Boot Camps for Troubled Teens With Bipolar

Many parents with bipolar teenagers aren't sure what to do and may consider enrolling their teen in a boot camp for troubled teenagers. Although the choice is ultimately the parent's decision, it's best to be informed before making a decision concerning what to do about your bipolar teenager's defiant and erratic behavior.

Reasons

• A boot camp may sound like a harsh environment for someone suffering from bipolar disorder, but some parents feel like it is the best option. Parents usually send their bipolar teen to a boot camp when they participate in illegal or dangerous behavior while manic. Sometimes bipolar teens are sent to boot camp as an alternative to juvenile hall or even as a warning so they can see what the consequences of their actions are.

Types

• State-funded boot camps are usually the least-expensive, but require that your teen has already been convicted of a crime. A judge will decide if your teen is sent to a boot camp as an alternative to juvenile hall. Private boot camps are another popular choice as the parent doesn't need a court order to enroll their child. Private boot camps can have a religious affiliation or even be designed specifically for certain problems and disorders.

Features

• Boot camps can be either long-term or short term, depending on the program. While in boot camp, bipolar teens will be forced to follow a strict schedule and obey authority. All teens in the program are treated equally, and misbehavior or defiance of any kind is not tolerated. The specific daily routine varies from camp to camp. Typically these camps are like military boot camps which focus on building physical fitness and strength. In addition some camps may have groups to work on emotional problems.

Benefits

• Teens without bipolar disorder that have been enrolled in one of the long-term programs have been shown to have a dramatic and permanent change. The defiant behavior is usually eliminated, and parents may find they have a more agreeable teenager. These programs really help teenagers with severe defiant behavior to learn to respect authority. Those enrolled in more short-term programs may have a change in behavior at first, but it doesn't last for more than a few months.

Warning

• Although these camps can be great for teens with defiance issues, enrolling a teenager with bipolar disorder in this kind of program shows a lack of understanding the disorder. Bipolar teens act out as a result of mania and not defiance issues. Boot camps can actually be harmful for bipolar teens, especially when they are going through the depression associated with the disorder. There are alternative programs like boarding schools where your bipolar teen can learn to control her symptoms in a more appropriate environment.