12 Aug Bipolar Disorder in Teens Makes Brain Develop Differently
Photo Source: Flickr User – madstreetz
Bipolar disorder in teens needs more attention than ever before. In a study, conducted by researchers at Yale University, it seems that the brains of teens with BPD develop abnormally in areas of the brain associated with regulating emotions. Researchers believe this might bring them closer to halting the development of BPD in teens.
How common is bipolar disorder in teens?
The rate of bipolar disorder in adults has been studied for years, but only recently have researchers turned to looking at the rate in adolescents.
What are the symptoms?
Identifying BPD in teens can be difficult. Bipolar mood changes are called “mood episodes.” These can vary from being depressive, manic or “mixed” episodes. Generally, mood episodes last for a week or more and are incredibly intense. It’s important to know the signs of bipolar disorder in teens to get your child immediate treatment.
A few symptoms of a depressive episode include:
- Depressed
- Complains often about headaches/stomach aches/pain
- Irregular sleep/eating patterns
- Low energy and lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities
- Suicidal ideation
A few symptoms of a manic episode include:
- Acting silly/overly happy in a strange way
- Very short temper
- Risky behavior
- Difficulty sleeping
- Issues staying focused
- Talking extremely fast about multiple topics
Finding treatment
It’s incredibly important to catch bipolar disorder early and seek out treatment. Treatment includes different therapies, medications, and programs. ViewPoint Center is an assessment and treatment center for issues such as anxiety, depression, or BPD in teens. We work with each family individually to produce the best outcomes for struggling teens.
For more information about how ViewPoint deals with bipolar disorder in teens, contact us today at 801-825-5222.