Common Signs of Bipolar Disorder in Teens: Symptoms, Types, and When to Seek Help

By Stonewater Recovery · 4 minute read

An image of a young teen with Bipolar Disorder

When your child’s moods shift from explosive anger to a quiet, heavy withdrawal within a matter of hours, it is natural to feel a sense of profound helplessness. You may find yourself wondering if you are witnessing the typical turbulence of the teenage years or something far more serious.

Bipolar disorder in adolescents rarely announces itself with a clear label. Instead, it often presents as a series of unpredictable and frightening behaviors—nights spent wide awake on abandoned projects, reckless spending, or a sudden, jarring shift in friend groups. These are not "phases" or character flaws. They are the symptoms of a complex medical condition that, when left unaddressed, can leave a family feeling as though they are losing the child they once knew.

At Stonewater Adolescent Recovery Center, we believe that early recognition is the first step toward restoration. Our team of experts is here to help you navigate these warning signs, providing the clinical expertise and compassionate guidance your family needs to find a path forward.

Recognizing the Cycles: Mania, Depression, and the "Mixed" State

Bipolar disorder is defined by unusual shifts in energy and functioning that go far beyond typical adolescent "ups and downs". Because these symptoms often emerge alongside the natural stressors of puberty, trauma, or substance use, they can be difficult to isolate without professional help.

The Highs (Manic Episodes): During mania, your son may appear to have a "pressured" energy that feels disconnected from reality. He might attempt to reorganize his entire world at 2 AM or engage in risky behaviors—like reckless driving or substance experimentation—with a sense of invincibility. In teenagers, this often manifests as intense, aggressive irritability rather than euphoria.
The Lows (Depressive Episodes): The depressive side can be devastatingly quiet. Your teen may withdraw into isolation, losing interest in the activities that once brought him joy. Physical symptoms like chronic fatigue and difficulty concentrating often mask a deeper emotional pain or a sense of worthlessness.

Note: If your child mentions life being pointless or speaks of death, please seek immediate, professional help.

The "Mixed" State: Perhaps the most dangerous state is the mixed episode, where a teen feels the high energy of mania alongside the deep hopelessness of depression. This combination of agitation and despair significantly increases the risk of self-harm and requires urgent clinical intervention.

Navigating the Differences: Bipolar I and Bipolar II

Understanding the specific pattern of your child’s condition is vital for creating a restorative treatment plan.

Feature	Bipolar I: The Intense Cycle	Bipolar II: The Quiet Struggle
Mood Pattern	Full mania lasting a week or more; may require hospital care.	"Hypomania"—elevated moods that last about 4 days.
Severity	Extreme shifts; judgment is often severely impaired.	Elevated but less disruptive; may initially look like an "improvement" in mood.
The Primary Focus	Mania is often the most visible and urgent concern.	Recurring depression is the primary requirement for diagnosis.

Why Teenage Bipolar Disorder Requires a Specialized Approach

Bipolar disorder looks different in a 15-year-old than it does in a 40-year-old. Adolescents often experience "rapid cycling," where moods shift multiple times a week rather than over several months. Furthermore, because teens are still developing their identity and coping skills, the impact on school and social life is often more dramatic.

We also recognize that bipolar disorder rarely travels alone. Many of the adolescents we treat at Stonewater are also navigating:

ADHD: The impulsivity of mania can often be mistaken for ADHD, and the wrong medication can inadvertently trigger a manic episode.

Substance Use: Many teens turn to substances like marijuana or alcohol to "self-medicate" the pain of their mood swings. This creates a cycle where the substance use worsens the underlying disorder, making an integrated treatment approach essential.

When Concern Becomes Action: Seeking Help

If your gut is telling you that something is seriously wrong, trust that instinct. You are not overreacting.

Residential treatment at Stonewater offers more than just stabilization; it offers a foundation for a new way of living. Through 24-hour observation, we can accurately diagnose co-occurring issues and provide the medical oversight needed for safe medication adjustments.

Our restorative model utilizes Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to give your son practical tools for the real world:

Mindfulness: Learning to be present with emotions without judgment.
Distress Tolerance: Finding ways to survive a crisis without turning to self-destructive behaviors.
Emotion Regulation: Understanding and managing the "storm" of intense reactions.

A Path Toward Healing

Your child's struggle is not a reflection of your failure as a parent, nor is it a character flaw in him. It is a treatable medical condition.

At Stonewater, we have walked this path with hundreds of families. We provide a structured, peaceful environment on our 65-acre campus where your child can begin the work of recovery.

You do not have to carry this burden alone. Contact our team today, or call 662.373.2828, to speak with a specialist who understands your fear and shares your hope for your child's future.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bipolar Disorder in Teens

Can teenagers actually be diagnosed with bipolar disorder, or should we wait until they're older?

Teenagers can and should be diagnosed when symptoms are present, because waiting only allows more years of struggle and potential damage. Early intervention gives your child the best chance at learning to manage this condition during their formative years.

How can I tell the difference between normal teenage moodiness and teenage bipolar symptoms?

Normal mood changes are brief and tied to what's happening in your teen's life, while bipolar episodes are extreme, last days or weeks, and disrupt everything—school, friendships, and daily routines. If multiple people in your child's life are telling you something seems seriously wrong, trust that.

Will my child need to take medication for the rest of their life?

It depends entirely on how your child responds to treatment. Some people need ongoing medication while others eventually manage with less intensive approaches. These decisions should be made collaboratively with a treatment team, as you see how your child does over time.

Can bipolar disorder in teens be cured, or is this something my child will always have?

Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, but that doesn't mean your child can't live a full, successful life. With the right treatment and support, they can learn to recognize patterns and build strategies that work for them.

What's the connection between bipolar disorder and substance use in teenagers?

Many teens discover that alcohol or marijuana temporarily eases their mood swings, so they keep using these substances. But substances actually make the underlying mood instability worse, creating a cycle that's hard to break. That's why treating both issues together is so important.

How involved should I be in my teen's bipolar disorder treatment?

Very involved, especially at first. Your son needs you to help with medication consistency, spot warning signs he might miss, and advocate for him when needed. The goal is to gradually teach him to manage things on his own, but he may not yet be ready to do this alone.