[aMarylandfamily]

Onset childhood Bi-Polar can begin as early as this and yes it cycles in and out ... so one day (or week or month) can be wonderful and watch-out for the manic cycle (even can be gentle manic) when it hits. Bpkids.com is a wonderful site to review for symptoms and information.

The self-harm behavior is a definite red flag for bi-polar along with the tantrums and other behaviors described. Professionals, especially psychiatrists, are very reluctant to use this diagnosis as it literally makes a child awaiting adoption placement "unplaceable" due to the extreme needs of the child which are re-occurring all through their life. Another clue - find out what meds if any the child is on. ADHD (hyper) behaviors also mask bi-polar.

Update as you know more and I'll try and fill in more info and answer more questions. Re-read past posts (Mom of Many/Pam) has posted many times regarding bi-polar and its effects.