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Education for Bipolar Adolescents

Adolescents with bipolar disorder exhibit mood swings ranging from depression to over-excitement and agitation known as mania. Treatment can help the disorder, but a bipolar student may experience special challenges in education, according to the book "Parenting a Bipolar Child," by Gianni L. Faedda, M.D., and Nancy B. Austin, Psy.D.

  1. Benefits

    • Most bipolar adolescents have their highest functioning in the middle of the day, which coincides with traditional school hours.

    Effects

    • Adolescents with bipolar disorder are more likely to be late to school and experience problems with homework and sleep due to mood swings.

    Considerations

    • Disclosing a bipolar diagnosis may help your adolescent receive accommodations under disability and education laws, whether a traditional or special education classroom is desired.

    Benefits

    • Bipolar adolescents who wish to stay in a regular classroom setting may be able to have extra breaks, more individual support, quieter test taking space and more time for tests.

    Types

    • Some young people with bipolar disorder may need to attend a local private school or therapeutic boarding school to achieve their maximum educational potential.

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