Being a teenager can bring countless ups and downs, with mood swings that can leave parents baffled. It could be that the behaviors your teen is displaying are just a regular part of being a teen growing up in a challenging world.
What if you start to recognize that their behavior is taking more of an erratic turn?
Their moods seem to swing between being highly energetic, showing extreme irritability, and flipping to extremely low sadness?
It can start to look like more than teen angst. Your teen may be struggling with bipolar disorder.
Learning more about the symptoms of bipolar disorder in teen boys can help you understand this mental health condition better and how you can get your teen the correct type of focused treatment.
What is bipolar disorder?
It is estimated that 2.6 percent of Americans struggle with bipolar disorder, which most often makes itself known in the teen or early adult years—people who live with bipolar disorder experience what are known as manic episodes and depressive episodes. Manic episodes can include showing high levels of energy and activity and extreme happiness. There may be nothing going on in their lives that could indicate why your teen is feeling over-the-top happiness and showing high productivity levels. Depressive episodes can see your teen experiencing periods of depression and intense sadness. These can look quite different from depression and many others without bipolar disorder experience. There is no cure for teens with bipolar disorder. However, as is the case with many mental health concerns, the right type of treatment can help your teen manage and better cope with his symptoms.Symptoms of bipolar disorder in teen boys
The symptoms of a depressive episode will differ significantly from a manic episode, and we’ve listed them both separately below. Symptoms of a depressive episode may include:- Feeling very down, sad, and almost inconsolable.
- Complaints about physical aches, pains, headaches, and stomach pain.
- Sleeping too much or showing signs of insomnia, along with decreased energy levels.
- Inability to concentrate or make decisions.
- Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, along with losing interest in spending time with family and friends.
- Overeating or refusing to eat.
- Suicidal ideation, which should never be ignored.
- A short temper, being easily triggered into anger.
- Inability to focus, jumping between tasks rapidly.
- Speaking rapidly, excitedly, jumping between topics.
- Lack of tiredness and an inability to sleep.
- Acting out of character with silliness and happiness.
- Engaging in risky behavior, including being overly sexual, binge drinking, or drinking while driving.
- Compulsively shop, buying items they don’t need or giving extravagant gifts.
What causes bipolar disorder?
Medical professionals are not sure what causes bipolar disorder. It would be great to pinpoint a single factor responsible for your teen developing bipolar disorder. In truth, there are several possible contributing factors. It is thought that a combination of factors that include family history and genetics, environmental factors, and brain structure can contribute. Teens who have a family history of bipolar disorder and other mental health concerns are at an increased risk of demonstrating the symptoms of bipolar disorder. If you or someone else in your family has bipolar disorder, you must help your teen recognize that this diagnosis does not mean he won’t be able to live a fulfilling and healthy life.Comorbid conditions
Teens who live with bipolar disorder could also display the symptoms of other mental health disorders and behavioral issues. Being aware of them can help you get your teen the right type of treatment plan. Common comorbid mental health conditions include:- Alcohol or drug addiction
- ADD or ADHD
- Conduct disorder
- Panic attacks, PTSD, one or more anxiety disorders
- Withdrawing further from family and friends.
- Gifting beloved possessions.
- Showing signs of deep feelings of hopelessness and sadness.
- A loss of interest in activities they loved.
- Being obsessed with talking about death or how things would be better if they were dead.
Treating bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder can be better managed with medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of both. The treatment plan may be adjusted to meet the evolving needs of your teen. Therapy can be hugely beneficial, as it can help your teen manage his symptoms, express himself, and understand how to maintain his relationships with family and friends. Therapy options for bipolar disorder include:- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy
- Interpersonal therapy
- Family therapy
Helping your teen with bipolar disorder
In addition to getting your teen medical and mental health treatments, there are some things that you can do to help your teen navigate life with bipolar disorder:- Take a patient approach when helping your teen.
- Take the time to learn all you can about bipolar disorder.
- Spend some time helping to encourage your teen to open up about what he’s feeling and thinking.
- Listen to your teen when he does open up to you.
- Track their symptoms, moods, medications, and how things seem to be working.
- Work with your teen to develop a family routine that works for them.
- Discuss options and support through his school to keep his education on track.
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