Bipolar Disorder in Florida Teens

Q: Can teenagers have bipolar disorder?
A: Yes — bipolar disorder isn’t just for adults. Teens can experience it too. Their mood swings are not just “teen drama”; bipolar disorder causes very strong ups and downs that can last for a long time and make daily life, school, and friendships much harder.

Q: What does a “high mood” episode look like in a teen (mania or hypomania)?
A: During a high episode, a teen might:

• Talk very fast or jump from one idea to another

• Have tons of energy, even without much sleep

• Do risky things like spending too much or acting wild

• Feel very irritable or quick to anger

• Be more outgoing or impulsive than usual

Q: What does a “low mood” episode look like (depression)?
A: In low episodes, a teen might:

• Stop enjoying things they used to like

• Sleep too little or too much

• Feel worthless, guilty, or deeply sad

• Have a hard time concentrating or doing schoolwork

• Pull away from friends and family

Q: What is a “mixed” episode?
A: A mixed episode happens when a teen has signs of both mania and depression at the same time. For example, they may feel very sad but also very restless or angry. Their behavior can be confusing and unpredictable.

Q: How do doctors figure out if a teen has bipolar disorder?
A: To diagnose bipolar disorder in a teen, a doctor or mental health professional will:

• Do a full mental-health evaluation

• Track the teen’s mood changes over time

• Ask about family mental health, since bipolar can run in families (genetic link)

• Make sure that the symptoms are not due to other medical or mental health conditions

Diagnosis is not easy, because mood symptoms in teens often overlap with other conditions like ADHD or anxiety.

Q: Why is it important to get help early?
A: Early help is very important because:

• Treatment can help teens manage mood swings better

• It helps them stay more stable at school and with friends

• Teens can learn healthy habits, like better sleep or regular routines, that support long-term wellness

• Early care often includes family support, which is a proven help for teens with bipolar disorder

Q: What kinds of treatment can help teens with bipolar disorder?
A: Some types of treatment for teens include:

• Medication: Doctors may use mood stabilizers or other medications to help manage high and low episodes.

• Therapy: Talking with a therapist helps teens build skills to manage their moods. One helpful type is Family-Focused Therapy, which involves both the teen and their family. Research shows that this therapy helps teens recover faster and have fewer depressive symptoms over time.

• Other Psychosocial Support: Therapy that teaches emotion regulation (like DBT) is also effective for teens with bipolar disorder.

• Lifestyle Support: Regular sleep, healthy routines, and stress management can make a big difference.

Q: How does this affect the teen’s life if left untreated?
A: If bipolar disorder isn’t treated, teens may:

• Struggle more in school

• Have trouble with friends or family

• Experience more mood episodes or more severe symptoms over time

• Be at higher risk for risky behavior or self-harm (because depression and mania can both make life dangerous)

Q: How can Sunset Behavioral Health help?
A: At Sunset Behavioral Health, we offer caring, virtual mental health care for teens in Florida. Luisa Garcia, our dual‑certified Family & Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, works with teens and their families to understand and manage bipolar disorder in a safe, supportive way.

We treat:

• Bipolar and mood disorders

• Anxiety, depression, and panic

• ADHD and autism

• Sleep problems and learning difficulties

Q: What should you do next if you think your teen might have bipolar disorder?
A:

1. Make an appointment at Sunset Behavioral health here for a proper evaluation. We serve children, teens, and adults throughout Florida in virtual telehealth.

2. Ask about treatment options, including medicine and therapy.

3. Reach out for help here — starting with a free 15-minute consult can help you figure out next steps.

Key Takeaway:
Bipolar disorder in teens is serious but treatable. Recognizing the signs early — and getting help — can make a big difference in a teen’s life, relationships, and future.

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