Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder in teens can be challenging to accurately diagnose. This is because most of the bipolar symptoms appear to be normal teen behavior patterns. These symptoms can also be found in other mental health conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, and depression. There are times when medications such as mood stabilizers can be an option for treatment for your teen. It is understandable that there may be concerns about medications for your teen. It is recommended that you take time to understand the medication options, and which one will work best for your teen. Mood stabilizers are used to treat sudden episodes of manic behavior. By balancing the brain chemicals, mood stabilizers help control emotions and mood swings. What Are Mood Stabilizers? Mood stabilizers are a class of medications that are used to treat bipolar disorder. As the name suggests, they stabilize moods to keep the balance between highs and lows. There are cases where they can also reduce the effects of depression. These medications target the neurotransmitters in the brain to decrease abnormal activity in the brain. There are various types of mood stabilizers, but only a few are approved for use in treating teens with bipolar disorder. Lithium For several years, lithium has been the top choice for treating bipolar disorder in teens. This medication has been used since the 1950s and is derived from a naturally occurring lithium salt. It was originally used in the salt form and had a calming effect when used during a manic episode. The side effects of lithium include: Headache Weight gain Weakness Fatigue Vertigo Excessive thirst Memory problems Drowsiness Concentration problems Nausea Increased urination Antidepressants Antidepressants are also used to treat bipolar in teens. These medications are referred to as SNRIs and SSRIs. SNRIs (serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors) raise levels [...]