Bipolar disorder
 

Bipolar disorder is a mental disorder that causes people to experience noticeable, sometimes extreme, changes in mood and behavior. Sometimes children with bipolar disorder feel very happy or “up” and are much more energetic and active than usual. This is called a manic episode. Sometimes children with bipolar disorder feel very sad or “down” and are much less active than usual. This is called a depressive episode

Causes

The exact causes of bipolar disorder are unknown, but several factors may contribute to the illness as genetic mechanisms that are linked to bipolar disorder and other mental disorders trauma, and stressful life events may increase the chances of developing bipolar disorder in people with a genetic risk of having the illness

Symptoms and signs

• Severe mood swings that are different from their usual mood swings
• Hyperactive, impulsive, aggressive or socially inappropriate behavior
• Risky and reckless behaviors that are out of character
• Insomnia or significantly decreased need for sleep
• Depressed or irritable mood most of the day, nearly every day during a depressive episode
• Grandiose and inflated view of own capabilities
• Suicidal thoughts or behaviors 

Disorders cause bipolar-like symptoms

• attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• oppositional defiant disorder
• conduct disorder
• anxiety disorders 
• major depression

Treatment:

• Medication: May need more than one treatment and it is first line of treatment
  You might need mood stabilizers in the form of antiepileptic; atypical antipsychotics…please visit the psychiatrist for these. 
• Psychosocial Therapy: provide support, education, and guidance to teens and their families. These therapies teach skills for maintaining routines, enhancing emotion regulation, and improving social interactions.