Adolescent Bipolar Treatment

Bipolar disorder is characterized by extreme mood swings. In adolescents, it can be frightening and overwhelming for the sufferer as well as his family members. Fortunately, there are many treatment options available for adolescents suffering with bipolar disorder. It is likely that a combination of treatments will be the most effective strategy for teens who have this disorder.

Therapy

• Individual and family therapy can help both the adolescent suffering from bipolar disorder and her family members. In individual therapy, the adolescent can discuss issues related to the disorder, and learn coping mechanisms and when to ask for help. In family therapy, family members can learn techniques for dealing with an adolescent's mood swings and how to recognize certain behaviors as either manic or depressive. Therapy is often paired with medications that can help stabilize an adolescent's moods.

Medication

• Medications called mood stabilizers are often used in the treatment of bipolar disorder in adolescents. These can include anti-depressants such as Prozac or Paxil. They can also include drugs to help subdue manic thoughts or behavior, such as lithium. Anti-psychotic medications such as clozapine or anti-convulsive medications such as carbamazepine, can also be used to treat the manic phases of bipolar disorder in adolescents.

Support Groups

• Support groups that include other adolescents suffering from bipolar disorder can be very effective as part of a treatment plan. Meeting other teens with the same condition can help an adolescent suffering from bipolar disorder understand that he is not alone. Having other teens to talk to who understand what he is going through can be very helpful particularly during the depressive cycles of bipolar disorder.

Electroconvulsive Therapy

• Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is not a common treatment of bipolar disorder in adolescents, but it is sometimes effective for teens who do not respond well to medications or other types of treatments. In electroconvulsive therapy, a mild electric shock is applied to the brain to alter brain chemistry and help stabilize mood swings. ECT should only be performed by a licensed physician.

Warning

• Adolescents are especially prone to increased thoughts of suicide or increased attempts at suicide when first starting antidepressant medications. Monitor your teen's mood closely for any indications of these thoughts, and make sure your child remains under a doctor's care while on these medications.