Which of the following is a common symptom of pediatric bipolar disorder?

Tantrums or rages lasting several hours is a common symptom of pediatric bipolar disorder. In young children, this condition can present itself through intense mood swings that are often disproportionate to the situation. During periods of mania or hypomania, a child may display excessive irritability, anger, or emotional eruptions, which can manifest as prolonged tantrums. These episodes can be unpredictable and may arise without clear triggers, contributing to significant distress for both the child and their caregivers. Understanding this symptom is crucial for parents and educators when recognizing potential signs of bipolar disorder in children, facilitating timely intervention and support.

The other options, while they may be relevant to different behavioral or psychological conditions, do not align with the typical presentation of pediatric bipolar disorder's symptomatic profile. For instance, increased appetite for protein and consistent sleep patterns do not generally feature as symptoms of this disorder, nor does heightened focus on tasks, which can occur in other contexts but is not specifically indicative of bipolar disorder in children.