Teen Mood Disorders
Adolescence has always had its challenges. It’s a time of transition, a time of rapid growth, a time when changing bodies and changing hormones collide full speed with peer pressure. There’s an increasing need for independence and a desire to figure out where you belong in the world. Even under the best circumstances, it’s a tough time in life. When your teen struggles with teen mood disorders, it’s even tougher.
Common Mood Disorders in Teens
In many cases, teenagers need a little extra help from caring professionals at teen rehab centers – professionals who know how to help them cope with everything from anxiety to depression to bipolar or substance abuse issues. At Polaris Teen, we help young men and women with many types of mental disorders in our Los Angeles based teen treatment center. Among the most common disorders affecting teens are:
- Anxiety
Anxiety is one of the most common mood disorders found in adolescents and teens. In fact, about 32 percent of teens between the ages of 13 and 18 will develop anxiety at some point in their lifetime. This may include generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, anxiety attacks, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and phobias.
- Bipolar
Bipolar is not the most common teen mood disorder, and it is hard to distinguish in many individuals. This is because symptoms of bipolar disorder can be subtle or extreme, and are often confused with typical teenage mood swings. Although, unlike mood swings, bipolar disorder (type I or II) involves depressive episodes, manic episodes, and/or hypomanic episodes.
By the time adolescents become adults, 20 percent of them have already dealt with depression. Depression in teens doesn’t have one root cause. It depends on genetics, psychological, and environmental risk factors.
Other common teen disorders include:
- Opposition
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Attention deficit disorder (ADD)
- Panic disorders
- Social phobias
- Asperger’s syndrome
- Grief issues
- Eating disorders (bulimia, anorexia, etc.)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Drug/alcohol/substance abuse
- Emerging personality disorders
- Oppositional defiant disorder
- Trauma
Teen Mental Health Treatment Options
As with adults, teen treatment needs to focus on the individual teenager. At Polaris Teen, we treat the individual. We understand there really isn’t “typical adolescent behavior” any more than there is “typical adult behavior.” Each person is different and each teenager will be treated uniquely at Polaris. We will help them to draw on their strengths while working individually with them through a variety of teen treatment therapies to help them develop healthy coping skills for areas where they need help.
No one wants to admit that their teen deals with teen mood disorders. It’s important for parents to understand that it isn’t necessarily their fault – in fact, it generally isn’t. At our teen rehab center, we will work individually with your teen and we will work with you as a family unit to help you build strategies for lasting recovery.
Teen disorders often have a negative impact on the overall health and well-being of adolescents dealing with them – in all too many cases, untreated teen disorders lead to tragedy. At our adolescent treatment facility, your teen will find hope and will begin to recognize that the teen disorders she deals with do not need to define her. He can find recovery.
There are several facilities in the surrounding Los Angeles area, but Polaris Teen stands out, in large part because of our individualized approach to treatment, but also because of the fact that we keep strict limits on the number of teens admitted. This allows us to ensure an affirming, healthy environment where your teen can experience acceptance and renewed hope while learning to deal with teen disorders in a healthy and confident manner.
For more information on Polaris Teen Center, or to learn more about youth programs, contact our admissions department at 1-844-836-0222 today.
Polaris Teen Center is a residential treatment facility for teens and adolescents suffering from severe mental health disorders. Our highly accredited facility is fully licensed and certified in Trauma Informed Care and is a part of the Behavioral Health Association of Providers (formerly AATA).