Bipolar Disorder, sometimes called Manic-Depressive Disorder, is a mental illness in which a person has dramatic mood swings. These mood swings range from feeling really good/happy and very active (manic) to really sad and less active (depressive). The mood swings are unpredictable. Bipolar Disorder is a Mood Disorder.
The mood changes are called “mood episodes.” Therefore, there are manic episodes, depressive episodes and mixed episodes. A mixed episode exhibits both manic and depressive symptoms. Teens tend to have more mixed episodes.
Mood episodes last one to two weeks or longer. The symptoms last most of the day every day during an episode. A person experiences intense feelings, drastic changes in behavior and energy levels.
The National Institute on Mental Health (NIMH) lists the following types of behavior a teen may exhibit during a manic episode:
- Feel very happy or act silly in a way that’s unusual
- Have a very short temper
- Talk really fast about a lot of different things
- Have trouble sleeping but not feel tired
- Have trouble staying focused
- Talk and think about sex more often
- Do risky things
NIMH lists the following types of behavior a teen may exhibit during a manic episode:
- Feel very sad
- Complain about pain a lot, like stomachaches and headaches
- Sleep too little or too much
- Feel guilty and worthless
- Eat too little or too much
- Have little energy and no interest in fun activities
- Think about death or suicide
Bipolar Disorder typically shows up in the mid to late teen years and early adulthood. It is a lifelong condition. Teens with Bipolar Disorder often change moods more than adults with the disorder.
It is common for teens with Bipolar Disorder to have a Dual Diagnosis or Co-existing Condition such as: Substance Abuse, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), depression, Anxiety Disorder or other mental health problem.
If your son has been diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder or is exhibiting many of the symptoms listed above, call Triumph Youth Services for help.
Triumph Youth Services is a licensed residential treatment center for teenage boys and young men. The staff is highly trained in dealing with many teen issues including: Bipolar Disorder, depression, Substance Abuse, Dual Diagnosis, Anxiety Disorders, Alcohol Abuse, Drug addiction etc.
Reference:
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/bipolar-disorder-in-children-and-teens-easy-to-read/index.shtml
