Mood Stabilizers and Teens: Where to Find Support

Bipolar disorder in teens can be challenging to accurately diagnose. This is because most of the bipolar symptoms appear to be normal teen behavior patterns. These symptoms can also be found in other mental health conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, and depression. There are times when medications such as mood stabilizers can be an option for treatment for your teen.

It is understandable that there may be concerns about medications for your teen. It is recommended that you take time to understand the medication options, and which one will work best for your teen. Mood stabilizers are used to treat sudden episodes of manic behavior. By balancing the brain chemicals, mood stabilizers help control emotions and mood swings.

What Are Mood Stabilizers?

Mood stabilizers are a class of medications that are used to treat bipolar disorder. As the name suggests, they stabilize moods to keep the balance between highs and lows. There are cases where they can also reduce the effects of depression.

These medications target the neurotransmitters in the brain to decrease abnormal activity in the brain. There are various types of mood stabilizers, but only a few are approved for use in treating teens with bipolar disorder.

Lithium

For several years, lithium has been the top choice for treating bipolar disorder in teens. This medication has been used since the 1950s and is derived from a naturally occurring lithium salt. It was originally used in the salt form and had a calming effect when used during a manic episode.

The side effects of lithium include:

• Headache
• Weight gain
• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Vertigo
• Excessive thirst
• Memory problems
• Drowsiness
• Concentration problems
• Nausea
• Increased urination

Antidepressants

Antidepressants are also used to treat bipolar in teens. These medications are referred to as SNRIs and SSRIs.

SNRIs (serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors) raise levels of serotonin and norepinephrine which helps stabilize moods. Cymbalta and Effexor are two common SNRIs used to treat teens. SSRIs (serotonin reuptake inhibitors) keep serotonin from leaving the brain which increases the serotonin level and regulates moods. Celexa, Lexapro, Prozac, and Zoloft are common SSRIs used to stabilize moods in teens.

The side effects of antidepressants are:

• Upset stomach
• Dry mouth
• Dizziness
• Appetite changes
• Headaches
• Weight changes
• Insomnia
• Sexual dysfunction

Anticonvulsants

These medications are not approved for use in teens. Anticonvulsants are medications used to treat epilepsy. In the 1960s these medications were tried when a person didn’t respond to the use of lithium. While they do help the brain return to a calm level, they are considered “off-label” for use in teens and children.

Anticonvulsant side effects include:

• Dizziness
• Tremor
• Weight gain
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Drowsiness

Atypical Antipsychotics

This class of medication has a sedative effect with fewer side effects. These medications adjust dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain. A combination of lithium with atypical antipsychotics has been known to reduce the likelihood of episodes. This helps maintain stability. Common medications in this category are Risperdal, Abilify, Zyprexa, Seroquel, and Latuda.

Side effects of atypical antipsychotics are:

• Dry mouth
• Weight gain
• Tiredness
• Nausea
• Dizziness

Some of the other medications that can be used to treat bipolar disorder in teens are anti-anxiety medications and certain thyroid medications used for under-active thyroid.

Natural Mood Stabilizers

For those parents who want to choose something other than prescription medications, there are natural mood stabilizers that can be effective depending on the symptoms, overall health, and other needs. One factor for choosing natural products is the cost is typically less than that of prescription medication. It is important to remember that even natural mood stabilizers can have adverse reactions.

Natural stabilizers include:

Exercise Depending on a person’s ability, exercise can greatly increase serotonin, norepinephrine, and endorphins. These can help reduce symptoms of depression. The most common exercise that is found to be helpful is moderate aerobic exercise.

Adaptogens There are adaptogenic herbs that occur naturally. They have been thought to help the body regulate, adapt, and heal from stress. Many variations can help with symptoms and triggers. The vital key is that natural supplements are not FDA-regulated and could interact with other medications. People who have allergies are encouraged to research any natural supplement and talk with their physician.

Vitamin D and Omega-3 fatty acids These are nutrients that bodies need to thrive and maintain healthy mental health. The exact effects of these on bipolar disorder are not fully known, but the brain does need them for serotonin regulation. When the levels of these nutrients are low there are usually signs of mood disorders. As with other supplements, it is important to follow dosage instructions and talk with a physician.

Fruits and Vegetables Nutrition is vital to every part of the body’s total well-being. This means it can also affect mental health. Some foods can cause inflammation, and this can affect the mind as well as the body. Choosing less processed foods can reduce the possibility of ingesting ingredients that are not healthy for the mind. The key to incorporating nutrition into the treatment of bipolar disorder is to be sure that the diet includes a variety of healthy, fresh foods to create a nutritious meal plan.

Prayer and Mindfulness Prayer can be a great way to reduce mood swings. When prayer is focused on scripture, it changes the thought process. Thinking about positive, true, and encouraging words of the Bible can help calm the mind. This, in turn, will calm the body. Mindfulness is a cognitive therapy tool that teaches how to focus on the moment. This will create improved focus, emotion regulation, and positive thinking.

Considerations with Mood Stabilizers

Deciding to use mood stabilizers for treating bipolar disorder in teens should be discussed thoroughly with a therapist. Some considerations should be discussed to be sure the treatment is safe as well as effective.

Potential interaction with other medications is a crucial factor to consider in choosing a mood stabilizer. Side effects are common and should be understood before giving a dose. Dosage adjustments are common. Monitoring any new medication should always include follow-up appointments. The proper dosage can depend on the weight, age, condition, and individual body response.

Connecting with Healthcare Professionals

As your teen is being treated for bipolar disorder you must collaborate with the professional in charge of treating your teen. It’s okay to ask questions that help you understand the evaluation and diagnosis process. This will help you know how to help your child understand what is happening to them. The purpose of treatment is to provide the best course of action to help your teen feel better physically, emotionally, and mentally.

Along with connection and collaboration, it is recommended that the teen maintain regular follow-ups and continued monitoring. Unless the professional can observe how the treatment plan is affecting the teen, they will not know if there are changes that can be made.

Getting Started

Bipolar disorder in teens can be difficult to diagnose. Once there is a diagnosis, you can begin the process of getting the right treatment plan for your teen. If you would like to understand more about mood stabilizers and their use in treating bipolar disorder, contact us today at Texas Christian Counseling.

Our reception team will schedule an appointment for you to meet with me or one of the other Christian counselors in Texas. We can help you make an informed and safe decision regarding bipolar disorder and your teen.