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It’s normal for teens to have mood swings, get emotional, and act a bit reckless. Surging hormones and changes in brain development can cause heightened emotions that teens may not fully understand or know how to express.
However, if mood swings go above and beyond typical teenage moodiness or if impulsive behavior becomes a danger to themself or others, this could be a warning sign of a mental health condition known as Bipolar Disorder.
Read on to understand Bipolar Disorder in teens and effective treatments available to support their mental health recovery.
Understanding Teenage Development
Before making the assumption that your teen has a mental health condition, it’s important to understand the nature of teenage development and typical behaviors that one may see when parenting a teen.
Fluctuating hormone levels, changes in key brain regions such as the prefrontal cortex, self-identity exploration, and the challenge for independence are all markers of the teenage years that can sometimes lead to behaviors mistaken for a mental health condition [1]. These may include mood swings, impulsivity, and spending more time alone.
However, if these behaviors begin to impact their daily functioning, relationships, or physical health—this could be a sign of an underlying mental health challenge such as depression or bipolar disorder.
It’s important to use your best judgment as a parent and watch for behaviors that stray from the expected. When does the desire for independence become risky defiance? When do mood swings require intervention?
What is Bipolar Disorder?
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, almost 3% of teens struggle with Bipolar Disorder [2]. This is a chronic mood disorder characterized by episodes of depression and mania.
Distinguishing between typical teenage mood swings and bipolar disorder can be challenging, as both involve fluctuations in mood and may mimic other mental health problems such as depression or anxiety.
According to the DSM-5 [5], the criteria to be diagnosed with bipolar disorder in teens include:
- At least one manic episode that precedes or is followed by a hypomanic or depressive episode
- Criteria for manic episodes include:
- At least 1 week of increased energy, irritable mood, or goal-directed activities and accompanied by at least 3 of the following symptoms:
- Trouble falling asleep
- Inflated self-esteem (grandiosity)
- Fast speech that is hard to follow
- Racing thoughts or anxiety
- Problems concentrating and getting easily distracted
- Engaging in reckless behavior such as substance abuse, unprotected sex, etc
- At least 1 week of increased energy, irritable mood, or goal-directed activities and accompanied by at least 3 of the following symptoms:
Other symptoms that may accompany bipolar disorder include:
- Changes in sleep/appetite (manic or depressive episodes)
- Low self-esteem (depressive episodes)
- Fatigue or low energy (depressive episodes)
- Shame or guilt (especially following a manic episode)
- Isolation and social withdrawal (depressive episodes)
- Aggression, irritability, or violence (manic episodes)
- Suicidal ideation (manic or depressive episodes)
- Self-harm (manic or depressive episodes)
- Substance abuse (manic or depressive episodes)
Types of Bipolar Disorder
There are 3 distinct types of Bipolar Disorder that vary slightly in their length, severity, and presentation of symptoms. The two most common are Bipolar 1 and Bipolar 2. Bipolar 1 disorder is the most severe form and includes manic episodes. Bipolar 2 and cyclothymic disorder present with hypomanic episodes (a less severe form of mania, lasting a shorter amount of time) [3].
| Bipolar 1 | More severe manic episodes lasting for at least 7 days and followed by periods of depression. May require hospitalization or present with symptoms of psychosis |
| Bipolar 2 | 1 or more episodes of hypomania (lasting more than 4 days) followed by 1 or more depressive episodes (lasting at least 2 weeks) |
| Cyclothymic disorder (cyclothymia) | Cycling between hypomanic episodes and periods of mild depression, less severe than bipolar 2, usually does not affect daily functioning |
Long-Term Effects of Bipolar Disorder in Teens
Untreated bipolar in adolescence can cause long-term effects and consequences that follow youth into adulthood. Bipolar disorder is the 6th leading cause of disability in the US, often making it hard to keep a stable job and manage daily tasks [4].
Bipolar can also significantly increase the risk of suicide, making it one of the more life-threatening mental health disorders to live with. According to the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, bipolar disorder reduces life expectancy by up to 9.2 years, and 1 in 5 patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder dies by suicide [4].
Other effects of bipolar disorder in teens include:
- Academic decline
- Strained relationships
- Job instability
- Increased risk of substance abuse
- Increased risk of self-harm
Treatment for Bipolar Disorder in Teens
If you recognize signs of bipolar in your teen, it’s essential to reach out to a mental health professional so they can make an accurate diagnosis and get them connected to services. Bipolar disorder usually requires long-term treatment that includes a combination of therapy, medication, and outside support from loved ones.
Some of the most common treatments for bipolar disorder include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is an evidence-based treatment that helps teens with bipolar break negative thought cycles, create plans in times of crisis, develop positive coping skills, reduce reckless behaviors, and set goals for in and outside of treatment.
- Group Therapy can help foster connection, break feelings of isolation, and create a support system for teens with bipolar. It is particularly helpful for teens who struggle with severe depressive episodes.
- Antidepressants such as SSRIs are sometimes prescribed to help manage depressive episodes.
- Mood stabilizers are the most common form of treatment for helping teens with bipolar stabilize their mood. Lithium is the go-to mood stabilizer used to treat bipolar disorder.
- Antipsychotics are sometimes prescribed for severe bipolar such as Bipolar 1, where manic or depressive episodes present with symptoms of psychosis.
Professional Mental Health Support for Teens
At Clearfork Academy, our team of compassionate, licensed therapists understands the complex nature of bipolar disorders in teens. Our residential, IOP, and PHP treatment programs are designed with structure to help teens with bipolar stabilize their moods and encourage behaviors that keep them safe, healthy, and successful.
Reach out to our Admissions team to learn more.
Sources
[1] The Teen Brain: 7 Things to Know. 2023. National Institute of Mental Health.
[2] Bipolar Disorder. National Institute of Mental Health.
[3] Bipolar 1 and Bipolar 2 Disorder. Healthline.
[4] Bipolar Disorder Statistics. Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance.
[5] DSM-5: Implications for Child Serious Emotional Disturbance. National Library of Medicine.
Originally from the Saginaw, Eagle Mountain area, Austin Davis earned a Bachelor of Science in Pastoral Ministry from Lee University in Cleveland, TN and a Master of Arts in Counseling from The Church of God Theological Seminary. He then went on to become a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor in the State of Texas.
Austin’s professional history includes both local church ministry and clinical counseling. At a young age, he began serving youth at the local church in various capacities which led to clinical training and education. Austin gained a vast knowledge of mental health disorders while working in state and public mental health hospitals. This is where he was exposed to almost every type of diagnosis and carries this experience into the daily treatment.
Austin’s longtime passion is Clearfork Academy, a christ-centered residential facility focused on mental health and substance abuse. He finds joy and fulfillment working with “difficult” clients that challenge his heart and clinical skill set. It is his hope and desire that each resident that passes through Clearfork Academy will be one step closer to their created design.
Austin’s greatest pleasures in life are being a husband to his wife, and a father to his growing children. He serves at his local church by playing guitar, speaking and helping with tech arts. Austin also enjoys being physically active, reading, woodworking, and music.
