If your teenager has been consistently demonstrating a low mood and a general lack of interest in activities they once found interesting, they may be suffering from depression or bipolar disorder. Both of these conditions have become increasingly more common among young adults, which is when the ongoing symptoms typically begin to present themselves.

Having either depression or bipolar disorder can make life significantly more difficult. Even if an individual who is suffering wants to do something—such as develop healthy relationships, perform well in school, or even just get out of bed in the morning—finding the ability to actually do so may be almost impossible. Fortunately, both of these classes of conditions can be effectively managed with the right treatment options.

In order to make sure that what your teen is experiencing is actually depression or bipolar disorder—and not one of many other conditions that often present the same symptoms—it will be absolutely crucial that you meet with a licensed psychologist. Once the underlying condition has been effectively diagnosed, they will be able to recommend a teen depression center capable of producing positive outcomes.

Currently, there are many different mental health conditions that fall within the broader classes of conditions known as depression and bipolar disorder. In this article, we will discuss a few of these specific conditions, their symptoms, and treatment options.

 

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is the condition that many people broadly describe as depression. There are many common symptoms attached to MDD, including an ongoing state of low mood, a continuous lack of self-esteem, a negative outlook on the world, and changes in diet or sleeping habits.

MDD can be caused by both genetic and environmental factors. Environmental factors include bullying, exposure to traumatic events, loss of a loved one, substance abuse disorders, and various others. Many individuals who are initially diagnosed with MDD may eventually have their diagnosis changed to a more specific form of depression (such as some of the examples listed below). Treatment options include individual therapy, group therapy, residential treatment (for extreme instances), and medication.

Studies have shown that 60 percent of depressed youth have thought about suicide, while 30 percent of adolescents actually attempt suicide. This means that the presence of this condition needs to be taken seriously.

 

Bipolar I Disorder

Individuals who suffer from bipolar disorder (of any kind) often experience many of the symptoms of depression mentioned above. However, in addition to depression, individuals who are bipolar also experience occasional episodes of mania. Mania is characterized by abnormally high amounts of energy, excessive talking, reckless decision making, lack of sleep and eating, and delusions of grandiosity.

Because bipolar disorder is characterized by both depression and mania, it is often referred to as “manic depression.” The risk factors of bipolar disorder are nearly identical to the risk factors for depression. A diagnosis of Bipolar I (Type One) requires an individual to have experienced at least one full manic episode. Because of this, Bipolar I is considered to be more severe than Bipolar II. The length of time each specific “episode” may last will vary tremendously by the individual. Some individuals change modes multiple times a day (rapid cycling), others may go months at a time before experiencing mania.

 

Bipolar II Disorder

Bipolar II Disorder is similar to Bipolar I Disorder in many ways. However, what makes Type 2 unique is the fact that a diagnosis requires the individual to have never had a full manic episode. Instead, people who have been diagnosed with type 2 will have only experienced less intense episodes of hypomania.

Hypomania is much less severe the full mania, meaning that bipolar type 2 will typically call for less intensive treatment options. If an individual has been initially diagnosed with type 2 and, later on, experiences one or more episodes of full-blown mania, their diagnosis will likely be changed to type 1.

 

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

While many people tend to feel a little bit down during the winter, this common seasonal change in mood affects some people much more than others. Individuals who regularly experience depression-like symptoms during a specific season may be suffering from a condition known as seasonal affective disorder.

Contrary to popular belief, seasonal affective disorder can occur any time of the year (though winter is the most common). For example, some people will experience heightened anxiety throughout the summer. Symptoms of SAD typically include overeating, oversleeping, lack of energy, and a consistently low mood that is correlated with a particular season. The condition is not mutually exclusive with bipolar disorder and many people experience these conditions simultaneously. Light therapy is a low-intensive treatment option that many people with SAD have found to be effective.

 

Situational Depression

Situational Depression—also known as Adjustment Disorder or Reactive Depression—is a form of depression that can be directly attributed to a specific event in someone’s life. This form of depression is especially common among teens, who are experiencing some major changes in their lives.

Possible triggers of situational depression include the loss of a family member or friend, the sudden need to move, traumatic events, parents getting divorced, unusually high stress at school or work, changing relationships (such as a breakup), and several others. While it is normal to be sad when a grandparent passes away, for example, individuals with situational depression experience a state of sadness that interferes with their everyday lives (even if it has been weeks since the event). Fortunately, because the cause of the condition is easier to identify, it is usually easier to treat Situational Depression than it is to treat MDD. Treatment options—such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy—will typically involve developing coping mechanisms and learning to accept reality.

 

Depression or Bipolar Correlated with Substance Abuse Disorders

The relationship between substance abuse disorders and mental health conditions is one that is remarkably strong. Individuals who suffer from mental health disorders frequently turn to abusable substances either as a coping mechanism or as a method of escape. Similarly, individuals who are suffering from a substance abuse disorder are likely to exacerbate (or even cause) the presence of any mental health conditions.

In these unique (though common) situations, psychiatrists will typically try to use a practice known as dual diagnosis or co-occurring treatment. These treatment courses will often be a bit more intensive, due to the fact that there are two underlying conditions at play. The presence of a substance abuse disorder can also have a major impact on the specific medications (if any) your doctor will prescribe.

 

Conclusion

There is no doubt that depression and related conditions can have a major impact on an individual’s everyday life. However, in order to make sure they are getting the most effective course of treatment available, it will be crucial to identify the specific condition that is affecting them. By understanding the multiple different variants of depression and bipolar disorder, doctors are able to hone in and offer their patients the personalized treatments they need.