Mood Disorders in Teens
Adulthood is stressful for teenagers and their families. They endure a vast spectrum of intellectual, physical, social, emotional, and hormonal changes. Because of various pressures, teenagers might quickly feel constrained and suffer from serious mood disorders. Teen mood disorders may be life-threatening, but appropriate mental health care may help avoid these occurrences.
At Hillside Horizon for Teens, we are familiar with mood disorders’ effects on children and teens. In numerous circumstances, some teenagers may resort to self-medication and subsequently fall into the pit of addiction. Finding support for teen mood disorders or substance abuse may lead to major changes in their treatment success. Learn more about teen mood disorders and how we can help a teenager in Southern California.
Teen Mood Disorders
Adulthood is stressful for teenagers and their families. They endure a vast spectrum of intellectual, physical, social, emotional, and hormonal changes. Because of various pressures, teenagers might quickly feel constrained and suffer from serious mood disorders. Teen mood disorders may be life-threatening, but appropriate mental health care may help avoid these occurrences.
At Hillside Horizon for Teens, we are familiar with mood disorders’ effects on children and teens. In numerous circumstances, some teenagers may resort to self-medication and subsequently fall into the pit of addiction. Finding support for teen mood disorders or substance abuse may lead to major changes in their treatment success. Learn more about teen mood disorders and how we can help a teenager in Southern California.
What are Mood Disorders in Teens?
Mood disorders are mental diseases that cause extreme mood swings. They are also often referred to as affective disorders. Children and teens with mood disorders experience intense and complicated emotions. A large majority of youngsters are unable to conquer problems on their own without help from someone else.
According to researchers and other medical experts, teen mood disorders are among the most difficult to diagnose. This is because indications and symptoms shown by adolescents and adults may differ greatly. Therefore, it is not always easy to tell whether anything is amiss. Without proper diagnosis and treatment, teens are at greater risk of developing mental health issues like mood disorders and drug misuse.
Types of Teen Mood Disorders
It is critical for teenagers with mood disorders to understand their mental health impacts every part of their lives. If untreated, teens with mood disorders are more prone to make life-threatening choices.
A teenager’s mood disorder must be diagnosed accurately and treated appropriately to prevent long-term damage to their mental health. A happy and healthy life can only be achieved when adolescents can successfully manage their mental health issues early. For them, this is the most important thing. Some of the most prevalent mood disorders in teenagers include:
- Major Depression
Depression in adolescents often manifests itself via a combination of symptoms, including social withdrawal, low self-esteem, and anxiety. Your adolescent may be experiencing depression if they have trouble falling or staying asleep, if their eating habits have drastically changed, or if there is excessive fatigue.
If your teenager has trouble concentrating, has brought up the idea of suicide, or feels as if they have no value, these are all signs that they may have a mental condition that needs to be handled. Keep a close eye on the things that your teenager does.
- Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder may be present in teenagers who experience intervals of exhilaration followed by extended periods of sadness or emotionally flattening conduct.
- Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder
A negative view is common among those who are dealing with this disorder. Teenagers who suffer from this mood disorder will have difficulty keeping their conduct in check.
- Premenstrual Dysmorphic Disorder
Your teenager may have premenstrual dysmorphic disorder if she exhibits symptoms of despair, tension, and restlessness in the days leading up to menstruation.
- Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)
Teenagers who are stressed out and have had bad moods for a year could be diagnosed with dysthymic disorders. The year milestone enables experts to verify persistence.
- Substance-Induced Mood Disorder
Depression is a common side effect that may occur in adolescents who have a problem with substance abuse or take certain medications.
- Mood Disorders as a Result of Health Challenges
If your kid has a persistent disease, an infection, an injury, or even cancer, they may develop a mood disorder. Treating mood disorders in adolescents may help your teen have a more fulfilling and healthy life, both now and in the future. Teenagers will learn how to cope with mental health issues with the help of a team of experts who are well-versed in dealing with adolescents’ issues.
Treatment for Teens With Mood Disorders
Teen mood disorders are relatively curable despite their prevalence. Getting therapy for a mood disorder as soon as possible has been shown to improve long-term results and reduce the frequency of relapses. Another advantage of early intervention is that it reduces a person’s likelihood of becoming addicted to alcohol or drugs. When it comes to treating teen mood disorders, there are a variety of options available, and the appropriate one to use depends on the following factors:
- The degree to which the symptoms are present.
- The type of mood disorder the teenage patient has
- How well the patient responds to various medications and treatments
- How the teen patient would like to be treated
The following are examples of some of the treatments for teen mood disorders:
- Family counseling
- Individual counseling for the patient
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Group therapy for the patient and peers
- Drug therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Yoga
- Psychodrama
At Hillside Horizons for Teens, we’ve dealt with various mental health issues in the past. Give yourself and your teen a helping hand as you navigate this difficult time in your lives.
Role of Parents to Teens with Mood Disorders
The significance of parents in the treatment of mood disorders in adolescents cannot be overstated. You have an essential role in making sure your adolescent receives the care they need as quickly as possible and helping them deal with their mood problems. To assist, please do the following:
- Don’t miss any of your teen’s medical or educational appointments with their doctors or teachers.
- Participate in family counseling sessions.
- Meet with professionals who will be in charge of your teen’s healthcare to go through your concerns and options. In addition to psychiatrists, therapists and counselors may also be involved in your child’s therapy. Your teen’s mood disorder type and the degree of depression will dictate the kind of care team they get.
- Keep other individuals abreast of your teen’s mental health condition. With the help of your teen’s doctor and school, come up with a treatment plan.
- Investigate the educational options available to your adolescent. Section 504 of the Civil Rights Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) may help the school satisfy your teen’s educational requirements. With the help of your teen’s teacher, psychologist, and school principal, you may find acceptable modifications so that they can thrive in school.
- Ask for assistance if you need it. Connecting with other parents of teens with mental disorders may be helpful.