Bipolar Symptoms

Bipolar teens can be unpredictable and volatile to deal with. It is estimated that 7% of victims of bipolar disorder are teenagers. Bipolar teens are typically afflicted in their late teens, although diagnosis has occurred in children as young as 6.

In many cases bipolar teens are mistakenly thought to be suffering from ADHD, due to extreme mood swings being common in both disorders. If you think your teen may be suffering from bipolar disorder you should take them to a doctor immediately.

Some things to look for when trying to assess your teens mental state, are things like increased energy, and lack of sleep for extended periods of time. A lack of focus and concentration, as well as physical agitation. Hyper sexuality is also common among bipolar teens.

During a depressed phase some things you might notice in your teen are loss of energy, over sleeping, moping or persistent sadness, and even suicidal thoughts or attempts. Bipolar teens are typically stuck with the disorder for life, as there is no permanent cure. However with family support, proper diagnosis and treatment, as well as a healthy lifestyle, it is very possible to live a long and happy life.

Some things to keep in mind with bipolar teens is that it is important to create a routine that your whole family sticks to and follows, and keep updated regularly by their teachers and anyone else who is a frequent part of their daily life. Always monitor medications closely and be sure to inform your doctor of any adverse side affects. The problem with some depression medications is that they have been known to trigger suicidal thoughts much more easily in teens than in adults. So alway take threats of suicide seriously, and consider therapy for the whole family.

Bipolar teens can be tough to handle sometimes, so if you can catch bipolar disorder early, then you can be well on your way to proper treatment and relief for your beloved teen. Life was meant to be enjoyed by our children, not fraught with depression and fear.