Everything You Need To Know About Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder in Children and Teens Is Not Uncommon

Bipolar disorder is typically diagnosed during later teen years or early adulthood. However, symptoms of BD can often show up in young children.

It can be difficult to tell whether teens are experiencing normal mood swings or showing signs of a serious mental health condition.

It’s important for parents, caregivers, friends, and family members to watch for mood swings that differ from typical behavior. Behavioral changes can be a sign of the onset of a mental health concern.

The most important thing to do if you are concerned is to ask for help. Even if the child is not diagnosed with bipolar disorder, there may be another mental health issue that needs to be addressed.

What Causes Bipolar Disorder?

In order to watch for signs of BD, it is important to understand who is at risk. Even though the exact cause of bipolar disorder is still being researched, there are a number of factors that contribute to a diagnosis.

Changes in Brain Structure and Functioning

The overall structure and function of the brain are different in people who have the condition. It is possible that the way neurotransmitters pass between neurons contributes to the development of the condition.

Genetics

Someone’s family history could play a role in the diagnosis of bipolar disorder. People who have one or more family members, particularly a parent or a sibling, with a diagnosis of BD are more at risk. Many genes are involved, and this is still an active area of research.

Coexisting Mental Health Issues

People who have another mental health issue are more likely to develop bipolar disorder. These often include conditions such as depression or anxiety.

How Bipolar Disorder Is Diagnosed and Treated

Bipolar disorder is a lifelong illness. While some people with BD may have a single episode of mania, often people experience more than one mood episode.

If not treated, BD tends to get worse over time with more frequent, more intense episodes.

The key is to treat the symptoms, so episodes can be managed. Between episodes, people with BD may be free from mood changes. Others may have lingering symptoms. By sticking to a well-rounded treatment plan, it is possible to manage symptoms effectively.

To diagnose BD, a doctor may perform a physical exam and ask questions to rule out other illnesses that may resemble bipolar disorder. To be diagnosed, a person must have at least one episode of mania and one episode of depression. A mental health professional will assess symptoms, patterns in symptoms, and their severity to determine the type of bipolar disorder it may be.

Similar to other mental health issues, bipolar disorder is treated through a combination of things, including medication, therapies, or a variety of other activities. In addition, developing healthy routines including regular sleep, exercise, and avoiding substance use are helpful for people with BD.

The foundation of successful BD treatment involves prescription medications and therapy. The vast majority of people who seek appropriate medical care make some degree of meaningful recovery.

Medications

Mood stabilizers are the foundation of BD treatment. The two most common types are lithium and valproic acid, also called valproate.

It’s important to keep in mind:

Ask Questions

All patients should ask questions. Understand the risks and benefits of the medications you are taking. Remember that there are options available. If one medication is not working well, it may be possible to switch to another.

Share Your Details

Let medical providers know if you are taking other prescription or over-the-counter medications. It’s possible for medications to negatively interact with each other, so please consult a professional and be honest about other medications you are taking.

Voice Your Concerns

If you have any concerns after starting the medication, no matter how minor, it is important to reach out to a medical provider. That way, the dose or the medication can be changed if necessary.

Follow Medical Advice

It is critical to avoid stopping use of a medication without speaking to a medical provider first. If you stop taking medication for bipolar disorder abruptly, you may begin to experience BD symptoms again.

Stick to Your Regimen

All medications must be taken consistently, as prescribed. The goal is to build up a “steady state” of the medication in the bloodstream to effectively manage symptoms.

The goal of medication is to not only stabilize the mood but to reduce symptoms. It is possible for prescriptions to prevent or reduce the intensity of manic and depressive episodes down the line.

It is important for patients to remember it can take up to two weeks for mood stabilizers to become effective. In addition, providers may prescribe an antipsychotic. Some of these medications can start working within a few hours, but some take several days—or weeks.

Medication is not a one-size-fits-all effort. Everyone reacts differently to prescription medications. They are an effective first-line treatment that can work very well with psychotherapy.

Even when people are feeling well, medication must continue. Often people stop taking medicine once they start feeling better—but that’s just a sign that it’s working and should continue being taken.

Everyone responds differently to psychiatric medications so it may take time to find the correct medication and the proper dose. It is critical to make sure a mental health provider helps to manage medication usage.

In addition to mood stabilizers, atypical antipsychotics, also called second-generation antipsychotics, are used. Some of the most common examples include olanzapine, aripiprazole, and paliperidone.

Providers may prescribe medication for symptoms in addition to those caused by bipolar disorder.

Therapy

Talk therapy, or psychotherapy, is the other major component of bipolar disorder treatment. It can help people identify the symptoms they experience. It can also identify positive behaviors and skills that may help people avoid episodes by recognizing symptoms and triggers.

Once people learn to cope with troubling thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, they may be able to better manage the condition. Skills learned in therapy may reduce the frequency or severity of mood episodes and help people ensure their support system is in place and ready in case their symptoms worsen.

One of the major focus areas when treating bipolar disorder is interpersonal skills. It is critical to teach people experiencing BD how to cope with rapid mood fluctuations. If they are able to identify when they are going to have an episode of mania or depression, they can better prepare themselves and their loved ones.

Therapy also provides education, support, and guidance to family members. In some cases, family therapy can be an important part of treatment.

Family therapy may be more helpful after the treatment process has started. This is usually handled on a case-by-case basis.

Debunking Myths About Bipolar Disorder

Even though BD impacts a percentage of the population, there are still many misconceptions about the illness.

Myth: Bipolar Disorder Only Affects Mood

Even though it involves severe mood states, it also impacts sleep, self-esteem, appetite, and concentration. BD also impacts physical health. It is associated with increased risk of migraines and cardiovascular problems.

Myth: The Highs and Lows of the Condition Are the Same

This is not necessarily the case. Everyone has different episodes when it comes to bipolar disorder. For some people, the highs may be worse. For other people, the lows may be worse.

Myth: Bipolar Disorder Does Not Impact Children

It is possible for children as well as adolescents to be diagnosed with BD. Symptoms can also show up during the elementary and middle school years.

Myth: People With Bipolar Disorder Cannot Lead a Normal Life

This is a common stigma. Even though living with it is a challenge, it is possible for people to lead full, rewarding lives.