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
Originally named manic-depressive disorder, bipolar disorder refers to severe swings in mood. Such mood swings may range from an elevated sense of euphoria (mania) to a severe down cycle known as the depressive phase. Trite and non-professional definitions of the condition look at euphoria as excitement and minor anxiety and the depressive phase as mere sadness or fatigue. In actuality, both phases are serious and they can greatly affect cognitive function, energy levels, decision-making, concentration, and other critical faculties needed to perform 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 Beginning of Bipolar Disease and Adolescent Bipolar
In general, most people develop bipolar disorder late in their teens or their early adult years. While the development of bipolar disorder in children and younger teens is rare, it does occur. Called Early Onset Bipolar Disorder the mood swings may occur more frequently. Also, the symptoms may very well be more severe than what an adult may manifest. This may be due to the lack of emotional development in the adolescent.
How Parents Can Identify Adolescent Bipolar Disease and Adolescent Bipolar Disorder
Adolescents share many of the same symptoms that an adult will display. Noticeable symptoms common in both of them include lacking a clear attention span, severe mood swings, lethargy, extreme excitement and talkativeness, and displaying a very depressed or sad mood 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.
Certainly, a parent will not know for sure if their adolescent has bipolar disease unless they are properly diagnosed by a qualified mental health professional. The most reliable source for a diagnosis would usually be a board certified psychiatrist. Then again, it is crucial for parents not to make decisions as to whether or not an adolescent had a serious mental disorder. The youth may be inhibited from receiving the proper treatment if this is done.
Knowing Which Treatments 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.
