Mood shifts are normal. You may find yourself feeling happy one moment but then sad or angry the next. However, when you experience an extreme shift from mania to depression, you may have Bipolar Disorder. At Teen Depression, we have qualified mental health professionals who can diagnose and treat teenagers between the ages of 12-17 years old who may be suffering from this disorder.
What is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar Disorder is a mental illness that is marked by extreme shifts between mania and depressive episodes.
What are its symptoms?
During a manic episode, a teenager may experience the following symptoms: feeling overly happy, overconfidence, impulsiveness, decreased need for sleep, and engaging in risky behavior (e.g. spending sprees, gambling, etc.). During a depressive episode, a teenager may experience: feelings of hopelessness, significant change in appetite, constant fatigue, withdrawing from family and friends, apathy, thinking or attempting suicide.
Types of Bipolar Disorder
Did you know that there are 4 different types of Bipolar Disorder? These 4 types are as follows:
- Bipolar I
Bipolar I is marked by the presence of at least one manic episode. A teenager may experience mania or depressive episodes before and after the manic episode. - Bipolar II
Teenagers who suffer from Bipolar II experience one major depressive episode that persists for at least two weeks. After which, they will also experience at least one manic episode that lasts for at least four days. - Cyclothymia
Teenagers with Cyclothymia experiences episode of mania and depression. However, symptoms manifest in a shorter amount of time and they are less serve than major depressive and manic episodes. On the other hand, symptoms also fluctuate frequently – teenagers with this type may only experience a month or two of stable moods. - Rapid-Cycling Bipolar Disorder
Teenagers who suffer from Rapid-Cycling Bipolar Disorder experiences faster mood shifts compared to the other types. A teenager with this type may experience four or more episodes of depression or mania within a year.
As a concerned Southern California based Teen Depression Rehab Treatment Center, we want to help teenagers with Bipolar Disorder. With the right therapy and treatment, we want to help teenagers get back on track and live a healthier, happier life. For more information, please contact us at 888-226-0766.