Bipolar Disorder is a type of mood disorder with marked changes in mood between extreme elation or happiness and severe depression. The periods of elation are termed mania. During this phase, the teenager has an expansive or irritable mood, can become hyperactive and agitated, can get by with very little or no sleep, becomes excessively involved in multiple projects and activities, and has impaired judgment. A teenager may indulge in risk taking behaviors, such as sexual promiscuity and anti-social behaviors. Some teenagers in a manic phase may develop psychotic symptoms (grandiose delusions and hallucinations). For a description of the depressive phase see depression. Bipolar disorder generally occurs before the age of 30 years and may first develop during adolescence.
For additional information see the following Facts for Families:
#38 - Bipolar Disorder (Manic-Depressive Illness) in Teens
Not only adults become depressed. Children and teenagers also may have depression, as well. The good news is that depression is a treatable illness. Depression is defined as an illness when the feelings of depression persist and interfere with a child or adolescent’s ability to function.
About 5 percent of children and adolescents in the general population suffer from depression at any given point in time. Children under stress, who experience loss, or who have attentional, learning, conduct or anxiety disorders are at a higher risk for depression. Depression also tends to run in families. Seriously depressed children and adolescents experience symptoms that are beyond the range of normal sadness.
For additional information see:Facts for Families: The Depressed Child
Excerpts on Depressive Disorders from the book, Your Child
Excerpts on Depressive Disorders from the book, Your Adolescent
AACAP Glossary of Symptoms and Illnesses—Symptoms of Depression
The National Institute of Mental Health Site on Depression in Children and Adolescents
National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression (NARSAD), The World's Leading Charity Dedicated to Mental Health Research
- What causes depression in children?
- What are the signs and symptoms of depression?
- Will depression improve without treatment?
- What should treatment consist of?
- Does psychotherapy work? How?
- Are medications safe? Do they increase risk of suicide?
Practice Parameters
Considered resources for experts, mental health professional and physicians, AACAP’s practice parameters were developed to guide clinical decision making. They show the best treatments and the range of treatment options available to families living with childhood and adolescent mental illness.
Click here for the Practice Parameter for the Assessment and Treatment of Children and Adolescents with Depressive Disorders.
Facts for Families: Psychotherapies for Children and Adolescents
Parents Med Guide
The American Psychiatric Association (APA) and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) developed The Use of Medication in Treating Childhood and Adolescent Depression: Information for Patients and Families. Both the ParentsMedGuide and PhysiciansMedGuide were designed to help individuals make informed decisions about childhood and adolescent depression treatment.
Advances in the Psychopharmacological Treatment of Mood Disorders
Children and SSRIs (Fassler letter)
Suicide and SSRIs in Children and Adolescents: An Update
2008 Psychopharmacology Update
Learn about rational medication treatment options for acute treatment of youth with major depressive disorder
2007 Psychopharmacology Update
Learn how SSRIs work in both the maturing and matured brain, and discuss the recent studies involving the use of SSRIs.
- Coming Soon!
AACAP’s books: Your Child and Your Adolescent offer easy-to-understand and comprehensive information on the emotional development and behavior of children from infancy through the teen years.
Your Child
Click here for excerpts from Your Child on Depressive Disorders
Your Adolescent
Click here for excerpts from Your Adolescent on Depressive Disorders
Getting help is the most important thing that parents can do for children and adolescents with oppositional defiant disorder. Parents should try to find a mental health professional who has advanced training and experience with evaluating and treating children, adolescents, and families. It is important to find a comfortable match between your child, your family, and the mental health professional.
A child and adolescent psychiatrist is a physician who specializes in the diagnosis and, treatment of disorders of thinking, feeling and behavior that affect children, adolescents, and their families. Child and adolescent psychiatrists have completed four years of medical school, at least three years of residency training in medicine, neurology, or general psychiatry with adults, and two years of additional training in psychiatric work with children, adolescents, and their families.
Click here to find a child and adolescent psychiatrist in your area.
Bear in mind that because of the extensive training required, there is a nationwide shortage of child and adolescent psychiatrists. To learn more about other mental health professionals and places where families can find help, read Where to Find Help For Your Child.
The National Center for PTSD
SAMSHA Emergency Mental Health and Traumatic Stress
SAMSHA Disaster Technical Assistance Center
Related Web Sites
Support Groups
Click here for the Practice Parameter for the Assessment and Treatment of Children and Adolescents with Depressive Disorders.
Practice Parameter for the Assessment and Treatment of Children and Adolescents with Suicidal Behavior
The Treatment for Adolescents with Depression Study
Helping Children Cope w/ Chronic Illness
Facts for Families
AACAP's Facts for Families provide concise up-to-date information on issues that affect children, teenagers, and their families.
AACAP Glossary of Symptoms and Illnesses: Bipolar Disorder (Manic Depression)
AACAP Glossary of Symptoms and Illnesses: Suicide
