Bipolar disorder is a type of depression that causes severe mood swings that can negatively impact a teen’s education and development. Bipolar disorder in teens goes beyond the normal everyday mood shifts that are common for teens and can cause manic and depressive episodes that can last for weeks or months. A bipolar disorder therapy program is essential for teens whose symptoms are disrupting their lives at home and at school.
At Imagine Seattle, our treatment center works with teen boys and girls between the ages of 12 and 17. Our certified behavioral therapists have experience treating depression, bipolar disorder, and other types of mental health disorders. We use a combination of behavioral and holistic therapies along with medication to reduce the symptoms that are interfering with their recovery. For more information about our bipolar disorder therapy program, call 888.346.0473 today to give your teen the support they need for their continuing development.
Understanding Bipolar Disorder in Teens
Bipolar disorder is a common mental health disorder that affects three million men and women each year. While there is no cure for this illness, there are several types of therapies and medications that can minimize the symptoms that are disrupting teens’ lives.
Bipolar disorders are described as manic for more severe symptoms and hypomanic for symptoms that are less severe and do not cause a major disruption.
There are two classifications for bipolar disorder; manic and hypomanic. Manic episodes are more severe and can cause significant disruption in teens’ lives, while hypomanic episodes are milder. Several types of bipolar disorder can affect teens:
- Bipolar disorder I—This type refers to those who experience one manic episode followed by hypomanic or major depression symptoms. In some cases, some patients may experience psychosis.
- Bipolar disorder II—This type of disorder is for patients who experience one major depressive episode followed by a hypomanic episode but do not experience a manic episode.
- Cyclothymic disorder—For patients who have experienced symptoms for over two years with multiple hypomanic and depressive symptoms.
At Imagine Seattle, we take the time to get to know your teen and develop a relationship with them that promotes open communication and healing. They will participate in private and group therapy to practice managing their symptoms and see how others are coping with their disorder.
Recognizing the Signs of Bipolar Disorder
Signs of bipolar disorder generally begin showing up in mid-to-late teen years and early adulthood. If you are concerned that your teen is struggling with bipolar disorder, here are some indicators of bipolar disorder in teens.
Manic Episodes
Manic episodes include severe symptoms of elation and joy or feeling unusually happy. Teens will feel like they are full of energy and may rapidly talk about new ideas or important plans. They can also be easily distracted and make poor decisions like spending too much money and taking unnecessary risks.
Depressive Episodes
This type of bipolar disorder closely resembles major depressive disorder, where teens will feel sad, hopeless, or worthless. They will doubt their own abilities, lose interest in favorite activities, and have difficulty sleeping. Some teens may experience hallucinations or suicidal thoughts.
Bipolar disorder in teens sometimes coincides with substance use disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
Imagine Seattle: Your Top Choice for Bipolar Disorder Therapy Program in Seattle, Redmond, and Surrounding Areas
At Imagine Seattle, we support teen boys and girls who are struggling with bipolar disorder or other mental health conditions. When your teen arrives at our facility, we will run a full assessment of their physical and mental health to create a tailored treatment experience based on their individual symptoms.
Today is the perfect day to help your teen son or daughter who is struggling with bipolar disorder. Call 888.346.0473 or fill out our online form today to discover all the benefits of our mental health treatment facility.