Millions of people all over the world are affected by bipolar disorder. It is assumed that out of these millions, majority of them are adults. On the other hand, adolescents hold a significant percentage of those struggling with bipolar disorder and this adds a massive complexity to their lives. This is due to the fact that not only do they have to deal with the common struggles that every teenager goes through but they also have to contend with the serious symptoms of bipolar disease and adolescent bipolar disorder.
Bipolar Disorder Outlined
Severe mood swings are the usual reference given when mentioning bipolar disorder which was originally named manic-depressive disorder. The mood swings usually range from an elevated sense of euphoria (mania) to a severe low cycle of the depressive phase. Common knowledge of the euphoria phase is seen as a stage of excitement and minor anxiety whereas the depressive phase is seen as utter sadness or fatigue. In reality, both these phases are extremely serious and are known to affect energy levels, decision-making, cognitive functions, concentration, and other critical capabilities needed to carry out the essential functions of life.
Although being a serious psychiatric condition, bipolar disorder is treatable. There are many negative effects brought about by bipolar disease but they can all be alleviated with the help of counseling and outpatient prescription therapy. This can be a challenge for adults, however, and it also brings about further complications for adolescents.
The Onset of Bipolar Disease and Adolescent Bipolar Disorder
It is a fact that bipolar disorder starts developing in the late teen or early adult years in most people. Although it is rare for bipolar to develop in children and young teens, it is possible and has happened a lot. Early Onset Bipolar Disorder is what it's called and the mood swings are more frequent because of the lack of emotional development in the adolescent.
How a Parent Can Detect Adolescent Bipolar Disease and Adolescent Bipolar Disorder
Many of the same symptoms that an adult will manifest also appear in adolescents. Common noticeable symptoms include severe mood swings, lethargy, lacking a clear attention span, exhibiting a very depressed or sad mood, extreme excitement and talkativeness are all signs of the disorder.
Behavior at school can also be affected by these symptoms. Is your adolescent having trouble making and maintaining friends? Have their grades started to slip? And has he/she been involved in a few disciplinary incidents? These situations could indicate the possible presence of bipolar disorder.
Of course, a parent will not know for sure unless the adolescent is properly diagnosed by a qualified mental health professional. Usually, a board certified psychiatrist would be the most reliable source for a diagnosis. However, it is critical that parents do not make decisions as to whether or not an adolescent had a serious mental disorder. Doing so would only inhibit the youth from receiving the proper treatment.
What Type of Treatment Will Work?
Treatment generally involves a combination of medication treatment and therapy. Prescribed medications often include anti-depressants, mood stabilizers, and anti-anxiety prescriptions. No matter what type of treatment plan is enacted, there are no short-term fixes for bipolar disorder. Treatment may last many years and well into adulthood. The duration of the treatment, however, is not what should be of primary importance. Instead, patients should concentrate on using their treatment as the basis for living a normal life with minimal problems deriving from the condition. This is true for both adults and adolescents. - 15255
Bipolar Disorder Outlined
Severe mood swings are the usual reference given when mentioning bipolar disorder which was originally named manic-depressive disorder. The mood swings usually range from an elevated sense of euphoria (mania) to a severe low cycle of the depressive phase. Common knowledge of the euphoria phase is seen as a stage of excitement and minor anxiety whereas the depressive phase is seen as utter sadness or fatigue. In reality, both these phases are extremely serious and are known to affect energy levels, decision-making, cognitive functions, concentration, and other critical capabilities needed to carry out the essential functions of life.
Although being a serious psychiatric condition, bipolar disorder is treatable. There are many negative effects brought about by bipolar disease but they can all be alleviated with the help of counseling and outpatient prescription therapy. This can be a challenge for adults, however, and it also brings about further complications for adolescents.
The Onset of Bipolar Disease and Adolescent Bipolar Disorder
It is a fact that bipolar disorder starts developing in the late teen or early adult years in most people. Although it is rare for bipolar to develop in children and young teens, it is possible and has happened a lot. Early Onset Bipolar Disorder is what it's called and the mood swings are more frequent because of the lack of emotional development in the adolescent.
How a Parent Can Detect Adolescent Bipolar Disease and Adolescent Bipolar Disorder
Many of the same symptoms that an adult will manifest also appear in adolescents. Common noticeable symptoms include severe mood swings, lethargy, lacking a clear attention span, exhibiting a very depressed or sad mood, extreme excitement and talkativeness are all signs of the disorder.
Behavior at school can also be affected by these symptoms. Is your adolescent having trouble making and maintaining friends? Have their grades started to slip? And has he/she been involved in a few disciplinary incidents? These situations could indicate the possible presence of bipolar disorder.
Of course, a parent will not know for sure unless the adolescent is properly diagnosed by a qualified mental health professional. Usually, a board certified psychiatrist would be the most reliable source for a diagnosis. However, it is critical that parents do not make decisions as to whether or not an adolescent had a serious mental disorder. Doing so would only inhibit the youth from receiving the proper treatment.
What Type of Treatment Will Work?
Treatment generally involves a combination of medication treatment and therapy. Prescribed medications often include anti-depressants, mood stabilizers, and anti-anxiety prescriptions. No matter what type of treatment plan is enacted, there are no short-term fixes for bipolar disorder. Treatment may last many years and well into adulthood. The duration of the treatment, however, is not what should be of primary importance. Instead, patients should concentrate on using their treatment as the basis for living a normal life with minimal problems deriving from the condition. This is true for both adults and adolescents. - 15255
About the Author:
Ken P Doyle has had a marked interest in Bipolar Disorder for many years. For additional information on Bipolar Disease and Adolescent Bipolar, check his online website now.
