By: Mihika Sharma
Abstract
What is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder (formerly called manic-depressive illness or manic depression) is a mental illness that causes unusual shifts in a person’s mood, energy, activity levels, and concentration. It is associated with episodes of mood swings ranging from depressive lows to manic highs.
Manic episodes may include symptoms such as high energy, reduced need for sleep, and loss of touch with reality. Depressive episodes may include symptoms such as low energy, low motivation, and loss of interest in daily activities. Mood episodes last days to months at a time and may also be associated with suicidal thoughts.
The symptoms include lack of energy, depression, self-doubt, lack of appetite, suicidal thoughts, waking up early, not feeling like sleeping, doing things that often have disastrous consequences, being delusional, being easily agitated, etc.
Bipolar Disorder in Teens
Bipolar disorder in teens is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings. These swings can include episodes of mania, where a teen may feel overly energetic, happy, or irritable, and periods of depression, where they might feel sad, tired, or hopeless. Symptoms can include difficulty concentrating, changes in sleep, and impulsive behavior. Diagnosing bipolar disorder in teenagers can be difficult because its symptoms can look like those of other conditions.
How is Bipolar Disorder Diagnosed in Teens?
Bipolar disorder can be hard to spot. That’s because it may look like other health problems, such as depression. A teen must have both depressive and manic symptoms to a varying degree to be diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
A mental health provider will ask about your teen’s health history and symptoms. They will also do a mental health evaluation before making a diagnosis.
Types of Bipolar Disorder in Teens
Bipolar disorder in teens generally falls into two main categories:
1. Bipolar I Disorder: Characterized by at least one manic episode, which may be preceded or followed by hypomanic or depressive episodes. Manic episodes can significantly impact daily functioning.
2. Bipolar II Disorder: Involves at least one major depressive episode and at least one hypomanic episode, but no full manic episodes. Hypomania is less severe than mania.
Impacts of Bipolar Disorders on Teens
Bipolar disorder can significantly impact teens in the following areas:
1. Mental Impact:
• Mood Swings: Teens experience extreme mood changes, including manic and depressive episodes, which can lead to confusion, irritability, and anxiety.
• Risk of Comorbid Disorders: There is a higher likelihood of co-occurring mental health issues, such as anxiety disorders and substance abuse.
2. Social Impact:
• Relationship Struggles: Mood fluctuations can strain friendships and family relationships, leading to isolation or conflict.
• Stigma: Teens may face misunderstanding or stigma from peers, which can further affect their self-esteem and social interactions.
3. Academic Impact:
• Decreased Performance: Manic episodes may lead to impulsivity and distractibility, while depressive episodes can cause a lack of motivation and focus, impacting academic performance.
• Absenteeism: Frequent mood swings may result in missed school days or inability to participate fully in classroom activities.
Bipolar disorder can significantly affect cognitive and emotional development in teens in the following ways:
4. Cognitive Development
• Impaired Focus and Attention: During manic or depressive episodes, teens may struggle with concentration and decision-making, impacting their academic performance.
• Memory Issues: Mood fluctuations can interfere with memory retention and recall, affecting learning and information processing.
• Problem-Solving Skills: The cognitive disruptions associated with mood swings may hinder a teen's ability to think critically and solve problems effectively.
5. Emotional Development
• Emotional Regulation: Teens with bipolar disorder often have difficulty managing their emotions, leading to heightened reactivity and instability in feelings.
• Self-image and Identity: The challenges of living with bipolar disorder can lead to issues with self-esteem and identity, as they may feel different or misunderstood by peers.
• Increased Vulnerability: They may be more susceptible to anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders, further complicating emotional development.
How Can You Help Your Teen?
Help begins with an accurate diagnosis and treatment. It is crucial to talk to your child’s healthcare provider about any symptoms you notice.
Some basic things to help your child or teen:
● Be patient.
● Encourage your child to talk, and listen to your child carefully.
● Pay attention to your child’s moods, and be alert to any major changes.
● Understand triggers and learn strategies for managing intense emotions and irritability.
● Help your child have fun.
● Remember that treatment takes time: Sticking with the treatment plan can help your child get better and stay better.
● Help your child understand that treatment can make life better.
Conclusion
In conclusion, bipolar disorder is a complex mental health condition that significantly affects teenagers, manifesting through extreme mood swings and a variety of emotional and cognitive challenges. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for managing the disorder and improving the quality of life for affected individuals. Understanding the symptoms, potential impacts, and the importance of a supportive environment can empower parents and caregivers to provide essential help. By fostering open communication, encouraging treatment adherence, and being aware of the unique challenges posed by bipolar disorder, families can help their teens navigate this difficult journey, promoting healthier emotional and social development. Through patience and support, mitigating the disorder's effects and fostering resilience in young people facing these challenges is possible.
References
Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Bipolar disorder: Symptoms and causes.
National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). Bipolar disorder in children and teens. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/bipolar-disorder-in-children-and-teens Nationwide Children’s Hospital. (n.d.). Bipolar disorder in teens.
https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/conditions/health-library/bipolar-disorder-in-teens National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). Statistics on bipolar disorder. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/bipolar-disorder
KidsHealth. (n.d.). Bipolar disorder. https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/bipolar.html American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. (n.d.). Bipolar disorder. https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_&_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Bipolar-Diso rder-077.aspx
Child Mind Institute. (n.d.). Bipolar disorder in children and teens.
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