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Learn the signs, causes, and treatment options for bipolar disorder in teens. Get expert mental health support at Aria Mental Health.
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Clinical Editorial Team
Learn the signs, causes, and treatment options for bipolar disorder in teens. Get expert mental health support at Aria Mental Health.
Bipolar disorder in teens is a serious mental health condition that affects mood, energy, and behavior. Teens with this mood disorder can go from feeling very high and excited to very sad and hopeless. These mood changes are stronger than normal ups and downs. They can affect school, family, and friendships.
If you are looking for help for bipolar disorder in teens, you can learn more about care at bipolar disorders treatment at Aria Mental Health. Getting the right therapy and medication early can make a big difference in a teen’s life.
Bipolar disorder is not just “teen moodiness.” It is a real medical and mental health condition that needs support from a trained health professional in psychiatry or psychology.
Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder that causes extreme changes in mood, energy, and activity levels. These changes are called episodes.
There are two main types of episodes:
Some teens may also have mixed episodes. This means they feel symptoms of mania and depression at the same time.
Bipolar disorder is different from major depressive disorder. Major depressive disorder only includes long periods of sadness. Bipolar disorder includes both depression and mania.
Bipolar disorder in teens can look different than it does in adults. Teens may have more irritability and anger. They may have fast mood shifts in the same day.
During mania, a teen may:
They may feel full of energy and not feel tired, even with little sleep. This can lead to unsafe behavior or problems at school.
During a depressive episode, a teen may:
These symptoms may look like major depressive disorder, but in bipolar disorder, they happen along with mania.
Bipolar disorder in teens can be hard to diagnose. Some symptoms overlap with other mental health conditions.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can cause:
These signs may look like mania. But ADHD symptoms are usually steady over time. Mania comes in episodes.
Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder causes severe irritability and anger. This can look like bipolar disorder. A trained health professional in psychiatry must look at the full picture.
Borderline personality disorder involves strong emotion changes and fear of abandonment. It can also include risky behavior. A mental health expert must carefully assess symptoms.
Substance abuse can cause mood swings, anxiety, and risky behavior. Drugs or alcohol may also make bipolar disorder worse.
Because of these overlaps, a full mental health evaluation is very important.
There is no single cause of bipolar disorder. It is linked to many factors.
Bipolar disorder can run in families. If a parent or close relative has it, the risk is higher.
Changes in brain chemicals can affect mood and emotion. This includes chemicals that help control energy, sleep, and stress.
High stress, trauma, or big life changes can trigger episodes. Stress does not cause bipolar disorder alone, but it can make symptoms worse.
Teens with anxiety, major depressive disorder, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder may have a higher risk.
Bipolar disorder in teens can affect every part of life.
Teens may have trouble focusing. They may act out during mania. During depression, they may not complete homework or attend school.
Mood swings can cause arguments at home. Parents may feel confused or scared.
Teens may lose friends because of risky behavior or irritability. During depression, they may pull away from others.
Mania can increase risk. Teens may:
This can lead to serious problems.
A trained health professional will complete a full evaluation. This may include:
Psychiatry professionals may also rule out other conditions like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or disruptive mood dysregulation disorder.
There is no blood test for bipolar disorder. Diagnosis is based on symptoms and patterns over time.
Bipolar disorder is treatable. Early care can reduce symptoms and lower risk.
Treatment often includes therapy, medication, or both.
Therapy helps teens understand their mood and behavior.
CBT teaches teens how thoughts affect emotion and behavior. It helps them learn coping skills.
Dialectical behavior therapy helps teens manage strong emotion. It teaches skills like:
DBT can be helpful for teens with mood swings or traits of borderline personality disorder.
Family therapy helps parents and teens communicate better. It also teaches families how to support recovery.
Therapy is a key part of mental health care.
Medication can help balance mood and reduce symptoms.
Common medications include:
Lithium is a mood stabilizer. It can reduce mania and depression. It has been used safely for many years.
Some teens may take an antipsychotic medication. These can help control mania, racing thoughts, and irritability.
Medication must be monitored by a psychiatry provider. Regular check-ups are important.
Sleep plays a big role in bipolar disorder.
Teens should:
Lack of sleep can trigger mania. Too much sleep may worsen depression.
Other healthy habits include:
These habits support mental health and mood stability.
Seek help if your teen:
Bipolar disorder is a serious mood disorder. Early care lowers risk and improves long-term outcomes.
At Aria Mental Health, trained health professionals in psychiatry and psychology provide care for bipolar disorder in teens. Treatment plans are personalized for each teen’s needs.
With proper therapy and medication, many teens can live healthy and successful lives.
Ongoing care may include:
Bipolar disorder is often lifelong, but symptoms can be managed.
The goal is mood stability, better behavior, improved relationships, and success in school and life.
Parents and caregivers play a big role.
Understanding bipolar disorder helps reduce fear and stigma.
Routine helps regulate mood and sleep.
Early signs of mania or depression may include:
Quick action can prevent full episodes.
Work closely with a health professional. Do not stop medication without medical advice.
Support, love, and structure make a big difference.
Bipolar disorder in teens is a mood disorder that causes extreme changes in mood, energy, and behavior. Teens may have episodes of mania and depression.
Normal teen mood swings are mild and short. Bipolar disorder includes severe mood episodes that last days or weeks and affect daily life.
Yes. Treatment often includes therapy and medication like lithium or an antipsychotic. Ongoing mental health care helps manage symptoms.
No. Major depressive disorder only includes depression. Bipolar disorder includes both depression and mania.
Seek help if your teen has extreme mood changes, risky behavior, talks about suicide, or cannot function at school or home.
In This Article
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Learn how to help someone with bipolar disorder, offer support during mood changes, and encourage treatment and recovery.
Learn whether bipolar disorder is genetic, what causes it, and how biological and environmental factors may play a role.
Discover how ADHD and bipolar disorder can occur together, shared symptoms, differences, and treatment options.
Learn the difference between borderline personality disorder and bipolar disorder, including symptoms and diagnosis.
can feel confusing, stressful, and emotional. You may see big mood changes, from high energy to deep depression. It can affect your relationship, your mental health, and your daily life.
Untreated bipolar disorder is a serious mental health condition where a person does not receive proper care or support. Bipolar disorder involves extreme mood swings that go from high energy (mania) to deep sadness (depression). These are called manic and depressive episodes.
Aria Mental Health offers client-centered services. Reach out for a confidential consultation and see exactly how we'd apply these strategies to your facility.
