What You Should Know About Bipolar Disorder In Teens

One of the common questions mental health counselors get involves the treatment of teenagers, children, and other young people. Conditions like bipolar disorder have an early onset, and they can significantly impact the way a person interacts with the world and themselves.

If you are considering treatment for yourself or your teenager, this is what you need to know about getting bipolar disorder counseling and other forms of treatment.

Bipolar Disorder Can Be Linked to Other Conditions

The morbidity of bipolar disorder is complex. This means that bipolar disorder may accompany other conditions. For example, teens with bipolar disorder may be more likely to partake in self-harm and more likely to abuse substances. They are more likely to have poor self-esteem and to experience trauma.

Bipolar Disorder Can Be Difficult to Diagnose

Bipolar disorder typically comes with changes in moods and behavior, and it can be quite extreme. Sometimes bipolar disorder is diagnosed along with ADHD, conduct disorder, or borderline personality disorder. Often, diagnosis comes after the realization that somebody else in their family has been diagnosed.

Several tools are used in the actual diagnosis of bipolar disorder. These include behavior checklists, several rating scales, and mood diaries. Counselors may have these tools available or rely on a diagnosis from another mental health professional to provide treatment.

Mental Health Counseling Comes in Many Forms

Often, psychoeducation is part of the treatment plan. This involves showing teens what a successful life with bipolar disorder looks like. Professionals show young people the resources they will rely on for years to come. Counselors will help clients look for signs that their moods are shifting, either low or high. They will learn to spot the signs that they may need to come in for more treatment.

Young people can also learn how to develop new routines and habits that will improve life and change the habits that are making bipolar disorder worse. Counseling helps foster strength to begin new routines.

Counseling also involves the management of anxiety and depression, both of which can increase drug and alcohol use. Substance abuse can strengthen the symptoms of bipolar disorder. With treatment, you can address mental health concerns before they become worse.

Speak With a Mental Health Counselor Today

A mental health counselor can provide a lot of insight for young people who are struggling right now. A counselor can meet with teens, refer them to other types of treatment, and help them get started on an effective treatment plan. If you think your teen could benefit from counseling, reach out to a clinic like Compassion Counseling Inc near you. 

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