Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder

Helping Children, Teens, and Adults Navigate the Highs and Lows of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder

Helping Children, Teens, and Adults Navigate the Highs and Lows of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar2025-07-28T14:43:18-04:00

Understanding Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder affects emotions, behavior, and connection.

Bipolar disorder goes beyond the occasional mood swing - it’s a serious mental health condition that can disrupt relationships, responsibilities, and emotional well-being. At Lifegrowth, we understand how overwhelming these cycles of highs and lows can feel for both individuals and families. That’s why we start with a deep, thoughtful evaluation to understand what’s driving the mood instability. With decades of experience, we provide personalized treatment plans that bring structure, support, and hope—whether for a child navigating school, a teen struggling with identity, or an adult seeking stability.

“What are the signs of bipolar disorder in children and teens? What are the best treatments for bipolar disorder?”

“What are the signs of bipolar disorder in children and teens? What are the best treatments for bipolar disorder?”

Bipolar Disorder Causes Extreme Mood Shifts
Bipolar disorder is more than just moodiness—it involves unpredictable swings between emotional highs and lows that can feel uncontrollable. Some individuals experience periods of high energy and risk-taking behavior, followed by episodes of deep depression and fatigue. Others feel stuck in a cycle of instability, struggling to manage their emotions and feeling unsure of what triggers their mood shifts.

Bipolar Disorder Can Impact Daily Life and Relationships
For children and adolescents, bipolar symptoms can make school and friendships difficult, leading to behavioral challenges and social struggles. For adults, bipolar disorder may interfere with work responsibilities, personal relationships, and daily stability. The unpredictability of mood changes often leaves individuals feeling powerless, affecting their ability to function in their everyday lives.

Bipolar Disorder Can Be Misdiagnosed
Many symptoms of bipolar disorder resemble those of trauma-related conditions, anxiety, or even biological imbalances. That’s why a thorough evaluation is essential—at Lifegrowth, we start by ruling out trauma, nutritional deficiencies, and other health concerns that may contribute to mood instability. Understanding the root cause is key to ensuring an accurate diagnosis and an effective treatment plan.

How Does Lifegrowth Help?

At Lifegrowth, we provide comprehensive assessments to determine the most appropriate path forward. Our evaluations consider emotional history, biological factors, and relationship patterns to ensure that treatment addresses the underlying causes, not just the symptoms.

Psychotherapy plays a critical role in helping children and adults understand and manage mood fluctuations. For children, we integrate family therapy to support both the child and their loved ones in navigating behavioral challenges. For adults, we focus on tools for emotional regulation, relationship stability, and daily functioning.

With over 30 years of experience, Lifegrowth is committed to helping you regain control over your life with evidence-based strategies tailored to your unique experiences. Bipolar disorder can feel overwhelming, but with the right treatment, stability and well-being are within reach.

Common Bipolar Disorder symptoms we treat include:

  • Extreme changes to mood, usually lasting a few days or weeks at a time

  • High moods (mania or hypomania) – for example, feeling very happy, excited or energetic

  • Low moods (depression) – for example, feeling sad, tired or hopeless

If you have bipolar disorder, you will usually have times where your mood is stable and you do not have any symptoms. This can last for weeks, months or years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there non-medication treatments for bipolar disorder in kids?2025-05-09T12:12:14-04:00

Yes! Therapy, lifestyle changes, and structured routines can help children manage bipolar symptoms. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and family therapy are often effective. Nutritional interventions are also very effective in addressing biological contributions.

At what age can bipolar disorder be diagnosed?2025-05-09T12:12:30-04:00

The usual age of onset is in adolescence or early adulthood. Whether bipolar begins in childhood or not is still under debate, since symptoms in childhood are not distinct from other conditions. A thorough evaluation is needed to differentiate it from other conditions.

What role does family therapy play in managing bipolar disorder?2025-07-11T08:23:38-04:00

Family therapy is a key part of treatment, helping families recognize mood shifts, respond effectively, and support their loved one’s recovery. It can also reduce conflict and improve emotional stability.

What are the early warning signs of a manic or depressive episode?2025-05-09T12:13:00-04:00

Early signs of mania can include feeling unusually energetic, talking rapidly, taking risks, and sleeping very little. Depressive episodes often bring deep sadness, fatigue, and loss of interest in daily activities.

What causes bipolar disorder?2025-05-09T12:13:13-04:00

Bipolar disorder is caused by a combination of genetic, biological, and environmental factors. While family history plays a role, stress, trauma, and imbalances in brain chemistry can also contribute to its development.

Our Trained Counselors

At Lifegrowth, our counselors are highly trained professionals with expertise in treating Bipolar Disorder across all age groups. They use evidence-based approaches and mindfulness techniques to help clients understand and manage their Bipolar Disorder effectively. With ongoing training and a commitment to personalized care, our team provides tailored strategies to address each client’s unique needs, fostering resilience and confidence.

  • Drew Morrison, LMFT

    Bryan, TX Office

  • Lisa Weller, LAPC

    Boyertown, PA Office

  • Robin Mitchell, LPC

    Boyertown, PA Office

Resources for Bipolar Disorder

External Resources

Reading

  • The Bipolar Child by Dmitri Papolos, M.D. and Janice Papolos

Note: The resources and information on this page are meant for general information purposes only. Lifegrowth is not responsible for the information or claims made by these resources.

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