Treatment for Bipolar in Adolescents

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Treatment for Bipolar in Adolescents

Tuesday, May 5th, 2009 Subscribe To Our Feed

Bipolar disorder has been around for a long time now. However, till very recently it was clubbed with normal depression owing to the varying nature of the disease. Millions of people around the world are affected by bipolar disorder. Most of them are adults but a sizeable chunk of the population includes adolescents as well. Bipolar medication and adolescent bipolar has been capturing the interests of researchers, doctors and physicians world wide due to the increased complexity of diagnosis in the adolescents. Hence, there are new studies being conducted in the field of bipolar medication and adolescent bipolar. As it is in the teenage years, it is a stage where an individual is dealing with a new sense of self and independence. The hormonal changes make them unpredictable and moody. This problem is seriously compounded when coupled with Bipolar disorder in adolescents.

Bipolar Disorder

Before taking a look into the symptoms of bipolar related to adolescent bipolar, it is critical to know what is really meant by bipolar. Due to the phases of mania and depression which characterize this disease, bipolar disorder is also known as manic-depressive disorder. Patients go through repeated phases of mania, or euphoria, or elation which are then followed by phases of depression. Energy levels, basic body functions, concentration, and even decision making abilities are seriously affected by these phases. The basic senses which are required to lead a healthy life are affected by bipolar disorder.

Though this is a serious disease with serious implications, it does have a cure. Many a times the right counseling and medicines can help in eliminating its symptoms and effects. However, there is a different approach needed to tackle adolescent bipolar disorder since it is more complex.

Bipolar in Adolescents

Bipolar disorder is normally seen to be noticeable during the late adolescent or early adulthood in most people. There have been reports of bipolar disorder cases in early teens even though they are not as frequent. The Early Onset Bipolar Disorder is what this phenomenon is known as and is characterized by repeated mood swings. Furthermore, the severity of the symptoms is seen as more intense due to the fairly low emotional development in teenagers.

How To Recognize Bipolar Disorder in Adolescents

Bipolar in adolescent symptoms are almost the same as those seen in adults. Included in this are lethargy, extreme mood swings, erratic attention span, depression, euphoria and even excessive talkativeness.

Here are some ways to recognize the symptoms of early bipolar in your teenager:

Is there a change in your teen’s behavior at school or with his friends?

Are people trying to avoid your teen and do they have a problem in making friends?

Have you started hearing about more of disciplinary incidents involving your teen?

You need to take a stock of the situation if your teenager or child starts displaying any of these symptoms. Do not brush them aside without getting to the heart of the matter. This is very important. Many parents attribute these problems to growing up years when it can be a whole lot serious. Ensure your child is examined by a psychiatrist. The earlier you catch this disorder in your teen, the better the chances of a complete cure.

How To Treat It

The treatment for adolescent bipolar disorder is usually a combination of therapy and medication. Anti depressants, anti-anxiety prescriptions and mood stabilizers are usually prescribed. No matter what kind of treatment, bipolar disorder needs to be taken very seriously. Remember, the sooner the problem is diagnosed, the more the chance of your teen leading a normal life.

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