Bipolar Disorder Symptoms

Posted by rinher on 13/06/2009

Medication For Adolescents with Bipolar Disorder

Having been around for a long time is the disorder known as bipolar. Not until recently it was clubbed with normal depression owing to the varying nature of the disease. There are millions around the world who suffer from bipolar disorder. Though most of them are adults, a sizeable chunk of the numbers includes adolescents and children. Adolescent bipolar and bipolar medication has been capturing the interests of researchers, doctors and physicians world wide due to the increased complex nature of diagnosing it in adolescents. During the teenage period, individuals here deal with a new sense of self and independence. The changes hormonally make them moody and unpredictable. The problem here is seriously compounded when coupled with bipolar in adolescents.

What is Bipolar Disorder?

It’s important to know what really is meant by bipolar before we delve into the symptoms related to adolescent bipolar. Bipolar disorder is also known as manic-depressive disorder due to the phases of mania and depression which characterize this disease. The patient has cyclic bouts of mania or euphoria or elation which are followed by phases of depression. Both these phases take a serious toll on the energy levels, basic body functions, concentration and even decision making abilities. Bipolar disorder affects the basic senses which are required to lead a healthy life.

Though this is a serious disease with serious implications, it does have a cure. Many a times the right counseling and medicines can help in eliminating its symptoms and effects. However, there is a different approach needed to tackle adolescent bipolar disorder since it is more complex.

Adolescent Bipolar

It’s normally seen that bipolar disorder manifests itself during late adolescence or early adult hood in most people. Though bipolar disorder cases in early teens are not as frequent, there have been instances reported. This phenomenon is known as the Early Onset Bipolar Disorder and is characterized by frequent mood swings. Moreover, it is seen that severity of the symptoms is more intense owing to the relatively low emotional development in teenagers.

Recognizing Bipolar Disorder in Adolescents

Symptoms seen in adult bipolar disorder has almost the same symptoms as that of adolescent bipolar. Lethargy, extreme mood swings, erratic attention span, excessive talkativeness, euphoria, and depression are those which are found in both.

Here are some ways to recognize the symptoms of early bipolar in your teenager:

Is there a change in your teen’s behavior at school or with his friends?

Is your child being avoided or having trouble making friends?

Has there been an increase in disciplinary incidents involving your child?

You need to take a stock of the situation if your teenager or child starts displaying any of these symptoms. Do not brush them aside without getting to the heart of the matter. This is very important. Many parents attribute these problems to growing up years when it can be a whole lot serious. Ensure your child is examined by a psychiatrist. The earlier you catch this disorder in your teen, the better the chances of a complete cure.

Treatment

A combination of therapy and medication is the usual treatment for adolescent bipolar. Other usual prescriptions are anti depressants, anti-anxiety prescriptions and mood stabilizers. No matter the treatment, bipolar disorder needs to be taken seriously. The faster you get to the problem, the more the chances of your teen or child leading a normal life.