Treatment for Early-Onset Bipolar Disorder

Treatment for Early-Onset Bipolar Disorder

Being diagnosed is not a death sentence; rather, it is the first step in treating the illness. Between medication, therapy, & parental support, youth with the disorder can live healthy, normal lives. There are plenty of places to seek help from: doctors, social workers, counselors, health maintenance organizations, community mental health centers, hospital psychiatry departments & outpatient clinics, mental health programs at universities or medical schools, & local medical or psychiatric societies.

Bipolar disorder is a biological illness having nothing to do with parenting style. Bipolar behaviour does not indicate a lack of proper parenting; the teenager’s behaviour contains symptoms of a mental illness, rather than intense rebellion, etc. It is a lifelong illness & there is no cure. Medication can be helpful, but it may be a challenging process to land upon medications that reduce symptoms without any unwanted side effects. Keeping a chart of daily mood symptoms, treatments, sleep patterns, life events, activities, & energy level can provide further insight to the illness.

Therapy & support from friends & family also aid in the recovery process. There are a few different types of therapy that can be effective in treating those with early-onset bipolar disorder. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps young people with bipolar disorder learn to change harmful or negative thought patterns & behaviors. Family-focused therapy includes a child’s family members; it helps enhance family coping strategies, such as recognizing new episodes early & helping their child, along with improving communication & problem-solving skills. Interpersonal & social rhythm therapy helps children & teens with bipolar disorder improve their relationships with others & manage their daily routines; regular daily routines & sleep schedules may help protect against manic episodes. Psychoeducation teaches young people with bipolar disorder about the illness & its treatment; this treatment helps people recognize signs of relapse so they can seek treatment early, before a full-blown episode occurs, & can also be helpful for caregivers of those with bipolar disorder. Teenagers are capable of managing the illness, but they absolutely need the help of parents & health care professionals.