Recognizing Teen Bipolar

There are subtle differences in teen bipolar and that suffered by adults. But the bigger problem is being able to diagnose this without mistaking the symptoms for the normal ups and downs of teenagers having to deal with all the hormonal and life changes that this stage in their lives brings to them. Some significant signs of teen bipolar disorder, as opposed to just teenage angst, are marked changes in school, which include marks plummeting and continued absences, as well as difficulty in maintaining relationships with peers and family.

Other signs of teen bipolar disorder include moods swings that change between periods of high self-confidence bordering on pretentious opinions of themselves to the complete opposite with feelings of no self worth. The latter is often accompanied by periods of aberrations in sleep routines or hyperactivity. The depression phase can be accompanied by intense irritability and anger against everyone and anyone for no obvious reason. Appetite can also be affected and in the most severe cases teenagers could try to kill themselves.

Although, like adult bipolar, teen bipolar seems to have no exact cause some in the medical field believe that the intense hormonal changes coupled with serious illness, drug use or alcohol abuse can be factors in the early onset of this serious mental illness. Teen sufferers seem to have it worse than their adult counterparts. Their symptoms may last for longer periods, be more intense and then change to the other extreme rapidly. Research into teen bipolar has shown that those who begin to suffer this mental illness so young are likely to worsen as time progresses.

If you suspect that your child may be suffering from teen bipolar convince them to go with you to see your health care provider. Don’t do it by threaten or arguing with them about how difficult they have become to deal with. Try to explain that you believe they are having these mood changes because of a known disorder and that you believe there is help out there for them. Teens can be difficult patients and they will need your compassion and support as they wade through the waters of treatment options.