 |
|
Teenagers with Bipolar Disorder may have an ongoing combination of extremely
high (manic) and low (depressed) moods. Highs may alternate with lows, or the person may
feel both extremes at the same time.
Bipolar Disorder usually starts in adult life. Although less common, it does occur in
teenagers and even rarely in young children. This illness can affect anyone. However, if one
or both parents have Bipolar Disorder, the chances are greater that their children will develop
the disorder. Family history of drug or alcohol abuse also may be associated with Bipolar
Disorder in teens.
Bipolar Disorder may begin either with manic or depressive symptoms.
The manic symptoms include: |
| |
|
severe changes in mood compared to others of the same age and
background - either unusually happy or silly, or very irritable, angry, agitated
or aggressive |
| |
|
unrealistic highs in self-esteem - for example, a teenager who feels all powerful or like a superhero with special powers |
| |
|
great increase in energy and the ability to go with little or no sleep for days without feeling tired |
| |
|
increase in talking - the adolescent talks too much, too fast, changes topics too quickly, and cannot be interrupted |
| |
|
distractibility - the teen's attention moves constantly from one thing to the next |
| |
|
repeated high risk-taking behavior; such as, abusing alcohol and drugs, reckless driving, or sexual promiscuity |
| |
The depressive symptoms include: |
| |
|
irritability, depressed mood, persistent sadness, frequent crying |
| |
|
thoughts of death or suicide |
| |
Bipolar Disorder in Teens, “Facts for Families,” No. 38 (5/2000) |
| |
|
loss of enjoyment in favorite activities |
| |
|
frequent complaints of physical illnesses such as headaches or stomach aches |
| |
|
low energy level, fatigue, poor concentration, complaints of boredom |
| |
|
major change in eating or sleeping patterns, such as oversleeping or overeating |
Some of these signs are similar to those that occur in teenagers with other problems
such as drug abuse, delinquency, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, or even
schizophrenia. The diagnosis can only be made with careful observation over an extended
period of time. A thorough evaluation by a child and adolescent psychiatrist can be helpful
in identifying the problems and starting specific treatment.
Teenagers with Bipolar Disorder can be effectively treated. Treatment for Bipolar
Disorder usually includes education of the patient and the family about the illness, mood
stabilizing medications such as lithium and valproic acid, and psychotherapy. Mood
stabilizing medications often reduce the number and severity of manic episodes, and also
help to prevent depression. Psychotherapy helps the teenager understand himself or herself,
adapt to stresses, rebuild self-esteem and improve relationships.
For additonal information see Facts for Families: # 3 Teens: Alcohol and Other Drugs, #4
The Depressed Child, #6 Children Who Can=t Pay Attention (ADHD), #33 Conduct Disorder,
and #52 Comprehensive Psychiataric Evluation. See also: Your Child (1998 HarperCollins)/Your Adolescent (1999 Harper Collins).
|
The Development of the Facts for Families series is a public service of the AACAP. If you would like to support expanded
distribution of the series, please make a tax deductible contribution to the AACAP Campaign for America's Kids. By supporting this
endeavor, you will support a comprehensive and sustained advocacy effort on behalf of children and adolescents with mental illnesses.
Please make checks payable to AACAP, and send to: AACAP, Campaign for America's Kids, P.O. Box 96106, Washington, D.C.
20090
The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) represents over 6,000 child and adolescent psychiatrists who
are physicians with at least five years of additional training beyond medical school in general (adult) and child and adolescent
psychiatry.
Facts for Families is developed and distributed by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP). Facts sheets
may be reproduced for personal or educational use without written permission, but cannot be included in material presented for sale.
To purchase full sets of FFF, contact the AACAP Publications Clerk at: 1.800.333.7636, ext. 131.
Nelson A. Tejada, American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Operations Department, Phone: 202-966-7300 ext. 131,
Main Fax: 202-966-2891, Publication Fax: 202-464-9980
|
|
 |
 |
|
