Bipolar disorder is a serious mental illness that can affect people of any age, but it’s especially common in teenagers. If you’re a teen and you’re experiencing signs of bipolar disorder, there are some things you should know about how to get help.
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What Is Bipolar Disorder In Teens?
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that affects teenagers and adults. It is a serious illness that causes people to experience episodes of extreme happiness (mania) and depression (manic-depression).
In teens, bipolar disorder can cause mood swings that can be hard to control. Teenagers with bipolar disorder may become irritable, have difficulty sleeping, or engage in risky behaviors. They may also exhibit signs of psychosis, such as believing things that are not true.
If you are a teenager and you are experiencing signs of bipolar disorder, please talk to your doctor. There is help available, and your doctor will be able to diagnose and treat your condition.
Types of Bipolar Disorder In Teens
Bipolar disorder is a mental disorder that affects a person’s mood, emotions, and behavior. It can be mild or severe and can last for months or years. In teens, bipolar disorder is more common than in adults. There are three main types of bipolar disorder in teens: bipolar I Disorder, bipolar II Disorder, and cyclothymia.
Bipolar I Disorder is the most severe type of bipolar disorder in teens. It is characterized by episodes of mania (a high or excessive mood) and depression (a low mood). In some cases, people with bipolar I Disorder experience psychosis (a loss of touch with reality). In this type of bipolar disorder, the episodes of mania and depression usually last for a week or two and come back often.
Bipolar II Disorder is less severe than bipolar I Disorder. People with bipolar II Disorder experience episodes of mania and depression, but they don’t have episodes of psychosis. They may also have hypomania (a milder form of mania) and dysthymia (a milder form of depression). In BipolarII Disorder, the episodes of mania and depression usually last for about two weeks.
Cyclothymia is a type of bipolar disorder that is characterized by alternating periods of high and low moods. people with cyclothymia may have episodes of mania, depression, hypomania, or dysthymia, but they don’t have episodes of psychosis. This type of bipolar disorder usually lasts for about six months.
Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder In Teens
Bipolar disorder in teens is a serious mental illness that can severely impact the teen’s life. Bipolar disorder is the most common mental illness in teenagers and young adults. Symptoms of bipolar disorder in teens can include:
Mood Swings
One of the most common symptoms of bipolar disorder in teens is mood swings. Teenagers with bipolar disorder often experience sudden changes in their moods, which can be very intense and unpredictable. This can make it difficult for them to function normally and can lead to problems at school, at home, and in relationships.
Depression
Another common symptom of bipolar disorder in teens is depression. Teens with bipolar disorder often experience deep sadness and loneliness combined with a strong sense of hopelessness. This can make school, activities, and everyday tasks extremely difficult to complete.
Feeling out of Control
Teenagers with bipolar disorder often feel incredibly out of control. This can lead to feelings of anxiety and fear, as well as problems sleeping and concentrating. It can also be difficult for them to make decisions or handle stress in any way.
Suicidal Thoughts and Attempts
Teenagers with bipolar disorder are at an increased risk for suicidal thoughts and attempts. This is due to the severe mood swings and depression that are common symptoms of the condition. If you notice any signs of suicide or self-harm in a teen with bipolar disorder, please contact a mental health professional immediately.
Unusual Behaviour
Teenagers with bipolar disorder often exhibit very unusual behavior. This can include a sudden increase in spending money, binge eating, drug use, or reckless behavior. It is important to watch for any changes in a teen’s behavior that could be indicative of the bipolar disorder. If you think your teen may have the condition, please seek professional help.
Diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder In Teens
Bipolar disorder in teens is a very common condition. It is also one of the most difficult to diagnose and treat. Only about one-third of teenagers with bipolar disorder are diagnosed with it by the time they reach adulthood.
The diagnosis of bipolar disorder in teens can be tricky because many of the symptoms — such as mood swings, difficulty concentrating, and impulsive behavior — are common to many other conditions, such as teenage angst, depression, or bipolar disorder.
To make a diagnosis of bipolar disorder in teens, your pediatrician will first need to rule out other possible causes of your child’s symptoms. For example, your pediatrician may ask you about any history of depression or bipolar disorder in your family. He or she also may perform a physical exam and order blood tests to check for signs of bipolar disorder.
If your pediatrician determines that your child has bipolar disorder, he or she will likely recommend treatment with medication. In some cases, the child may also need therapy to help manage his or her symptoms.
Treatment for Bipolar Disorder In Teens
Bipolar disorder in teens is a serious condition that requires immediate treatment. If left untreated, bipolar disorder can lead to a host of negative effects. Some of these treatment options are medication, therapy, and counseling.
Medication
If action is considered a treatment option for bipolar disorder in teens, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, it is important to identify which type of medication is best suited for the individual. Second, it is essential to monitor the patient’s medications regularly to ensure that they are taking them correctly and at the right dosage. Third, it is important to make sure that the teen receives support from a team of healthcare professionals while taking medications.
Therapy
Therapy can be an invaluable tool in treating bipolar disorder in teens. In particular, therapy can help teens learn how to manage their symptoms and live more fulfilling lives. Therapy can also provide support during times of transition or when life gets complicated.
Counseling
Many people turn to counsel when seeking treatment for bipolar disorder in teens. Counseling can provide support during times of difficult change or when life gets overwhelming. Counseling can also guide dealing with daily challenges and developing healthy relationships. Also, be sure to ask about any insurance coverage that may be available for counseling.
Prevention of Bipolar Disorder In Teens
Prevention of bipolar disorder in teens starts with early recognition and diagnosis. To prevent a child or teenager from developing bipolar disorder, parents and guardians need to be aware of the signs and symptoms of the disorder. Some of these ways to recognize the bipolar disorder in a child or teenager include:
Create a Routine
One of the most important things that parents and guardians can do to help prevent bipolar disorder in teens is to create a routine. This includes establishing regular sleep and wake times and establishing a consistent daily schedule. This will help to ensure that the child is staying on track, and will reduce the risk of them becoming overwhelmed or stressed.
Encourage Social Participation
One of the best ways to prevent bipolar disorder in teens is to encourage social participation. This means providing opportunities for the teen to meet new people, participate in extracurricular activities, and engage in other forms of activity. This will help to increase their socialization skills, which can be important for preventing the development of the bipolar disorder.
Increase Exercise Levels
Another important way to prevent bipolar disorder in teens is to increase their exercise levels. This will help to increase their overall physical health and well-being, as well as their moods. Exercising regularly can also help to reduce stress levels, which can be another key factor in the development of bipolar disorder.
Conclusion
Bipolar disorder is a serious mental illness that affects approximately 1 in every 100 children and adolescents. It is important to remember that bipolar disorder is not just an adult problem – it can also affect teenagers at any stage of their development. If you or your child has symptoms of bipolar disorder, you must seek professional help as soon as possible. There are many resources available to you and your loved one, both locally and online, so please don’t hesitate to get started on the healing journey.
Hope this article was of help to you! If you are suffering from mental health disorders, you may seek help from Therapy Mantra. We have a team of highly trained and experienced therapists who can provide you with the tools and skills necessary for overcoming mental health disorders. Contact us today to schedule an online therapy or download our free Android or iOS app for more information.
