Is your teen acting in a way they have never before? This can be a cause of concern for you. Some teens showing such behavior may have developed bipolar disorder or are in the phase of developing it. However, the good news is it is curable and can be treated with the help of a competent mental health provider. This article serves as a guide to attaining knowledge about bipolar disorder in teenagers for parents or caregivers.
What is bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that leads to changes in a person’s mood, energy, and functioning ability. Bipolar sufferers experience extreme emotional states that generally occur in different periods of days to weeks, known as mood episodes. These mood episodes are classified as manic/hypomanic, i.e., abnormally happy or irritable mood, or depressive mood, i.e., somber mood.
What are the signs of bipolar disorder in teens?
The signs of bipolar disorder in teens can vary, but there are some typical bipolar symptoms in teens. These include:
- Depressive episodes
- Mania
- Hypomania
Bipolar disorder in teenagers is different from adult bipolar. Still, it will often comprise sudden and extreme mood shifts like extreme highs (mania) or lows (depression), sleep disturbances, appetite changes, concentration issues, irritability, and irregular energy levels.
Additionally, a few teens can also experience anxiety, paranoia episodes, and suicidal thoughts. Parents, caregivers, or teachers must be cautious of these signs to prevent adverse outcomes.
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Depressive episodes
If your teen is suffering from bipolar, they may experience depressive episodes comprising of low mood, diminished motivation, and lack of focus before the onset of an episode of mania.
The prevalent signs of a depressive episode are:
- Low mood and extreme sadness
- Lack of energy
- Diminished interest in their favorite activities
- Appetite changes
- Sleep disturbances
- Feelings of worthless, hopelessness, or guilt
- Lack of focus
- Suicidal thoughts
Manic episodes
Your teen may feel a boost of energy, have racing thoughts, and can become impulsive with excessive talking once they are experiencing a hypomanic episode. The duration of a manic episode is at least seven days. The following signs characterize bipolar disorder in young adults:
- Ecstasy
- Extreme positivity
- Lowered desire to sleep
- Lack of focus
- Heightened energy levels
- Risky behavior
- Aggressiveness
Hypomanic episodes
You might get confused if your teen is showing signs of hypomania, as they are similar to mania symptoms. However, the sufferer will generally experience elevated energy and lack of sleep. During a manic or hypomanic episode, your teenager may feel easily irritated with people around them.
What are the types of bipolar disorder in Teens?
There are four categories of bipolar disorder that teens can experience. The most common ones are the type 1 and 2.
Bipolar type 1:
Bipolar 1 is characterized by manic episodes with a duration of at least 7 days or by severe manic symptoms that require immediate medical care. Depressive episodes are also seen to occur, lasting for at least 2 weeks.
Bipolar type 2:
A pattern of depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes defines bipolar II disorder. However, the severity of hypomanic episodes is lesser as compared to the manic episode in bipolar 1 disorder.
Rapid cycling bipolar:
Rapid cycling bipolar is marked when a person experiences four or more episodes of mania, hypomania, or depressive episodes during 12 months. Rapid cycling can occur with any type of bipolar disorder.
Cyclothymia:
Cyclothymia, also known as cyclothymic disorder, is rarely experienced mood disorder. It is characterized by emotional ups and downs; however, with less severity than bipolar 1 and 2 disorder.
What are the causes of Bipolar Disorder in teens?
It can be hard to identify the underlying cause of bipolar disorder in your teen. Some risk factors do exist. Here are some of the common risk factors for bipolar in teenagers:
Family history:
Bipolar is hereditary. Having someone close in the family with bipolar disorder makes your child more vulnerable to developing bipolar disorder. However, no single gene is responsible for the onset of bipolar. It can be developed due to a variety of genes working together.
Stressful life events:
Studies show that trauma and stressful events are some of the leading causes of bipolar disorder in teens. Adverse life events can increase the chances of developing signs of bipolar in teens with weaker genes.
Brain structure:
Researches show that there are differences in the brain structure of people who have bipolar disorder. In addition, their brains function in a different way than an average person.
How is bipolar disorder in teens treated?
An effective treatment plan for bipolar disorder in teens comprises of the following treatments:
Learn More: Is Bipolar Disorder More Common in Males or Females?
Psychiatric medication:
Your mental health provider conduct a session with your teen to get familiar with the ongoing issue and its severity. In addition, the mental healthcare provider prescribes particular psychiatric medications to control the bipolar symptoms in teens. The most commonly recommended psychiatric medications are mood stabilizers and atypical antipsychotics.
Psychotherapy:
One of the oldest and most beneficial ways of treating bipolar disorder in teens is therapy. Physiotherapy is also commonly known as talk therapy. A psychotherapist will sit with your teen to identify the signs, triggers, and ways to overcome symptoms of bipolar. Bipolar symptoms in young adults can be treated with the help of individual and group therapy sessions.
Interpersonal therapy:
Interpersonal therapy, also called social rhythm therapy, aims to reduce family conflicts in daily life or even social interactions that may cause new episodes.
Family-focused therapy:
Family-focused therapy is a type of psycho-educational treatment for people combating bipolar disorder. It focuses on diminishing mood symptoms, relapse prevention, and enhanced psychosocial functioning.
Putting It All Together: Bipolar Disorder in Teens
Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that is linked to severe mood changes. Any person can develop it regardless of age. However, it is commonly seen in teens in the present times. It can be overwhelming for parents or caregivers to identify the symptoms of bipolar disorder in teens. The symptoms experienced are in the form of the episodes. Depressive, mania, and hypomania are the most common bipolar symptoms in young adults. Brainpower Wellness Institute is a reputed mental health platform specializing in treating mental health issues regardless of age. Therefore, if you are concerned about your teen’s mental health then wait no more and connect with our mental health platform today to mentally support your child in the fight with bipolar disorder.
