What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is also known as manic-depressive; it is a brain disease, which is distinguished by dramatic moods changes, energy levels, and behaviors.

One extreme is mania, which is typically manifested through extreme irritability, lack of sleep, poor judgment, restlessness and impulsiveness. The other extreme is depression, which is characterized by suicidal thoughts, helplessness and fatigue.

Teen Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder occurs in late adolescence or early adulthood usually, therefore teen bipolar disorder is common; the usual problem lays in identifying the symptoms and reaching for help.

In teens today, irrational behavior is more or less common with casual mood swings from very high to extreme lows; that makes recognizing teen bipolar disorder very hard. Today’s teenagers are not very communicative with their parents about their activities and lifestyle; this makes it very difficult for their family to follow them and their mood manifestations.

If you suspect your child to have teen bipolar disorder take the time to watch his/her behavior in order to recognize some common symptoms.

Manic symptoms include:

• Severe changes in mood  - extremely irritable or overly good
• Increased energy
• Lack of sleep for long periods of time
• Increased speed of speech, jumping from idea to idea quickly without much connection between them
• Lack of concentration
• Increased goal-directed activity or physical agitation
• Hyper sexuality
• Unrealistic talk such as relating to fantasy happenings in real life

Depressive symptoms in teen bipolar disorder include:

• Persistent sadness
• No interest in once pleasurable activities
• Insomnia or over sleeping
• Loss of energy or fatigue
• Difficulty in concentrating
• Feeling of emptiness/worthlessness
• Physical agitation or slowing
• Suicidal thought and actions

Teen bipolar disorder is a life long disease, which cannot be cured; however it can be successfully treated with medications and therapy. Family and friends play a huge role in treating this disease successfully.

Teen bipolar diseases can be fatal if not recognized and treated in time; people suffering with this illness require constant supervision at least in the early stages when timely medications can make all the difference. Do not discard any doubts that you have about recognizing this disorder in someone you care for.

Teenagers are most of the time difficult to deal with but if in doubt its better to seek professional help as soon as possible rather then disregard it as a tantrum and live to regret it later – ten bipolar disorder is not to be neglected but dealt with carefully and as soon as possible for best results.