Bipolar disorder is a treatable mental health illness that causes mania and depression in men and women from all walks of life. While it is common for teens to experience ups and downs as they age, if they experience extreme manic and depressive episodes, you can help them by enrolling them in a bipolar disorder therapy program. Mental health treatment for teens can teach them vital coping skills to manage their symptoms and continue with their natural development.
At Imagine Seattle, we support teen boys and girls aged 12-17 through our outpatient bipolar disorder treatment programs. We work closely with your teen to address their unique symptoms and triggers and develop an effective treatment plan that includes group and private therapy sessions. If you are concerned that your teen son or daughter is struggling with bipolar disorder, call 888.346.0473 or fill out our online form today for more information about our mental health treatment for teens.
How Can Bipolar Disorder Therapy Help Your Teen?
The teenage years are full of changing thoughts, emotions, and new sensations as they age and interact with their friends. It is normal for them to experience some mood changes, but it should not cause any significant disruption in their lives. Bipolar disorder is a chronic mental health disorder with extreme manic or depressive episodes that can last a few days to several weeks or months.
Some of the common symptoms of manic bipolar disorder episodes include:
- Having a very short-tempered
- Have trouble focusing
- Talk excitedly and quickly about various topics
- Insomnia
- Act compulsively and recklessly
Depressive episodes of bipolar disorder include:
- Feeling sad, worthless or empty
- Low energy
- Hyposomnia
- Changes in eating habits
- Fantasizes about suicide or death
At Imagine Seattle, our bipolar disorder therapy program in Seattle, WA, helps teens manage their symptoms and lead productive lives. Teens will work closely with therapists to talk about their feelings in a safe and encouraging environment.
Types of Bipolar Disorder
There are several factors that can cause bipolar disorder in teens. Genetics and family history play a role in how susceptible teens can be to this illness. Other factors include peer relationships, gender or identity confusion, and emotional or physical abuse. If left untreated, bipolar disorder can significantly impact their development and lead to worsening symptoms, substance abuse, and death.
The different types of bipolar disorder include:
- Bipolar I disorder—This type includes severe manic episodes that last 7-14 days or longer and may experience a depressive episode. This is the most severe level of this illness and may require 24/7 care to keep them safe.
- Bipolar II disorder—Bipolar II is less severe than level I, where teens experience one depressive episode and a hypomanic or less severe manic episode.
- Mixed episode bipolar disorder—Teens diagnosed with this type will experience both manic and depressive episodes simultaneously or alternating between them quickly.
- Cyclothymia—This type is a less severe form of bipolar disorder where teens will experience mild to moderate manic and depressive episodes throughout their lives. The episodes range in length, and teens will feel stable in between episodes.
A bipolar disorder therapy program in Seattle, WA, gives teens the skills they need to manage their symptoms and get through any episode with minimal disruption to their day.
Choose Imagine Seattle for Our Comprehensive Mental Health Treatment for Teens
At Imagine Seattle, our bipolar disorder treatment program gives teen boys and girls a real chance at leading normal and healthy lives. Teens work with certified behavioral therapists in a safe environment where they will develop their coping skills and practice their skills with their peers in a supervised environment.
Today is the right time to enroll your teen son or daughter in our bipolar disorder therapy if their symptoms are causing significant disruption. Call 888.346.0473 today to speak with our caring staff about enrolling in our bipolar disorder treatment program.