How to Diagnose Teen Bipolar Disorder

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Defined Tag: Teen Bipolar Disorder.

Unfortunately, there are many teenagers that are affected by bipolar disorder. Teen bipolar disorder is fairly common and can be highly distressful to parents and family members. Oftentimes, the onset of teen bipolar disorder is confused with adolescent rebellion. However, teen bipolar disorder is much more severe than simple teen angst.

According to research, anywhere between ten to fifteen percent of adolescents with recurrent major depression will go on to develop bipolar I disorder. In fact, depression and bipolar disorder are a common factor involved in teen suicide. There are many cases of teen bipolar disorder that are never diagnosed. Approximately ten to fifteen percent of victims of teen bipolar disorder will commit suicide.

Teen bipolar disorder can be categorized by many behaviors. It is important to see the difference between normal adolescent experimentation and teen bipolar disorder. A comparison could be between a thunderstorm and a hurricane. Some of these behaviors are quite risky and can end up causing personal harm. Teen bipolar disorder behaviors can include sexual promiscuity, drug use, impulsive decisions, distractibility, grandiosity, talkativeness, over-spending of money, and flights of ideas.

Teen bipolar disorder can consist of depressive episodes, manic episodes, and mixed episodes. Depressive episodes involve typical symptoms of depression: sleep disturbances, sadness, and thoughts of death and suicide.

Manic episodes consist of risky behavior, poor spending habits, reduced need for sleep, increased goal oriented activity, sexual indiscretions, flight of ideas, and distractibility.

Mixed episodes involve symptoms involving both depressive and manic episodes. If you are interested in more information about teen bipolar disorder you should check out some of the valuable resources available online. If you suspect that you or someone close to you has the disorder, you should seek the help of a licensed mental health practitioner immediately. Remember, teen bipolar disorder will not go away on its own. It is a difficult disorder to live with but there are treatments available.