energy with little or no sleep needed without feeling tired

* Increase in talking and changing topics frequently

* Easy distractibility

* High risk taking behavior such as jumping out of windows, reckless driving, and hypersexuality

The depressive symptoms include:

* Irritability, depressed mood, crying spells

* Thoughts of suicide and loss of enjoyment of fun activities

* Low energy levels, fatigue, and poor concentration

* Changes in eating or sleeping patterns

You can see how many of these symptoms fit other diagnoses, especially clinical depression or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

For the Blakes, their odyssey went on and on as they looked for answers into their son's behavior. At age 10, Max has been on 38 different psychoactive drugs. He currently attends a school where he has a social life, but has difficulties academically. However, he still attacks those that he loves. His parents differ in their views on how to discipline Max.

There is still no easy answer for diagnosing bipolar disorder in children. In some cases, it's diagnosis by exclusion. But the Blakes have hope. Max recently told his mother, "Your heart is the size of the world."

The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer. Christine Priesol is a licensed clinical social worker. She maintains a private practice in Munster. She can be reached at cpriesol@aol.com. Due to volume, she is unable to answer each letter individually.