Monday, May 19, 2008
Bipolar Disorder in Teens
Bipolar Disorder (also know as manic depression) often reveals itself in teens as severe moodiness and unhappiness. Often the first diagnosis is one of depression. Frequently bipolar disorder is initially misdiagnosed. It can take time to properly diagnos bipolar disorder. Treatment includes a combination of carefully monitored medication and professional counseling.
Bipolar disorder manifests differently in teens than in adults. Adolescent cycles are more rapid, adult cylces can be over weeks or months, in children cycles can occur within the same day.
Drug and alcohol use in adolescents with bipolar disorder is common. Dual-Diagnosis is the term used to describe the process of treating a mood disorder along side a substance abuse problem. Symptoms must be analyzed and treated accordingly. Careful and caring counseling, as well a medical attention and proper prescribed medication, are used to treat this combination.
Other conditions which contribute to the risk of adolescents developing a bipolar mood disorder increase with:
- family history of bipolar disorder or other mood disorder
- family history of drug or alcohol abuse
- episodes of severe depression
Factors which can contribute to manic episodes include:
- changes in routine or sleep patterns
- certain antidepressants can trigger manic episodes
- traumatic life event
- abuse or neglect of medication
- using alcohol or drugs
Labels: Bipolar-Disorder, drug rehab, Drug-Addiction-Rehab, Dual-Diagnosis-Treatment, Manic-Depression, mental-illness, teen-drug-abuse
Friday, March 21, 2008
Bipolar Disorder, AKA Manic Depression
Bipolar disorder typically develops in early adulthood. Some may experience symptoms in late adolescence however, it is not recognized as an illness. A person can suffer from symptoms for many years until the bipolar disorder is properly diagnosed and treated.
In bipolar disorder, changes in mood are experienced on a spectrum or continuous range. The changes in mood can bring on severe changes in attitude and behavior. A person with a bipolar disorder will experience periods of highs and lows. These highs and lows are called episodes of mania and depression.
A bipolar disorder is diagnosed when a combination of manic and depressive symptoms are present. Symptoms of mania may include, increased energy, racing thoughts, or unrealistic beliefs in one's abilities and powers. Depressive symptoms can include, feelings of worthlessness, loss of interest, or thoughts of death or suicide.
Severe episodes of mania or depression can include psychotic symptoms. These symptoms may include hearing voices, seeing things that are not there, or strongly believing false concepts. People that have a bipolar disorder are sometimes incorrectly diagnosed as having another severe mental illness such as, schizophrenia.
Most scientists agree that there is no single cause for bipolar disorder. It has been suggested that bipolar disorders may result from a specific gene, passed down from family generations. Other research suggests a combination of factors including a person's environment to be the cause of the disease. Whatever the cause, a bipolar disorder can be treated and the person can lead a productive life.
Proper treatment can help reduce the manic and depressive episodes experienced by people with a bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder can be a life long struggle, therefore long-term treatment is strongly recommended. A combination of psychotherapy and medication management has proven to be an effective form of treatment for a bipolar disorder.
Medication management is a crucial component in the treatment of a bipolar disorder. Medications known as "mood stabilizers" can be prescribed to help control the extreme levels of highs and lows. Popular medications for treating a bipolar disorder include, Lithium, Depakote, or Neurontin. Side effects from medications may include weight gain, nausea, or anxiety.
Working closely with a doctor and therapist can improve daily symptoms experienced by a person with a bipolar disorder. A therapist can provide education and insight to a person with a bipolar disorder and their families. The most common forms of therapy used with a bipolar disorder are cognitive behavioral therapy and family therapy.
It is important to keep in mind that a bipolar disorder is a life long mental illness. Even when a person is feeling at their best, they must continue treatment. The mania and depression episodes can occur at anytime and currently has no cure. However, if a person is properly diagnosed and remains aware of their symptoms, they can lead a fulfilling life.
Have questions and need help with Bipolar Disorder or Manic Depression? Click Here
Labels: Bipolar-Disorder, Manic-Depression
