Treatment Goals for Bipolar Teenagers

Bipolar disorder is a medically based mental health disorder characterized by extreme changes in mood, energy levels and behaviors. Bipolar disorder is divided into Type I and Type II, with the latter being characterized by less extreme shifts. Recent research has suggested that teenagers may manifest the symptoms of bipolar disorder differently with faster mood cycling and more extreme behaviors. In most cases, the treatment goals for this bipolar disorder generally revolve around intervention during acute phases, maintenance of improvements and prevention of future relapse. Treatment goals for teens diagnosed with bipolar disorder would focus on the same three areas with special attention devoted to the varying symptoms and the particular stressors associated with this age group.

Intervention of Acute Phases

Psychiatric medication and ongoing management are the primary approaches to intervening during an acute phase of bipolar disorder. Antidepressant medication and mood stabilizers are used typically to intervene, once a skilled professional has made the appropriate diagnosis. In more extreme cases when psychosis or the possibility of self-harm or harm to others is present, psychiatric hospitalization is necessary to stabilize and protect the individual from harm.

Psychotherapy and family support are an important aspect during the intervention phase. The overall goal during this time is safety and mood stabilization, at which point ongoing treatment and therapy goals will shift to maintenance goals.

Maintenance of Improvements

Maintenance of stabilization and ongoing efforts toward creating stable, healthy mood include ongoing psychiatric medication management and psychotherapy. The initial focuses of psychotherapy are medication compliance, abstinence from alcohol and substances, identification of life stressors, increased stress management skills and identification of precursors to manic and/or depressive episodes. In teenagers, extra time should be taken to offer psycho-education about the effects of alcohol and substance abuse on bipolar disorder.

School support is often necessary during this phase of treatment to establish the necessary support system through Individualized Education Plan (IEP) planning, teacher education and/or counseling at school. IEPs are mandated for students in public schools who meet the requirements for special education.

Precursors to relapses can be identified effectively to help the person recognize the "yellow flags," which often precede manic or depressive episodes. Identification and management of these precursors is a chance to intervene before medication is necessary and is essential for preventing relapse.

Prevention of Future Cycling

Medication management, ongoing supportive therapy and family therapy are essential for helping any teenager diagnosed with bipolar disorder remain in remission. Adequate family support can help buffer the effects of peer pressure and foster, consistent schedule and healthy lifestyle habits.

Consistent schedules with sleep, meals and daily activities have been shown to be helpful in promoting stable, healthy mod in bipolar disorder. In teenagers, circadian rhythm tends to be different from adults' and family awareness of the importance of consistent sleep schedule can help promote stability and prevention of relapse in the future.