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Bipolar Disorder in TeensWhat is bipolar disorder in teens?Bipolar disorder is a type of depression. There are 3 main types of depression:
A teen with bipolar disorder often has extreme mood swings. These mood swings go beyond the day’s normal ups and downs. A teen may have times of great elation, happiness, elevated mood, or irritability. This is called mania. These episodes are countered by periods of major depression. That is why this disorder has two poles or symptoms. What causes bipolar disorder in a teen?Experts don’t know the exact cause of bipolar disorder. But it does tend to run in families. So in some cases, it may be inherited. Which teens are at risk for bipolar disorder?A teen is at higher risk for bipolar disorder if another family member has it. Researchers are still looking for the gene or genes that may cause the disorder. The disorder often starts in the teen years or early adulthood. It affects boys and girls equally. But girls tend to have more symptoms of depression. What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder in a teen?Teens with bipolar disorder often have abnormal mood swings. They shift between depression and mania. These episodes often last 1 or 2 weeks. But symptoms may be different for each teen. Symptoms of depression may include:
Symptoms of mania may include:
Symptoms of bipolar disorder, especially in a teen, may look like other problems. Make sure your teen sees his or her healthcare provider for a diagnosis. How is bipolar disorder diagnosed in a teen?Bipolar disorder can be hard to spot. That’s because it may look like other health problems, such as depression. A teen must have both depressive and manic symptoms to a varying degree to be diagnosed with bipolar disorder. A mental health provider will ask about your teen’s health history and symptoms. He or she will also do a mental health evaluation before making a diagnosis. How is bipolar disorder treated in a teen?Treatment will depend on your teen’s symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is. Treatment can often help a teen with bipolar disorder get better. But it will take time. Treatment may include one or more of the following:
What are possible complications of bipolar disorder in a teen?Teens with bipolar disorder are at risk for other problems. These include:
How can I help prevent bipolar disorder in my teen?Experts don’t know how to prevent bipolar disorder. In some cases, it may be inherited. Knowing the risk factors for bipolar disorder, spotting it early, and getting expert help for your teen can help ease symptoms and improve your teen’s quality of life. How can I help my teen live with bipolar disorder?Bipolar disorder has no cure. But over time, your teen’s symptoms will get better. Being supportive and patient can help. Here are things you can do to help:
When should I call my teen’s healthcare provider?Call your healthcare provider right away if your teen:
Call 911 if your teen has suicidal thoughts, a suicide plan, and the means to carry out the plan. Key points about bipolar disorder in teens
Next stepsTips to help you get the most from a visit to your child’s healthcare provider:
What are 5 signs of bipolar disorder?Symptoms - Bipolar disorder. feeling sad, hopeless or irritable most of the time.. lacking energy.. difficulty concentrating and remembering things.. loss of interest in everyday activities.. feelings of emptiness or worthlessness.. feelings of guilt and despair.. feeling pessimistic about everything.. self-doubt.. What are symptoms of bipolar in young adults?Common Signs & Symptoms of Mania. Showing intense happiness or silliness for a long time.. Having a very short temper or seeming extremely irritable.. Talking very fast or having racing thoughts.. Having an inflated sense of ability, knowledge, and power.. Doing reckless things that show poor judgment.. How young can you diagnose bipolar?Bipolar disorder in children is possible. It's most often diagnosed in older children and teenagers, but bipolar disorder can occur in children of any age. As in adults, bipolar disorder in children can cause mood swings from the highs of hyperactivity or euphoria (mania) to the lows of serious depression.
How do doctors test for bipolar?To diagnose bipolar disorder, a doctor performs a physical exam, asks about your symptoms, and recommends blood testing to determine if another condition, such as hypothyroidism, is causing your symptoms. If the doctor does not find an underlying cause of your symptoms, he or she performs a psychological evaluation.
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