Millions of people all over the world are affected by bipolar disorder. It is assumed that out of these millions, majority of them are adults. On the other hand, adolescents hold a significant percentage of those struggling with bipolar disorder and this adds a massive complexity to their lives. This is due to the fact that not only do they have to deal with the common struggles that every teenager goes through but they also have to contend with the serious symptoms of bipolar disease and adolescent bipolar disorder.
Outlining Bipolar Disorder
Originally named manic-depressive disorder, bipolar disorder refers to severe swings in mood. Such mood swings may range from an elevated sense of euphoria (mania) to a severe down cycle known as the depressive phase. Trite and non-professional definitions of the condition look at euphoria as excitement and minor anxiety and the depressive phase as mere sadness or fatigue. In actuality, both phases are serious and they can greatly affect cognitive function, energy levels, decision-making, concentration, and other critical faculties needed to perform the essential functions of life.
Although being a serious psychiatric condition, bipolar disorder is treatable. There are many negative effects brought about by bipolar disease but they can all be alleviated with the help of counseling and outpatient prescription therapy. This can be a challenge for adults, however, and it also brings about further complications for adolescents.
The Starting of Bipolar Disease and Adolescent Bipolar
It is a fact that bipolar disorder starts developing in the late teen or early adult years in most people. Although it is rare for bipolar to develop in children and young teens, it is possible and has happened a lot. Early Onset Bipolar Disorder is what it's called and the mood swings are more frequent because of the lack of emotional development in the adolescent.
How a Parent Can Detect Adolescent Bipolar Disease and Adolescent Bipolar Disorder
Many of the same symptoms that an adult will manifest also appear in adolescents. Common noticeable symptoms include severe mood swings, lethargy, lacking a clear attention span, exhibiting a very depressed or sad mood, extreme excitement and talkativeness are all signs of the disorder.
Adolescents behavior at school may also be affected. Ever wonder why your adolescent is having trouble making and keeping and friends? Are their grades starting to slip? Have they been involved in a few disciplinary incidents? If so then these situations may point out the possible presence of bipolar disorder.
Certainly, a parent will not know for sure if their adolescent has bipolar disease unless they are properly diagnosed by a qualified mental health professional. The most reliable source for a diagnosis would usually be a board certified psychiatrist. Then again, it is crucial for parents not to make decisions as to whether or not an adolescent had a serious mental disorder. The youth may be inhibited from receiving the proper treatment if this is done.
What Type of Treatment Will Work?
Treatment generally involves a combination of medication treatment and therapy. Prescribed medications often include anti-depressants, mood stabilizers, and anti-anxiety prescriptions. No matter what type of treatment plan is enacted, there are no short-term fixes for bipolar disorder. Treatment may last many years and well into adulthood. The duration of the treatment, however, is not what should be of primary importance. Instead, patients should concentrate on using their treatment as the basis for living a normal life with minimal problems deriving from the condition. This is true for both adults and adolescents. - 16004
Outlining Bipolar Disorder
Originally named manic-depressive disorder, bipolar disorder refers to severe swings in mood. Such mood swings may range from an elevated sense of euphoria (mania) to a severe down cycle known as the depressive phase. Trite and non-professional definitions of the condition look at euphoria as excitement and minor anxiety and the depressive phase as mere sadness or fatigue. In actuality, both phases are serious and they can greatly affect cognitive function, energy levels, decision-making, concentration, and other critical faculties needed to perform the essential functions of life.
Although being a serious psychiatric condition, bipolar disorder is treatable. There are many negative effects brought about by bipolar disease but they can all be alleviated with the help of counseling and outpatient prescription therapy. This can be a challenge for adults, however, and it also brings about further complications for adolescents.
The Starting of Bipolar Disease and Adolescent Bipolar
It is a fact that bipolar disorder starts developing in the late teen or early adult years in most people. Although it is rare for bipolar to develop in children and young teens, it is possible and has happened a lot. Early Onset Bipolar Disorder is what it's called and the mood swings are more frequent because of the lack of emotional development in the adolescent.
How a Parent Can Detect Adolescent Bipolar Disease and Adolescent Bipolar Disorder
Many of the same symptoms that an adult will manifest also appear in adolescents. Common noticeable symptoms include severe mood swings, lethargy, lacking a clear attention span, exhibiting a very depressed or sad mood, extreme excitement and talkativeness are all signs of the disorder.
Adolescents behavior at school may also be affected. Ever wonder why your adolescent is having trouble making and keeping and friends? Are their grades starting to slip? Have they been involved in a few disciplinary incidents? If so then these situations may point out the possible presence of bipolar disorder.
Certainly, a parent will not know for sure if their adolescent has bipolar disease unless they are properly diagnosed by a qualified mental health professional. The most reliable source for a diagnosis would usually be a board certified psychiatrist. Then again, it is crucial for parents not to make decisions as to whether or not an adolescent had a serious mental disorder. The youth may be inhibited from receiving the proper treatment if this is done.
What Type of Treatment Will Work?
Treatment generally involves a combination of medication treatment and therapy. Prescribed medications often include anti-depressants, mood stabilizers, and anti-anxiety prescriptions. No matter what type of treatment plan is enacted, there are no short-term fixes for bipolar disorder. Treatment may last many years and well into adulthood. The duration of the treatment, however, is not what should be of primary importance. Instead, patients should concentrate on using their treatment as the basis for living a normal life with minimal problems deriving from the condition. This is true for both adults and adolescents. - 16004
About the Author:
Ken P Doyle has had a marked interest in Bipolar Disorder for many years. For additional information on Bipolar Disease and Adolescent Bipolar, check his online website today.
