Adolescent Bipolar Disorder
June 15th, 2010In recent years, adolescent bipolar disorder has been increasing diagnosed in our youth. And, unfortunately, the occurrences of diagnosed bipolar disorder in adolescents, far from decreasing, is increasing every year.
As a parent, it can be difficult watching your teenager go through bipolar disorder during their adolescent years. Family support is key in helping them cope. And, just knowing the symptoms, prognosis, and potential medications can be immensely helpful in helping an adolescent make sense of bipolar disorder.
Bipolar I causes an adolescent to alternate between episodes of intense mania and depression. The symptoms of bipolar include:a decreased need for sleep, manifestation of poor judgement, grandiose delusions, elevated mood, and hallucinations (in severe cases). A child exhibiting one or more of these symptoms, should probably be evaluated for bipolar disorder.