When an Adolescent in Your Family has Bipolar Disorder
If an adolescent in you family is suffering from bipolar disorder, it is important that you know when to call a doctor. Call a doctor instantly if:
Your child makes an attempt to harm themselves or another person, or demonstrates warning signs of suicide.
Your child has auditory hallucinations.
You cannot keep the patient from harming themselves, you or someone else.
Watchful Waiting
Watchful waiting is a wait-and-see approach. It is not a good way if you are of the opinion that your child is suffering from bipolar disorder. It is recommended, instead, that you schedule an appointment with your child's doctor for evaluation. If your child is receiving treatment for bipolar disorder, watchful waiting may be a good option if a mood episode has just begun and your child is taking proper medications. If your child's depressive or manic episodes have not improved within 10 or 15 days, call your doctor.
There is no doubt that untreated bipolar disorder can lead to suicide. Remember that the warning signs of suicide change with age and include preoccupation with death or suicide and come with the break up of a relationship.
What to See
It is ideal that you develop a good rapport with your child's mental health care providers; it can be of immense help when a depressive or manic episode arises, the doctor can easily recognize the modifications in the child's attitude and can give fast treatment advice. Bipolar disorder in childhood and adolescence has just started to be recognized and treated so you may be want to choose a doctor who has special training in children's mental health conditions or is renowned in treating bipolar disorder in young people.
Bipolar disorder can be diagnosed and treated by a health professional such as a:
Psychiatrist, always prefer a child psychiatrist.
Pediatricians
Family medicine physician.
Nurse practitioner
Physician assistant
Professional counselling
Your child may also benefit from professional counseling as it can play a significant role in dealing with mood changes and the effects of bipolar disorder. A counselor who is trained in modern routines and has experience treating childhood bipolar disorder can be really helpful in this situation. Counseling for bipolar disorder can be offered by a:
Psychiatrist
Psychologist
Social worker
Certified mental health counselor.
Psychiatric nurse
Family support
If you are the family member of a child suffering with bipolar disorder, it is crucial that you get the support and assistance you require. Living with or caring for someone who is suffering from bipolar disorder can be very cumbersome. Manic episodes can be really tough. It is advisable that you opt for your own counselor or therapist. There are lots of national support organizations that have local chapters. You can also get information with the help of the internet.
How to behave ?
If adolescent in your family is suffering from bipolar disorder, you need to talk to them about it in a supportive manner. You can consult your general practitioner or other mental health professional on the best approaches. Often a person suffering from bipolar disorder will not want to seek assistance. In these situations, explain that you are worried about them and why, giving particular instances of actions or behavior that have given you concern. You can also offer them some information in form of books or on the internet that you believe might be relevant.
Young people (particularly adolescents), are vulnerable to bipolar disorders. If you are of the opinion that your child is showing signs of depression or mania, it is advisable that you talk about it in a stress free environment. Patience, care and encouragement are pivotal to a person who is suffering from bipolar disorder. Clear and effective communication within the family is mandatory, and requires partners or families attend professional counseling.
