What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder in adolescents?
In adolescents, bipolar disorder may resemble any of the following classical adult presentations of the illness. Bipolar I In this form of the disorder, the adolescent experiences alternating episodes of intense and sometimes psychotic mania and depression. Symptoms of mania include: • Elevated, expansive or irritable mood • Decreased need for sleep • Racing speech and pressure to keep talking • Grandiose delusions • Excessive involvement in pleasurable but risky activities • Increased physical and mental activity • Poor judgment • In severe cases, hallucinations Symptoms of depression include: • Pervasive sadness and crying spells • Sleeping too much or inability to sleep • Agitation and irritability • Withdrawal from activities formerly enjoyed • Drop in grades and inability to concentrate • Thoughts of death and suicide • Low energy • Significant change in appetite Periods of relative or complete wellness occur between the episodes. Bipolar II In this form of the disorder, the adole
