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Behavioral & Mood Disorders in Teens
Behavioral and mood disorders in teens are some of the most common conditions that teen mental health professionals see, as they can lead to an array of problems, including major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and more. Due to the wide-ranging symptoms of teen behavioral and mood disorders, it may be difficult to identify what issue your teen is struggling with. However, professional mental health treatment services, like Nexus Teen Academy, specialize in adolescent treatment and can help diagnose and treat your teen’s disorder.
To learn more about our individualized programs and various treatment options, give our team a call today. You can tell us about the situation you and your teen are facing, and we can provide expert advice on your best options moving forward and how to begin the treatment process.
What are Teen Mood Disorders & Behavioral Disorders?
While teen mood and behavioral disorders are similar, it is best to understand them separately so you are better able to identify what your teen may be struggling with.
Teen Mood Disorder Definition
Mood disorders in teens will include a range of emotions and moods, from sadness to manic excitement or euphoria. Teen mood disorders are incredibly prevalent in our current world, in fact, with over 14% of adolescents struggling with mood disorders in some way.
Teen Behavioral Disorder Definition
A disruptive behavioral disorder is a condition in which children or teens have difficulties controlling their behaviors and emotions. This can lead to behavior that is extremely defiant and conflicting with authority. This can, in turn, lead to developmental and academic struggles as well as increased chances of aggressive and destructive behaviors. Children and teens will often have some mild behavioral problems during their upbringing, but disruptive behavioral disorders are more severe and consistent over time.
Common Symptoms of Teen Mood Disorders
Due to the variety of teen mood and behavior disorders, the signs and symptoms of the associated condition can vary greatly. That said, there are some consistencies when it comes to teen mood disorder symptoms.
Co-Occurring Disorders
Along with these symptoms, one of the most common problems that teens with mood or behavioral disorders face is co-occurring disorders. Problems like major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and more often run an increased risk of the development of other problems. Things like anxiety disorders, substance abuse disorders, and more are common among those struggling with mood and behavior disorders.
When searching for a treatment program, it is vital to find a center that can address all co-occurring disorders as well as the underlying causes of the problem.
Types of Mood & Behavioral Disorders in Teens
Common Teen Mood Disorders
Due to the range of emotions caused by teen mood disorders, these problems can manifest themselves in many different forms. However, the most common include major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and disruptive mood dysregulation disorder. Let’s get a better understanding of each:
Major Depressive Disorder
Major depressive disorder is the most common disorder affecting teens and adolescents. However, it is also a problem that often goes unrecognized and untreated, leading to developmental issues and problems into adulthood. In 2016, nearly 13% of the US adolescent population had been diagnosed with major depressive disorder. This disorder is characterized by persistent sadness and depressive symptoms and can lead to serious problems, including suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. Other symptoms associated with this disorder include insomnia, appetite and weight changes, fatigue, social withdrawal, feelings of guilt, and more.
Bipolar Disorder
Following major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder in teens is one of the other most common teen mood disorders. Bipolar disorder is often characterized by a teen experiencing two types of episodes, manic and depressive episodes. Manic episodes include periods of extreme excitement, while depressive episodes lead to intense sadness. These episodes are more extreme than normal teen mood changes and can lead to disruptions in sleep, energy levels, academic performance, and more.
Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder
Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD) is a disorder in which a teen will struggle with constant irritability and anger, which can lead to temper explosions and regular outbursts. These problems are more than your teen being in a “bad mood”. They are consistent issues that lead to severe symptoms like regular tantrums, trouble functioning, depression, anxiety, and more. If left untreated, DMDD can lead to problems with academics and difficulties in social situations.
Common Behavioral Disorders in Teens
Adolescent behavioral disorders can come in many forms. However, some of the most common include attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, and conduct disorder. It is vital to get a better understanding of each so you are better equipped to help your teen more effectively.
ADHD
Teen attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is a condition characterized by a teen’s persistent symptoms of inability to focus, hyperactivity, and lack of impulse control. If not treated, ADHD can lead to severe developmental and academic issues where your teen may get left behind as their symptoms interfere with social and professional settings.
Oppositional Defiant Disorder
As the name suggests, oppositional defiant disorder is a type of teen behavioral disorder that causes the individual to have an angry or irritable mood. This can lead to arguments and problems with authority figures and lead the teen to not obey or listen to parents, teachers, and other caregivers. It can also lead to aggressive or harmful behavior in some cases.
Conduct Disorder
Conduct disorder is a problem in which a teen displays outward aggression toward people, animals, or both. This can lead to problems like bullying, threats, hurting animals, predatory sexual behavior, and more. This can also cause the individual to have issues with compassion and empathy and not feel guilt toward the harm of others.
Treatment for Teen Mood Disorders
Similar to symptoms, treatment for teen mood disorders and teen behavioral disorders will depend on the teen’s specific situation and condition that they are struggling with. However, there are some commonalities that many teens will experience when going through a treatment program.
Individual Counseling
One-on-one therapy, like teen cognitive behavioral therapy or dialectical behavior therapy, is an evidence-based, proven treatment option that can help clients learn to reconsider their thought processes and discover more productive alternatives to these negative thoughts.
Group Counseling
While individual counseling can be beneficial, pairing that with group counseling can help fill some gaps that individual counseling may leave. For example, group counseling allows teens to work together with others who are in similar situations. During these sessions, they will learn about others and get insight into how they handle their problems while also practicing their social skills
Dual Diagnosis Treatment
When searching for a teen mood disorder treatment center, it is vital to seek out a program that can provide dual diagnosis treatment. This will ensure that any overlapping disorders, like substance abuse, are treated simultaneously.
Medication
In some cases, medication may be recommended to help teens better manage their mental health symptoms and improve overall treatment outcomes. That said, if misused, some medications can lead to an increased risk of substance abuse problems. It is vital to effectively monitor your teen’s medication usage or find a treatment program that can administer medication as prescribed.
Private Insurance Plans Accepted
We work with most major insurance providers. You can confidentially check to see if your treatment is covered by insurance. Our admissions experts are here to guide you through the process.
How To Get Started With Mood and Behavior Disorders?
Whether your child is beginning or continuing their recovery, getting into Nexus Academy’s Residential Program is a simple 3-step process that begins with one simple outreach.
The initial phone call
Tell us your teen’s story, explore treatment options, and discuss payment options.
Pre-screening
Confirm treatment, verify insurance coverage, and review details about what to expect.
Start Therapy
Arrive at Nexus Teen Academy, meet our staff, tour the facility, and get settled in.
Nexus Teen Academy
Phoenix
Teen Mood Disorder Treatment at Nexus Teen Academy
If you are looking for an Arizona teen mood disorder treatment center, Nexus Teen Academy is a secluded and secure residential teen treatment center located in the desert mountains of Cave Creek. Our 10-bed facility can offer your Arizona teen with a mood disorder a path toward healing and restoration of a meaningful and purpose-driven life.
At Nexus, we offer a wide range of holistic and evidence-based treatments to ensure that we can address any mood disorder and co-occurring issue your teen is struggling with. Along with this, due to our location in the desert North of Scottsdale, we utilize nature as a part of the healing process, offering hiking, outdoor outings, equine therapy, and more to help with your teen’s situation.
To get a better idea of how we can help your teen specifically and inquire about our family-driven teen mental health program (which includes weekly family therapy and daily family phone calls), reach out to our team today. We can get a better understanding of your teen’s situation and provide insight on how we may be able to help your teen overcome their mood or behavioral disorders.