TRI-STATE -
Let's face it. Sometimes even average teens can exhibit
bizarre mood swings and odd behavior patterns, and parents need to know when normal
teen attitude crosses the line to symptoms of a mental health condition.
By
arming yourself with knowledge about bipolar disorder and other mental health
concerns, you can identify potential warning signs before they progress to
dangerous levels.
Although bipolar disorder has long been considered a very
rare occurrence in children and teens, recent research suggests that
adolescents and young adults may experience bipolar disorder as frequently as
adults.
In many cases, symptoms are dismissed or categorized incorrectly as
depression. When bipolar disorder manifests in teens, periods of mania and
depression are often mixed, making them difficult to identify as regular
bipolar episodes.
If you suspect your child's behavior is indicative of a
mental health problem, observe him or her for the following signs of bipolar
disorder and consult a family doctor or mental health professional.
Symptoms of Adolescent
Manic Episodes
- Displaying an unusually happy, hyper mood
- Engaging in uncharacteristically risky
behaviors, such as sex, gambling, or theft
- Having difficulty sleeping but not lacking
energy
- Being irritable, short-tempered, and
distractible
- Talking very quickly and having racing thoughts
Symptoms of Adolescent
Depressive Episodes
- Complaining of pain (often in the head or
stomach), sadness, worthlessness, hopelessness
- Expressing a lack of interest in activities he
or she normally enjoys
- Talking or focusing on death or suicide (Call 1-800-273-8255)
- Changing eating and sleeping habits by over- or
under-indulging
Most episodes of mania and depression last several days to a
few weeks and are filled with intense emotion and energy fluctuations.
If your
teenager exhibits symptoms from both of these categories, he or she should be
evaluated for possible bipolar disorder. If your child only exhibits traits
from a single category, consider having him or her evaluated for general mental
health complaints or other mood disorders.
In many cases, teenage mental health
disorders can be successfully treated with talk therapy or medication.
For more information
on bipolar disorder, you can check out some of these resources:
Healthline Bipolar
Disorder Center
http://www.healthline.com/health/bipolar-disorder
This site offers comprehensive information for
understanding and coping with bipolar disorder on a day-to-day basis.
Depression and
Bipolar Support Alliance
Toll-free: (800) 826-3632
http://www.dbsalliance.org/
This resource provides educational and support materials
for people with bipolar disorder or depression and their loved ones.
National Institute of Mental
Health
Toll-free:
1-866-615-NIMH (6464)
TTY
Toll-free: 1-866-415-8051
www.nimh.nih.gov
This is a government organization that offers statistics,
guidebooks, and information on appropriate care for individuals with mental
health conditions.
