Common Signs of Bipolar Symptoms in Teens

Roughly three percent of all teenagers in America are affected by bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that causes a person to experience extreme mood swings. These mood swings can include periods of extremely happy or euphoric behavior, followed by periods of deep depression. Both boys and girls can develop the symptoms of bipolar. However, teen girls have a somewhat higher level of risk than teen boys. In all cases, affected adolescents need the help of a bipolar disorder treatment program that supports their recovery. At Stonewater, we understand the telltale signs of bipolar disorder in teenagers. We also understand how to treat this disorder in teens with additional substance problems. Our customized approach maximizes the odds of recovery. Contact us today at 662.373.2828 to learn how we can help.

What Are the Symptoms of Bipolar in Teens – Episodes of Mania

Mania is the term for a highly excited and elevated mood that increases both mental and physical activity. All bipolar illnesses produce some degree of this heightened mood. In bipolar I disorder, episodes of mania take an extreme form. In bipolar II disorder and cyclothymia, they have a less severe impact. Teens and younger children can have symptoms of bipolar mania that look different than they do in adults. Things you may notice include:

Lengthy, intense periods of joy or happiness
Racing thoughts
Difficulty focusing on anything
Involvement in a high-risk, pleasurable activity
An absence of fatigue even when your teen doesn't sleep
Rapid speech and frequent changes in conversation topics
Extreme irritability

Some of these symptoms are common to teenagers in general. Others are similar to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). For these reasons, doctors sometimes find diagnosing manic symptoms of bipolar disorder in teens challenging.

Bipolar Symptoms in Teens – Episodes of Depression

Depressive episodes are the other half of the equation in bipolar illness. These episodes are severe enough for teens with bipolar I disorder to qualify as major depression. The same holds true for bipolar II disorder. The depression associated with cyclothymia is less severe. If your teenager has a bipolar illness, they may be affected by a range of depression symptoms. Specific potential symptoms of bipolar depression include:

Frequent sadness that has no particular cause
A sense of worthlessness or helplessness
Eating more or less food than usual
Frequent headaches or bouts of stomach pain
Lack of energy
Loss of interest in activities they usually enjoy
Problems concentrating or focusing
Sleeping for more extended amounts of time than usual
Heightened feelings of hostility, anger, or irritability
Social withdrawal
Increased issues communicating with others

A teen with bipolar disorder may also have thoughts of dying. They may also think about committing suicide. Some affected teens follow through on their suicidal thoughts.

Substance Use and the Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

Substance use is common among teenagers with bipolar disorder. This is true, in part, because affected teens may try to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol. Existing substance problems may also increase the risk of bipolar disorder. No matter which condition arises first, one thing is certain. To recover, your child needs help for both substance use and bipolar disorder, not just one.

Get Help for Bipolar Symptoms in Teens at Stonewater

What are the symptoms of bipolar in teens? The characteristic effects of the disorder are episodes of mania and depression. Symptoms of these episodes can take a variety of forms. Accurate diagnosis is key to the effective treatment of bipolar disorder. At Stonewater Adolescent Recovery Center, we feature dual diagnosis treatment for teen boys with bipolar illness. This treatment supports effective recovery from bipolar symptoms in teens. At the same time, it promotes effective recovery from substance use. To learn more about our specialized program, call us today at 662.373.2828.

The Stonewater Adolescent Treatment Process

What to Expect When Your Child Goes to Treatment

More than half a million families put a child into residential treatment for adolescents each year. If your family is taking this step, you are not alone - even if it may feel that way. With a clear understanding of what to expect, and trusted guides walking alongside you, this moment can be transformed from a time of fear and uncertainty to the beginning of a new and positive journey. Let's begin.