Has your teenager been bubbly, laughing and up one minute and then angry and depressed the next? You are not alone. Teenagers exhibit mood swings often. When should you be concerned?

The American Psychiatric Association’s (APA) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders provides information to diagnose Mood Disorders. A Mood Disorder is more than the typical teenage moodiness or irritability. Mood Disorders are a significant disturbance in mood that lasts longer than two weeks.

One of definitions under Mood Disorders is Mixed Episode; which is a combination of mania (high, feeling up, opposite of depression) and depression (persistent low mood; extreme sadness). This can include a combination of agitation, anxiety, fatigue, guilt, impulsiveness, irritability, suicidal ideations, suicidal actions, panic, paranoia, pressured speech and rage happening at the same time.

Teens that experience this mixed state of emotions often have problems with substance abuse, panic disorder, acts of violence, suicide attempts, alcohol abuse, rage, racing thoughts, etc.

Mood Disorders require treatment. Treatment is therapy and medication. Triumph Youth Services has been treating teenage boys and young men for several years with depression, Mood Disorder, Substance Abuse problems, alcohol problems and a variety of other issues.

Triumph Youth Services offers a small, highly structured family environment for youth. This family-like community promotes a social environment that takes on both therapeutic and healing properties instead of maintaining negative behaviors.

Call today. They can offer solutions

Reference
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mood_disorder
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mixed_episodes