How To Identify Bipolar Disorder In Teens

Medically reviewed by Laura Angers Maddox, NCC, LPC
Updated October 12, 2023by BetterHelp Editorial Team
Content Warning: Please be advised, the below article might mention trauma-related topics that include suicide which could be triggering to the reader. If you or someone you love is having suicidal thoughts, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. Support is available 24/7. Please also see our Get Help Now page for more immediate resources.

Though changes in personality, lifestyle and behavior can all be typical parts of a teen’s journey to adulthood, severe symptoms that affect daily life generally are not. Knowing how to recognize potential signs of a mental health disorder, including bipolar disorder, can help you learn when it may be time to seek help for your teen. 

Around 50% of all chronic mental conditions  can begin at the age of 14. If you suspect your teen may be experiencing symptoms of bipolar disorder, it may help to familiarize yourself with what treatment options are available—and what you can do to act as a system of support.

What Is Bipolar Disorder?

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Do You Suspect Your Teen May Have Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is generally considered to be a mental illness that can be characterized by intense mood swings between extreme highs (mania) and lows (depression).

When someone is living with bipolar disorder, their symptoms can often interfere with their ability to function or feel in control of their emotions. This can affect their mood, energy level, behavior and relationships with others.

Likewise, the intense periods of emotional highs and lows that can come with bipolar disorder may pose risks to a teen’s health and safety. Symptoms and outcomes such as risky behavior, a lack of sleep or isolating oneself from others are just a few examples of consequences that may stem from a lack of proper treatment.

Causes Of Bipolar Disorder In Teens

Doctors and scientists aren't generally sure exactly what causes bipolar disorder. Like other mental health disorders, it can run in families. This may suggest that there may be a genetic component in which someone with a certain gene can be more likely to have bipolar disorder than someone without it.

Experts also believe that environmental factors may trigger the onset of symptoms. Traumatic or significant life events, exposure to substance use, instability at home and other similar circumstances may lead to the development of bipolar disorder. It can also be possible that some individuals may be biologically predisposed to bipolar disorder. However, environmental factors can be the missing link that can lead to its manifestation.

What Are The Symptoms Of Bipolar Disorder In Teens?

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Teens living with bipolar disorder may have manic episodes that can feature intense happiness or euphoria, impulsive behavior and feelings of near invincibility. 

They may also experience manic episodes that can have the same characteristics but are less severe, which are generally known as hypomanic episodes. Finally, it can also be possible to experience depressive episodes characterized by intense sadness, disinterest in activities and irritability (among other things). 

Symptoms Of Manic Episodes

Mania is generally thought to have symptoms that can be related to changes in a person's energy and mood. Some possible symptoms of mania can include:

  • Elation

  • Excessive energy

  • Increased activity

  • Feeling jumpy or uneasy

  • Irritability

  • Having an exaggerated sense of self-confidence

  • Experiencing urges to engage in risky behaviors

  • Rapid and disjointed speech

  • Racing thoughts

  • Heightened sex drive

  • General poor judgment

  • Hallucinations (all types) 

  • Insomnia 

Symptoms Of Depressive Episodes

During depressive episodes, your teen might seem disconnected, often sad or disinterested, and have very little energy. Depressive symptoms can be clinically significant if they happen about every day for two weeks. 

Here are some of the symptoms you might notice during a depressive phase:

  • Feeling sad or down

  • Sleeping more or less than usual

  • Eating more or less than usual (and experiencing changes in weight as a result)

  • Losing interest in previously enjoyable activities

  • Experiencing difficulty concentrating

  • Forgetfulness

  • Feeling tired or “slowed down”

  • Feelings of extreme guilt 

  • Experiencing trouble making decisions

  • Experiencing low self-esteem

  • General relationship problems

  • Isolation

  • Thoughts of self-harm or suicidal ideation*

If you or a loved one are experiencing suicidal thoughts, reach out for help immediately. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached at 1-800-273-8255 and is available to assist 24/7.

Other Types Of Episodes

Two other types of episodes that can happen in bipolar disorder are hypomania and mixed episodes. 

Hypomanic episodes generally last at least four days in a row. The symptoms can be similar to mania, but might be less severe overall. They may not seem to cause any problems for the teen at all, at least in the short term. In fact, some teens can get a lot accomplished during hypomanic phases. However, if they engage in risky behavior, hypomania can lead to long-term concerns like unplanned pregnancies and STDs, car accidents, injuries and more. 

In a bipolar episode with mixed features, the teen may have symptoms that fall into both the depressed and manic categories. For example, they might have an extreme amount of energy but feel very sad at the same time.

Related Conditions And Problems

Teens living with bipolar disorder can face other challenges that may be directly or indirectly related to their condition. They may, for instance, live with other mental health disorders that can exacerbate or trigger their symptoms. 

For example, bipolar disorder can co-occur with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression and anxiety disorder. 

Getting A Diagnosis

The first step to dealing with possible bipolar disorder in teens can be to seek help from a mental health provider. They may need to interview the teen to make an evaluation. The process will generally start with a rundown of the patient’s medical history, as well as a family health history—including discussions about mental health disorders. 

Next, a doctor might make referrals for medical testing and treatment (if needed). They may have the teen take a diagnostic screening quiz to help them to determine the right next step for their needs. 

After this, your teen’s doctor may compare everything they learn from the interview with the diagnostic criteria from the DSM-5. They then might be able to provide a diagnosis themselves, or they might refer your teen to a specialist who can. 

What Help Is Available?

Help for bipolar disorder can come in many forms. Medications may be prescribed to regulate mood or help with other aspects of the disorder. They may help make symptoms more manageable so that a teen can focus on developing strategies for living with bipolar disorder in the long term. 

A psychologist or social worker may also work with your teen's school to find out how bipolar disorder is affecting the teen there. They might also be able to make accommodations to help the child succeed in school despite any challenges they may face.

Many families who are living with a teen who is experiencing the effects of bipolar disorder can benefit from family therapy as well. Talking about the realities and experiences that can stem from living with bipolar disorder can help the family come together to provide better support for the teen, and can help the teen feel validated in their experiences. Additionally, the teen can learn to communicate their needs more effectively with their family.

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Do You Suspect Your Teen May Have Bipolar Disorder?

How Can Online Therapy Support A Teen Living With Bipolar Disorder?

Psychotherapy can help your teen learn to live with the ups and downs that can come with this mental health disorder. Your teen can then learn to make better decisions and take better care of themselves. Additionally, getting the right help can reduce their chances of experiencing serious side effects or consequences down the road.

No matter what sort of therapy you think your teen may benefit from the most, online therapy options can make receiving professional support fast, easy and convenient for most. Not being limited to professionals local to your area can help you find someone who meshes well with your teen and truly understands their needs. Additionally, online therapy may make finding someone to talk to yourself a more straightforward process, as there’s no need to commute to and from in-person appointments. This can save you time and money.

Is Online Therapy Effective? 

Online therapy can be just as effective as traditional options for managing mental health symptoms. In fact, one 2022 study found that online cognitive behavioral therapy could successfully treat symptoms of depression and anxiety disorders in adolescents aged 11 to 19 years. 

Getting started with treatment sooner rather than later may help your teen develop the skills they may need to navigate life successfully, and can support them as they learn to manage the range of possible  symptoms that can be associated with bipolar disorder.

Takeaway

Bipolar disorder in teens may be hard to spot on your own, though you may be able to eventually identify symptoms of mania, hypomania or depression. However, with the right assistance, you can find out whether your teen may have bipolar disorder and help them get the treatment they deserve. TeenCounseling can connect you with an online therapist in your area of need.

Find support for bipolar disorder symptoms

The information on this page is not intended to be a substitution for diagnosis, treatment, or informed professional advice. You should not take any action or avoid taking any action without consulting with a qualified mental health professional. For more information, please read our terms of use.
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