Bipolar disorder is a complex mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings, including emotional mania and depression. For teens, these shifts can disrupt daily life, affecting school performance, relationships, and overall well-being.
While therapy and lifestyle changes can play crucial roles in managing bipolar disorder, medication is often a cornerstone of treatment. Finding the right medication can help stabilize mood, reduce symptoms, and improve overall quality of life.
At Blume Behavioral Health, we specialize in personalized bipolar disorder treatment for teens in Redondo Beach, California. Our expert team works closely with families to develop tailored treatment plans that address each teen’s unique needs.
What are Bipolar Meds for Teens?
Bipolar disorder is a chronic mental health condition that usually requires medication. This medication ensures that individuals can maintain a high quality of life while balancing (or eliminating) symptoms of bipolar disorder.
In teens, symptoms may include:
- Irritability: Teens with bipolar disorder may experience intense irritability, often reacting angrily to minor frustrations. This can strain relationships with family and friends, leading to frequent conflicts.
- Risky behavior: Teens may engage in reckless activities during manic episodes, such as substance abuse, unsafe sex, or reckless driving. These behaviors stem from impulsivity and a lack of judgment during heightened mood states.
- Extreme sadness: Depressive episodes can bring overwhelming sadness, leading teens to feel hopeless or worthless. This may lead to social withdrawal, loss of interest in hobbies, or even suicidal thoughts.
- Fatigue: Even with adequate sleep, teens in a depressive phase may feel constantly exhausted. This fatigue can interfere with school, extracurriculars, and daily responsibilities.
- Difficulty concentrating: Bipolar disorder can impair focus, making it hard for teens to follow conversations or complete tasks. This often leads to academic struggles and frustration.
- Increased talking speed: During manic episodes, teens may speak rapidly, jumping between topics without pause. Though it is also a symptom of ADHD in teens, this pressured speech reflects racing thoughts and heightened energy levels.
- Intense happiness (mania): While happiness seems positive, extreme euphoria during mania is often unrealistic and short-lived. Teens may seem overly giddy, or may make grand plans they can’t realistically fulfill.
- Change in appetite: Teens may experience significant weight loss or gain due to appetite changes. Depression may suppress hunger, while mania can lead to impulsive overeating.
- Inflated sense of self: During manic phases, teens may believe they have special powers or unrealistic abilities. This grandiosity can lead to poor decision-making and strained relationships.
Without proper treatment, bipolar disorder can lead to academic struggles, social isolation, and even self-harm. Treatment for bipolar disorder typically includes a combination of therapy, lifestyle adjustments, and medication. While therapy (such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)) helps teens develop coping strategies, medication is often essential for stabilizing mood swings. The right medication can reduce the frequency and intensity of episodes, allowing teens to lead more balanced lives.
At Blume Behavioral Health, we carefully assess each teen’s symptoms and medical history to determine the best treatment approach. Medication, when combined with therapy, can provide an effective path to long-term stability.
Do Teens Have to Take Medication for Bipolar Treatment?
Yes, teens with bipolar disorder will most likely need medication as part of their treatment plan. While the severity of symptoms varies, bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition that often requires medical intervention to manage effectively. Side effects or dependency may be very real risks, but untreated bipolar disorder poses far greater risks. These can include academic failure, substance abuse, and suicidal thoughts.
All this being said, medication isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Some teens respond differently to different types of bipolar medication. Most psychiatrists recommend a combination of medication, lifestyle changes, and psychotherapy for the best outcomes for people with bipolar disorder. The key is working with a qualified mental health professional to determine the right balance.
Types of Bipolar Meds for Teens
Several types of medications used to treat bipolar disorder in teens. Each works differently to stabilize mood, and the best choice depends on the individual’s symptoms and medical history.
The most common options approved by the FDA for teens include:
Lithium
Lithium is one of the oldest and is considered one of the most effective mood stabilizers for bipolar disorder. It works to help reduce manic episodes and prevent depressive relapses. Because lithium use requires careful monitoring of blood levels for safety, regular check-ups are essential. While effective, some teens may experience side effects like weight gain, thirst, or tremors, which can often be managed with dosage adjustments.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants are sometimes prescribed to manage episodes of depression in bipolar disorder. However, they must be used cautiously, as they can trigger manic episodes in some teens. Doctors often pair them with mood stabilizers or antipsychotics to minimize risks. Common antidepressants include SSRIs like fluoxetine (Prozac) or sertraline (Zoloft).
Atypical Antipsychotics
These medications, such as aripiprazole (Abilify) and quetiapine (Seroquel), are often prescribed for both manic and depressive episodes. They help regulate dopamine and serotonin levels, improving mood stability. While effective, some teens may experience weight gain, drowsiness, or metabolic changes, so close monitoring is necessary.
Other Options for Bipolar Medications
In some cases, additional medications may be used to manage specific symptoms. Anti-anxiety medications (like benzodiazepines) can help with severe anxiety, while thyroid medications may be prescribed if mood stabilizers affect thyroid function. Each teen’s treatment plan is customized based on their unique needs.
Individuals with bipolar disorder often need to remain on medication for their entire lives to have the best possible quality of life. During this treatment period, they may find a need to adapt their medication management plan (under the advice of a medical professional) to address biological or lifestyle changes. It’s important to approach the medication process with patience as you, your teen, and their doctor determine the best type of bipolar meds for teens to use.
Tips for Finding the Right Medication for Your Teen
Finding the right bipolar medication for your teen can be a trial-and-error process, but these tips can help guide the way:
Work closely with a psychiatrist
Therapy is a cornerstone in bipolar treatment. A qualified psychiatrist can evaluate your teen’s symptoms and medical history to recommend the best medication options. Regular follow-ups with a medical professional are crucial to monitor effectiveness and side effects. During this process, try to advocate for your teen to the best of your ability. Open communication ensures treatment adjustments can be made as needed.
Be patient with the process
Medication may take weeks or even months to show full effects. Some teens may need to try multiple medications before finding the right fit. Consider asking your teen to keep a mood journal to help them track progress and identify patterns. You can also keep a journal with your observations to supplement this.
Monitor side effects
Many medications come with side effects. While most side effects are mild and temporary, some, such as significant weight gain or suicidal thoughts, require immediate attention. Report any concerns to your teen’s doctor promptly to prevent complications. Be sure to share even the smallest of side effects with your child’s doctor to ensure their doctor has a better understanding of your teen’s symptoms. This allows you, your child, and their doctor to collaborate on an effective treatment plan.
Encourage open discussions
While it’s important to advocate for your child, it’s crucial to give them space to advocate for themselves as well. Encourage open discussions to ensure you understand what your teen is experiencing, including their symptoms and treatment preferences. Giving your child appropriate responsibility in their treatment process can help them learn valuable life skills that enhance their treatment, such as decision making, self care, and emotional regulation.
Combine medication with therapy
Medication works best when paired with therapy, healthy habits, and family support. Traditional therapies like CBT or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) can help teens develop coping strategies alongside medical treatment. If you believe your teen needs more support than an outpatient program can provide, consider residential mental health treatment. At Blume Behavioral Health, our programs offer several types of therapies, 24/7 support, and the opportunity to connect with peers.
Blume Behavioral Health Offers Bipolar Disorder Treatment in Redondo Beach, California
At Blume Behavioral Health, we provide compassionate, evidence-based treatment for teens struggling with bipolar disorder. Our programs combine medication management, individual therapy, and family support to create a holistic approach to healing.
We understand that every teen’s journey is unique, which is why we tailor our treatment plans to meet individual needs. Our team of psychiatrists, therapists, and support staff work together to ensure the best possible outcomes.
If your teen is struggling with bipolar disorder, we’re here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our Redondo Beach programs and how we can support your family on the path to stability and wellness.
Dr. Aneta Lotakov Prince is a board-certified psychiatrist with over 20 years of clinical experience treating adolescents and adults facing severe mental illness, co-occurring substance use disorders, and complex emotional and behavioral health challenges. Certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, she holds an active DEA registration and California medical license. Dr. Prince’s patient-centered approach is rooted in compassion and driven by a dedication to improving quality of life and supporting long-term recovery. She remains deeply committed to empowering each individual she works with to build a life of purpose, connection, and resilience.