Which symptom is indicative of children's experience with bipolar disorder and not typically seen in adults?

Protracted tantrums lasting for hours are indeed more characteristic of children with bipolar disorder than adults. In young children, bipolar disorder can manifest as intense emotional outbursts that can be difficult to manage, which are often described as tantrums. These episodes can stem from mood swings and emotional regulation challenges unique to children, who may not yet have the coping mechanisms that adults have developed.

While consistent sleep disturbances, chronic hopelessness, and extreme weight fluctuations can appear in both children and adults with bipolar disorder, they are more common symptoms across all ages. The distinctive feature of prolonged tantrums in children underscores the developmental differences in how bipolar disorder may present in younger individuals compared to adults, highlighting the need for specific therapeutic approaches tailored to children's emotional and behavioral needs.