Living with a teenager can be tough. As your teenager matures, you may notice that their moods change quickly. Your teen may be excited one minute and then suddenly withdraw and seem depressed. It’s easy to explain away these shifting moods as hormonal changes. These extreme mood swings may be a warning sign of bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is a serious mental health condition that can develop in adolescence.
What is Bipolar Disorder?
There are a lot of myths about bipolar disorder. Some parents worry that their child won’t be able to have a healthy life. Other people may believe the myth that bipolar disorder only affects adults. If you think your child is bipolar, it’s important to stay calm. Knowing the facts about bipolar disorder in teens can help you manage this disorder and get the support you need.
Bipolar disorder affects approximately 40 million people worldwide. People with bipolar disorder experience recurrent episodes of mania and depression. Bipolar disorder usually develops between the ages of 15 and 25. Bipolar disorder often starts with a depressive episode. Many parents may mistake their teen’s bipolar symptoms for clinical depression.
There are three types of bipolar disorder. People with Bipolar I experience moods that swing between full-blown mania and severe depression. Manic episodes can last between a week and several months. During a manic episode, your teen may seem unusually energetic and elated. They may need less sleep to function. When they enter a depressive state, this depression will last at least two weeks. Some people may experience mixed states with symptoms of both mania and depression.
Bipolar II is the second subtype of bipolar disorder. People with this type of bipolar disorder don’t experience full-blown mania. Instead, their manic episodes are less severe. This type of mania is called hypomania. Teens with Bipolar II experience the severe depression that occurs in Bipolar I.
The third type is cyclothymia. People with cyclothymic disorder experience hypomania and a milder form of depression.
What Age Does Bipolar Develop
Bipolar disorder can develop at any time, including later in life. But, it typically begins in the late teens or early 20s.
What Causes Bipolar Disorder in Teens?
Approximately 2.9 percent of teens will develop bipolar disorder. The exact cause of bipolar disorder is unknown. Researchers believe that genetics, brain chemistry, and stress can play a role. If your teen has a parent or sibling with bipolar disorder, they are more likely to develop the disorder. A chemical imbalance in the brain may also cause bipolar disorder. Disruptions in neurotransmitters like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin can lead to bipolar disorder. Stress or trauma may trigger a depressive or manic episode.
Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder in Teens
Parents should watch for these symptoms of bipolar disorder in teens. The following are bipolar symptoms in teens. If your teen experiences several of these symptoms, contact your child’s doctor.
Manic or Hypomanic Symptoms
- Rapid speech
- Jumping from one subject to another quickly
- Acting unusually happy, silly, or elated for a long time
- Extreme irritability
- Difficulty falling asleep or insomnia
- Racing thoughts
- Trouble focusing on schoolwork
- Risky or thrill-seeking behaviors, such as reckless driving or unsafe sex with multiple partners
- Substance abuse
Depressive Symptoms
- Sleeping an unusual amount
- Low or no energy
- No interest in hobbies or other activities
- Feeling sad for no reason
- Irritable or angry
- Eating more or less
- Weight loss or weight gain
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Difficulty concentrating on schoolwork or other activities
- Drop in grades
- Thoughts of self-harm
- Suicidal thoughts
If your teen admits that they are thinking of harming themselves or others and has a plan, this is a medical emergency. Contact your child’s doctor immediately or call 911 (in the U.S.) for emergency help.
The Early Signs of Bipolar Disorder in Childhood
Although bipolar disorder typically develops during the teen or young adult years, there may be early signs. Children who worry excessively or have trouble sleeping may develop bipolar disorder. If your teen experienced a traumatic event as a child, they may develop bipolar disorder years later. Studies show that traumatic events like abuse, neglect, or the death of a loved one can lead to the development of bipolar disorder as a teen or adult.
How Doctors Diagnose Bipolar Disorder in Teens
Diagnosing bipolar disorder in teens can be tricky. Your child’s doctor will begin with an evaluation. They will ask your teen about their moods, sleep, and eating habits. The doctor also may ask parents if there is a family history of bipolar disorder. Your teen’s doctor or counselor also will use a symptom checklist to determine whether or not your teen has bipolar disorder.
Getting Your Teen the Help They Need
There are many available treatment options for teens with bipolar disorder. The best treatment for your child depends on the bipolar type and symptoms. Many physicians will recommend an approach that combines medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes. Your doctor may prescribe Lithium to treat your teen’s bipolar disorder. This medication is one of the oldest and best treatments for bipolar disorder. The FDA approved this medication for children ages 7 and up.
Another medication often prescribed for teens with bipolar disorder is Depakote. This anticonvulsant treats manic episodes. The FDA approved this medication for teens. For depressive episodes, your teen’s doctor may prescribe an antidepressant. These medications require careful monitoring by your child’s doctor since they may trigger a manic episode.
Support Options for Parents and Teens
Managing bipolar disorder can be difficult for both you and your child, but you don’t have to walk this path alone. These national organizations offer mental health support.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 1-800-273-8255 for English or 888-628-9454 for Spanish. This lifeline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
NAMI HelpLine: Call 800-950-NAMI (6264), or text “HelpLine” to 62640. You can also chat with a specialist on NAMI.org.
National Mental Health Hotline: Call 988 for 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors for help
NAMI Teen and Young Adult Helpline: Text Friend to 62640 to immediately connect with a HelpLine Specialist. This is a free nationwide peer-support service for teens and young adults.
