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Teen Bipolar Treatment

It wouldn't be uncommon to hear a parent complain about a teenager's mood swings. Those can be attributed to hormonal imbalances and peer pressure that can accompany those years. But if these mood swings involve long lasting, intensely energized activity or extremely depressive periods, that teen could have Bipolar Disorder.

  1. Bipolar Disorder

    • A medical diagnosis of bipolar disorder says that the patient has mood swings that can negatively affect his life. A generally manic episode is filled with high energy and unfocused, multiple activities, while a depressive mode can be characterized with extreme lethargy, self-deprecating thoughts and lengthy periods of sleep. For teens, the manic and depressive moods can exhibit specific symptoms. In general, teens and families should consider family therapy and education on bipolar disorder.

    Teen Mania

    • Manic episodes for teens are much like those for adults, but possibly harder to control. Teens may have shorter tempers, talk about a lot of different things and make riskier decisions like engaging in juvenile crime. Sexual behaviors may also increase and almost be obsessive in sexual thoughts. Manic teens might also have delusions of grandeur, leading to risky behaviors because they may feel invincible. The Family First Aid website suggests that providing teenagers a quiet environment and getting them involved in controlled physical activities like sports can help redirect the energy.

    Adolescent Depression

    • Adolescent Depression can involve physical feelings of fatigue and problems sleeping. They could seem sad and bored for lengthy periods. Personal feelings of guilt, anxiety and hopelessness can also accompany teens with Bipolar Disorder. One worry is that, like other patients, there is a risk of suicide. About 10 to 20 percent of bipolar patients complete suicide. Parents should seek immediate attention if talk or thoughts of suicide are expressed.

    Warning Signs

    • The Family First Aid website also lists behaviors that may indicate Bipolar Disorder in a teen. Parents should be wary of self-destructive behavior, thoughts about running away and isolation. Hallucinations and substance abuse should also be of concern. Even if diagnosed, teenagers may still deny that they are in a specific mood. Mood disorders can also be hereditary in families, so other family members who are untreated for them should set a good example by seeking treatment.

    Differential Diagnosis

    • During diagnosis, a doctor may try to eliminate other disorders. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and substance abuse disorder may need to be eliminated, since they both have symptoms that could resemble mania or depression. If a patient is already diagnosed with Unipolar Depression, doctors may also ensure that prescribed antidepressants are not experiencing mania from increased brain chemicals that promote increased energy. In these cases, anti-manic medications may also be prescribed.

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