Teen Bipolar Disorder
What is Teen Bipolar Disorder? According to the National Institute of Mental Health, Bipolar Disorder is when a person has unusual mood changes; feeling very happy and more active than usual (manic) or feeling very sad and much less active than normal (depression). These mood swings are typically dramatic and unpredictable. Bipolar Disorder is often referred to as a manic-depressive illness.
Diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder is often reserved until adulthood; however, it can be diagnosed in children and teenagers.
Manic Symptoms
Excessive happiness, excitement
Unrealistic belief in one’s abilities
Agitated and irritable
Increased energy
Racing thoughts
Euphoria
High sex drive
Risky behavior
Easily distracted
Need less sleep
Feeling invincible
Frequently misses work or school
Poor work or school performance
Depression Symptoms
Excessive sadness
Hopelessness
Feeling empty
Anxious and irritable
Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
Uncontrollable crying
Need more sleep
Attempting suicide
Repeated self-injury, cutting, self-harm
Explosive temper and aggression
Risky behavior
Frequently misses school or work
Poor school or work performance
There is no cure for Bipolar Disorder. Treatment includes mood stabilizing medication and psychotherapy. Triumph Youth Services uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in individual therapy combined with group and family therapy to treat each youth’s issues. CBT is effective in teaching those with Bipolar Disorder to change behavior and negative thought patterns.
In addition to the therapy, the Positive Peer Culture utilized in Triumph Youth Services facilities help the youth process their issues and build skills for their own personal progress. This includes consistent group counseling and peer mentoring, which are crucial for helping teens learn appropriate behaviors and change thinking patterns.
Our staff members are trained and encouraged to be effective leaders by serving as teachers or coaches who hold the young men responsible for working on problems and to act as limit setters and good listeners.
The clinicians at Triumph Youth Services are highly trained and have extensive experience working with adolescent youth. Our clinicians are licensed and approved as mental health professionals to provide individual, group and family therapy.
