Over 2 million Americans are known to suffer from a disorder called bipolar disorder. Seven percent of the sufferers are teenagers. Bipolar disorder is also known as manic-depressive; it is a brain disease, which is distinguished by dramatic mood changes, energy levels, and behaviors. There are mainly two different types of extremes, mania and depression. Mania is when energy peaks and moods may be overly euphoric and irritable. Depression is characterized by suicidal thoughts, helplessness, and fatigue.

Teen Bipolar Disorder occurs mainly in the late teens, although it has been diagnosed in children as young as 6 years old. The usual problem lays in identifying the symptoms and reaching for help.

Teen bipolar disorder can be mistaken as ADHD because of the similar signs between the two disorders. When a teen is having mood swings from extreme high to low this should not be overlooked at common irrational behavior, the teen should be taken to a doctor for a check up to see if they have teen bipolar disorder.

If you suspect your child to have teen bipolar disorder take the time to watch his/her behavior in order to recognize some of these common symptoms.

Manic symptoms include:

* Severe changes in mood - extremely irritable or overly good
* Increased energy
* Lack of sleep for long periods of time
* Increased speed of speech, jumping from idea to idea quickly without much connection between them
* Lack of concentration
* Increased goal-directed activity or physical agitation
* Hyper sexuality
* Unrealistic talk such as relating to fantasy happenings in real life

Depressive symptoms in teen bipolar disorder include:

* Persistent sadness
* No interest in once pleasurable activities
* Insomnia or over sleeping
* Loss of energy or fatigue
* Difficulty in concentrating
* Feeling of emptiness/worthlessness
* Physical agitation or slowing
* Suicidal thought and actions

Teen bipolar disorder is a life long disease, which cannot be cured; however it can be successfully treated with medications and therapy. Family and friends play a huge role in treating this disease successfully.

To help a teen with teen bipolar disorder a person should do the following:

Keep a routine
Talk to teachers
Follow the medication schedule
Monitor side effects
Consider family therapy
Take suicidal threats seriously

Even though teenagers can be difficult to deal with its better to seek professional help as soon as possible rather then disregard it as a tantrum and live to regret it later. Teen bipolar disorder is not to be neglected but dealt with carefully and as soon as possible for best results.