Bipolar disorder is a type of mental health illness that causes extreme highs and lows where teens can experience bouts of mania, hypomania, and/or depression. In some cases, teens can experience both mania and depression simultaneously. Recognizing the early signs of bipolar disorder is important so you can get your teen the help they need before their symptoms worsen and lead to a substance use disorder. Bipolar disorder therapy teaches teens how to cope with their symptoms and lead productive lives.
At Imagine Seattle, our treatment programs are for teen boys and girls aged 12-17 who are struggling with bipolar disorder, PTSD, or other mental health illnesses. Our certified behavioral therapists have experience treating all types of anxiety disorders and will help your teen son or daughter cope with their thoughts and feelings in a healthy manner. For severe cases, medication is available to reduce any symptoms that get in the way of recovery. If your teen is struggling with bipolar disorder, call 888.346.0473 today to discover the benefits of our bipolar disorder therapy program.
What Is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder typically occurs in men and women between the ages of 18 and 29 years of age, but children and teens are also at risk of developing this disorder. While experts are researching the exact cause of this disorder, many of them believe teens who come from a family with a history of bipolar disorder are at a heightened risk of developing bipolar disorder. Other factors include peer and societal pressure, experiencing a traumatic event, and substance abuse.
There are three types of bipolar disorder that can affect your teen’s development and education:
- Bipolar Disorder I—This type is characterized by manic episodes that last more than one week. Signs of manic episodes include being abnormally upbeat, increased energy, and an overinflated sense of well-being and confidence.
- Bipolar Disorder II—This type involves longer bouts of depression with episodes of hypomania, which is the same as mania, only less severe. Depressive episodes can last a minimum of two weeks or longer.
- Cyclothymic Disorder—This type of bipolar disorder includes depressive and hypomania episodes that last for at least one year in teens and two years in adults.
At Imagine Seattle, our team of therapists and medical staff have experience treating all types of bipolar disorders. Your teen will participate in group and private therapy sessions where they will develop healthy coping skills and a new attitude toward themselves and the world around them.
Recognizing the Early Signs of Bipolar Disorder in Teens
The teenage years can be very difficult, even under the best circumstances. Your teen is experiencing changing thoughts, new sensations, and urges that can be confusing for them. Knowing how to spot the signs of bipolar disorder versus normal teenage angst is imperative so you can get them the support they need, so it does not impact their development.
Here are some of the early signs of bipolar disorder in teens:
- Manic episodes—Teens who are experiencing a manic episode will appear excessively happy or silly for several hours, have a short temper, and talk rapidly about many different things. Other symptoms of manic episodes include insomnia, racing thoughts, and difficulty concentrating.
- Depressive episodes—During a depressive episode, teens will feel sad for no reason, are quick to anger or show hostility toward others, and sleep more than usual. Additional symptoms include feelings of hopelessness, having little energy, losing interest in favorite activities, and thinking about death or suicide.
Knowing the early signs of bipolar disorder can alert you to potential problems before they lead to substance abuse or other mental health disorders. This is not a phase or something that will simply go away with time. It will only worsen the longer they go without treatment.
Discover Bipolar Disorder Therapy in Washington at Imagine Seattle
At Imagine Seattle, we take excellent care of your teen son or daughter while they develop healthy new skills for managing their bipolar disorder symptoms. During private therapy, a certified therapist will dive into the root cause of the disorder and teach your teen how to process their feelings instead of hiding from them. They will also have a chance to practice these skills with their peers in group therapy.
Pick up the phone and call 888.346.0473 today to speak with our caring staff about how we can support your teen’s mental health development. You can also fill out our online form and let us get back to you.