Bipolar disorder affects millions of people worldwide, including teenagers. When left untreated, it can significantly impact a teen’s life and lead to long-term difficulties in their academic, social, and family life. Identifying the signs of bipolar disorder in teenagers early on is essential to receiving an accurate diagnosis and managing symptoms.
At Imagine Seattle, our focus is to help teenagers lead a healthy and happy life, free from the impact of bipolar disorder. If you or anyone you know exhibits signs of bipolar disorder, please do not hesitate to contact us at 888.346.0473 to learn more about our bipolar disorder therapy program.
What Is Bipolar Disorder?
Before we dive into the signs of bipolar disorder in teenagers, let’s define what bipolar disorder is. Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes extreme highs and lows in a person’s mood, energy, and activity levels. This “high” is also known as mania, while the “low” is known as depression.
Bipolar disorder affects people of all ages, but it typically develops in the late teen or early adult years. Bipolar disorder has significant impacts on various aspects of a person’s life, including relationships, academic and work performance, and overall quality of life.
Signs of Bipolar Disorder in Teenagers
The signs of bipolar disorder in teens can be challenging to identify because the symptoms of bipolar disorder often appear similar to other conditions, such as depression or anxiety. In some cases, a diagnosis of bipolar disorder can be missed or delayed for months or even years. However, parents, teachers, and mental health professionals should keep an eye out for the following signs of bipolar disorder:
Dramatic Mood Swings
One of the most notable bipolar disorder signs is the existence of drastic mood swings. Teens with bipolar disorder may have manic episodes that cause them to feel overconfident, energetic, and impulsive, followed by depressive episodes that trigger low moods and feelings of worthlessness.
Impulsive Behavior
Teens with bipolar disorder may display impulsive behavior, such as spending sprees or engaging in risky activities like drug use, promiscuity, and stealing.
Sleep Problems
Sleep disturbances are another sign of bipolar disorder in teens. During manic episodes, teens may go days without sleeping, while in depressive episodes, they may sleep excessively.
Changes in Energy Levels
Teens with bipolar disorder may experience significant shifts in their energy levels. During manic episodes, they may be overly energetic and appear restless and agitated. During depressive episodes, they may have low levels of energy and be uninterested in activities they’ve previously enjoyed.
Difficulty Concentrating
Another sign of bipolar disorder in teens is difficulty concentrating. During manic episodes, teens may feel distracted and have trouble focusing on tasks. During depressive episodes, they may have a hard time making decisions and completing schoolwork.
How Imagine Seattle Can Help
If you suspect your teenager may be experiencing bipolar disorder, it’s essential to seek professional help right away. Imagine Seattle provides a range of mental health services to help teens receive an accurate diagnosis and begin a bipolar disorder therapy program tailored to their specific needs.
At Imagine Seattle, we offer partial hospitalization programs (PHP) and intensive outpatient programs (IOP) that incorporate therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and trauma-informed care to provide comprehensive support for teens with bipolar disorder.
Furthermore, our educational advocacy program ensures that your teenager doesn’t fall behind in their academic pursuits while attending treatment. Our team of highly trained professionals works with schools to provide a seamless transition back into the classroom following treatment.
Call Imagine Seattle Today to Start Bipolar Disorder Therapy
Bipolar disorder is a complex condition that can significantly impact a teen’s life and their family’s life. By recognizing the signs of bipolar disorder in teenagers, you can ensure that your teen receives the necessary support and treatment.
At Imagine Seattle, we provide guidance and support for teens living with bipolar disorder through our tailored bipolar disorder therapy program. If you suspect your teenager may be experiencing bipolar disorder, please don’t hesitate to contact us at 888.346.0473 or online. Our compassionate mental health professionals are here to help.