Posts Tagged ‘suicidal thoughts’

Bipolar Teens- How To Handle It

Sunday, October 12th, 2008

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.

Signs Of Bipolar Disorder

Saturday, October 11th, 2008

Bipolar Signs, What To Look Out For

Many know that bipolar is a mental disease marked with severe mood swings. The symptoms may vary from person to person and can also be age dependent.

Bipolar Signs usually range from deep depression with sometimes suicidal thoughts, disturbed sleep patterns, physical symptoms such as headaches and stomach problems to a manic state with euphoria, a heightened energy level and a sense of invincibility. However, there are many other conditions that can also cause these signs, including life circumstances. A clinician will look not only at the signs and symptoms which could point to a diagnosis of bi polar, or manic depression, but will also look at patterns and durations of signs.
Here is a brief list of some of the signs that may be displayed during the different phases:

Depressive Phase

  • Problems concentrating
  • Problems with thinking
  • Exaggerated feelings of guilt
  • Thoughts of suicide
  • Feelings of worthlessness
  • Low energy
  • Apathy
  • Sleeping too much or not enough
  • Changes in appetite -over eating or lack of desire for food
  • Disinterest in activities
  • Disinterest in interacting with people
  • Weight loss or gain
  • Physical aches and pains
  • Gastrointestinal symptoms

Manic Phase

  • Fast talking
  • Racing mind
  • Excessive behaviors
  • Irritability
  • Grandiosity
  • Generally reckless behaviors
  • Increased sex drive
  • Euphoria
  • Invincibility
  • Endless energy
  • Rebellious
  • Decreased need for sleep

Reading this list it becomes apparent that most of us display one or some of these symptoms at times of stress in our lives.
These are only some signs of bipolar disorder. Obviously a diagnosis of bipolar is a very in depth investigation and should only be done by an appropriate medical practitioner.

Bipolar Symptoms Home

Thursday, October 9th, 2008

Signs Of Bipolar Disorder

Last modified on 2008-10-25 20:55:24 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Bipolar Signs, What To Look Out For

Many know that bipolar is a mental disease marked with severe mood swings. The symptoms may vary from person to person and can also be age dependent.

Bipolar Signs usually range from deep depression with sometimes suicidal thoughts, disturbed sleep patterns, physical symptoms such as headaches and stomach problems to a manic state with euphoria, a heightened energy level and a sense of invincibility. However, there are many other conditions that can also cause these signs, including life circumstances. A clinician will look not only at the signs and symptoms which could point to a diagnosis of bi polar, or manic depression, but will also look at patterns and durations of signs.
Here is a brief list of some of the signs that may be displayed during the different phases:

Depressive Phase

  • Problems concentrating
  • Problems with thinking
  • Exaggerated feelings of guilt
  • Thoughts of suicide
  • Feelings of worthlessness
  • Low energy
  • Apathy
  • Sleeping too much or not enough
  • Changes in appetite -over eating or lack of desire for food
  • Disinterest in activities
  • Disinterest in interacting with people
  • Weight loss or gain
  • Physical aches and pains
  • Gastrointestinal symptoms

Manic Phase

  • Fast talking
  • Racing mind
  • Excessive behaviors
  • Irritability
  • Grandiosity
  • Generally reckless behaviors
  • Increased sex drive
  • Euphoria
  • Invincibility
  • Endless energy
  • Rebellious
  • Decreased need for sleep

Reading this list it becomes apparent that most of us display one or some of these symptoms at times of stress in our lives.
These are only some signs of bipolar disorder. Obviously a diagnosis of bipolar is a very in depth investigation and should only be done by an appropriate medical practitioner.