What You Should Know About Bipolar Disorder in Teenagers
Bipolar Disorder is not just for adults. It is now very common to see teenagers with this disorder and not to be treated early can be very dangerous for the mental health of youth.
Although adolescence is normal emotional changes that occur as moving from one state to another within a few minutes, bipolar changes are more extreme and usually repetitive. However, do not be alarmed if you notice that the teenager has one or more of the symptoms, it is a condition that appears in childhood or adolescence but continues into adulthood, therefore, not a question of age, is a chronic psychological problem should be handled professionally.
What is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder also known as Syndrome or manic depressive illness. It is a disorder continued in the mood or humor, ranging from extremely high (euphoria, mania), extremely low (depression). People with bipolar disorder can quickly go from mania to depression and mania again.
Those who suffer from this disorder fluctuate between joy and sadness, in a much more marked than those who do not suffer from this condition.
This disease can affect anyone. Some say it is due to a chemical imbalance in the brain of a substance. However, if one or both parents have Bipolar Disorder, there is greater likelihood that their children will develop the disorder. Family history of drug or alcohol may also be associated with an increased risk for developing bipolar disorder.
Characteristics of the period high (manic)
- Severe mood changes compared to other young people of the same age and environment: o be too happy, or laugh much, or too irritable, angry, agitated or aggressive.
- Unrealistic image of the self: for example, the teenager who feels all powerful or like a superhero with special powers.
- Excessive power: ability to be for days without sleep and not feel tired.
- Excessive talking: the teenager never stops talking and makes it very fast, changes topics constantly and not allowed to be interrupted.
- Distraction: the teenager’s attention moves from one thing to another constantly. They have difficulty concentrating.
- Their behavior is risky and repetitive, may present abuse of alcohol, drugs and sex.
Characteristics of low periods (depression)
- Irritability, depression, persistent sadness, frequent crying.
- Thoughts of death or suicide.
- Decreased ability to enjoy their favorite activities.
- Frequent complaints of physical ailments such as headaches and stomach.
- Low energy, fatigue, poor concentration and constant complaint from the dull.
- Significant change in the patterns of eating or sleeping, such as eating or sleeping too much.
Treatment for Manic Depression
The mood disorders, among which include manic depression, can often be treated effectively. Treatment is based on a comprehensive evaluation of the teenager and the family taking into account:
- The age, overall health and medical history.
- The severity of symptoms.
- The tolerance for specific medications or therapies.
- The expectations for the course of the disorder.
- The opinions of parents or close.
Treatment may include medications that stabilize mood, antidepressants, psychotherapy, family therapy, school consultation teenagers, among others.
The role of parents is vital in this process; much of the success of this depends on your support and family environment in which young lives.
