Do you feel that your teenager is exhibiting more mood swings than usual? Do you think that the duration of mood swings is getting prolonged day by day? If yes, then your teen might be suffering from bipolar disorder. With the help of bipolar tests for teens, you can identify whether your adolescent has bipolar disorder or not.
What is Bipolar Disorder in Teens?
Bipolar disorder is a common mental illness that affects the brain functioning. Previously, bipolar disorder was referred to as manic depression. This mental disorder involves sudden shifts in mood or, you can say, unexpected highs and lows in mood. During their teenage, symptoms of bipolar disorder are more noticeable as they are more susceptible to internal and external stress factors. Moreover, they also feel reduced energy levels and do not feel motivated or take an interest in doing anything.
What are the manic and depressive episodes of Bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder comprises two different phases or episodes, which include:
Manic episode
During this phase of bipolar disorder, individuals feel extra happiness, passion, and high energy levels.
Depressive episode
The depressive phase is the second episode of bipolar disorder. Individuals feel extremely sad or low and do not feel pleasure in anything. Moreover, they prefer isolation instead of engaging in any social activity.
Both episodes of bipolar disorder alternate with each other and affect the normal life functioning of each individual.
What are the common signs of Bipolar disorder in Teenagers?
Each individual responds differently to each phase of bipolar disorder and exhibits a variety of symptoms, which are as follows:
Symptoms of Manic episode
The manic episode of bipolar disorder comprises the following symptoms:
- Extreme sense of pleasure or happiness
- High energy levels
- Irritability
- Extra interest in social activities
- Overconfidence
- Talkative behavior
Symptoms of Depressive episode
The symptoms of depression include:
- Prolonged phase of sadness
- Anger issues
- Intensity in emotions
- Social withdrawal
- Suicidal thoughts
- Thoughts of harming others
What are the types of Bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is categorized into the following two main types:
Bipolar disorder I
It is the most common type of bipolar disorder. This involves a manic episode that lasts for a week or more. Moreover, depressive symptoms are not required for the diagnosis of bipolar disorder I.
Bipolar disorder II
This type involves hypomania, whose intensity is less as compared to manic episodes. Moreover, bipolar disorder II also involves the occurrence of depressive symptoms.
What are the main trigger factors of Bipolar disorder?
The exact cause of bipolar disorder is not known. However, experts identify the following common causes of bipolar disorder:
Genetic factors
Genetic components play a major role in the development of bipolar disorder in individuals. Bipolar disorder tends to run in families as genes are transferred from parents to children. If any of the parents or siblings have the genes of bipolar disorder, then the probability of a child suffering from the disorder is increased.
Imbalance in Neurotransmitters
Neurotransmitters are the specialized messenger molecules that regulate the activity of the brain. Dopamine and epinephrine are the major neurotransmitters that transmit signals to the brain to perform a certain activity. However, in bipolar disorder, the level of these neurotransmitters gets altered and causes the onset of bipolar disorder.
Environmental stress factors
Different environmental stress factors can contribute to the development of bipolar disorder, such as sudden brain injury, trauma, loss of a loved one, or any financial loss.
Bipolar Test for Teens
Experts ask the following questions from teenagers to identify the symptoms of bipolar disorder:
- What is your age?
- Do you have any previous family history of bipolar disorder?
- Do you get annoyed easily?
- Do you show irritable behavior?
- How many times do you feel extra confident or overenergetic?
- How often do you feel depressed?
- Are you facing any sleep problems?
- Do you think that you have started speaking faster than usual?
- Do you get distracted easily from any external stimuli?
- Do you feel little or no interest in social activities?
- Are you taking more interest in sexual activities?
What is the treatment of Bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder can be effectively treated with a combination of medications and psychotherapy:
Medications
Psychiatric medications are considered the first line of treatment for bipolar disorder. Individuals can not get complete relief from the symptoms of bipolar disorder, but they can manage the symptoms of bipolar disorder.
Psychotherapy
Experts utilize psychotherapy to treat cognitive abnormalities. Among all types of psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and interpersonal therapy are the most significant. As teenagers grappling with bipolar disorder have false beliefs and thoughts, mental health experts assist them in managing the symptoms of bipolar disorder. Moreover, they also teach the individuals different coping skills and strategies for bipolar disorder.
Find the Reliable Professional Support at Renewed Mental Health Group!
At Renewed, we are committed to assist you in achieving the mental wellness. We have a professional team of experts who provide a diverse array of psychiatric services to treat all common mental health issues. If you ever suspect that you or your any loved one is suffering from bipolar disorder or any other mental illness then reach out to our experts, With their guidance, you can also self evaluate the mental condition with the help of the bipolar test for teens so you get the timely mental health assistance and overcome your mental illness.
FAQs
Is any online bipolar disorder test reliable?
No, online bipolar disorder tests are not reliable. Only mental health professionals can better identify the symptoms of bipolar disorder.
What are the signs of bipolar disorder?
The symptoms of bipolar disorder are different for each phase, as the manic episodes involve high energy levels and excitement, while the depressive phase comprises low mood.
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