Teen Mood Disorders - Bipolar Disorders

Bipolar disorder affects thousands of teens each year. Bipolar disorder is more than feeling blue every now and then. To some it can become chronic and disabling. Teenagers with depression and mood disorders already have enough on their plate as it is. According to NARSAD, about 15% of adolescent children and teens will have some sort of mood disorder. Some of them will even commit suicide. If you believe your teen has bipolar or extreme depression you may need to get professional help.

So what exactly is bipolar disorder and what does it look like? Teens who have the disorder have very erratic and wild mood swings that trigger extreme sadness then at a drop of hat they will be happy and display signs of joy. Below are a list of signs for parents to know if their teen is showing symptoms of depression and or bipolar disorder. (This list is partial and parents should see a certified doctor to be %100 sure)

• Loss of interest in personal hobbies and activities they used to enjoy.


• Moods change from hour to hour. Extreme sadness to euphoric happiness.


• Talk of suicide or not wanting to be around family and friends.


• Always complaining of not being able to sleep.


• They seem to be irritable and always show signs of aggression.


• Sex drive and libido will become increased or decreased depending on their current state of mind.

Some treatments include depression medications and psychotherapy. Most doctors will give the patient questions and determine the best treatment depending on what type of answers they give. One of the most common drugs to help fight depression and bipolar disorder is Prozac. Another medication that is usually prescribed to patients is Paxil. One option sending your teenage son or daughter to therapeutic boarding school that teaches teens to better live with mood disorders.

Wilderness boarding schools are another option parents can try to help their teen cope with depression and bipolar disorder. Studies have shown that equine therapy and the outdoors have a positive impact on depressed people. Whether is is a wilderness program of residential boarding school, the teen will live in a structured environment that will help build self-esteem and push them to set life goals.

If you suspect your teen has extreme mood swings or depression, we strongly recommend you go see a licensed physician to get a complete diagnosis and treatment plans. If you think your teen could benefit from a boarding school or wilderness camp, give us a call and we can walk you through the process.