Bipolar Disorder Support for Adolescents - Camali Clinic

About Service

Making Lives Better

Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder characterised by episodes of mania or hypomania (elevated, expansive, or irritable mood with increased energy) alternating with episodes of depression. When it emerges in adolescence, it can be difficult to distinguish from typical teenage mood swings or other conditions. Early, accurate diagnosis and specialist management are essential. At Camali Clinic, our consultant psychiatrists provide comprehensive outpatient assessment and long-term management for adolescents with bipolar disorder.

Who Needs It

Adolescents experiencing significant, recurrent shifts in mood – including episodes of unusually elevated or irritable mood with increased energy, alongside periods of low mood and depression – that are causing clear impairment in daily functioning.

Bipolar Disorder Support for Adolescents

1. Manic/Hypomanic Episode Symptoms

  • Unusually elevated, expansive, or irritable mood lasting days to weeks
  • Significantly decreased need for sleep without feeling tired
  • Racing thoughts and rapid, pressured speech
  • Grandiosity or inflated self-esteem
  • Impulsive, risky, or unusually reckless behaviour
  • Increased goal-directed activity or physical agitation
  • Persistent low mood, emptiness, or irritability
  • Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
  • Fatigue and low energy
  • Changes in sleep and appetite
  • Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
  • Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness
  • Comprehensive psychiatric assessment and accurate diagnosis – distinguishing bipolar disorder from other mood and behavioural conditions
  • Mood stabiliser medication management – carefully selected and monitored by a consultant psychiatrist, with regular review
  • Psychoeducation for the young person and their family – understanding the condition, recognising early warning signs, and developing a mood monitoring plan
  • CBT for bipolar disorder – developing cognitive and behavioural strategies to manage mood episodes and reduce relapse
  • Lifestyle and routine support – sleep regulation, routine, and activity pacing are critical in managing bipolar disorder
  • Family therapy and school liaison where needed

Step-by-Step Support

How we provide the service

Learn how our structured, personalized process guides each individual through assessment, planning, and tailored support to achieve meaningful results.
01
Thorough Psychiatric Assessment
A detailed assessment by a consultant psychiatrist, including longitudinal mood history, family history, and clinical interview with the young person and their parents. Physical investigations are coordinated where needed.
02
Integrated Medication and Therapy Plan
A combined treatment plan is developed, typically involving mood stabiliser medication and psychological support delivered by the psychiatry and psychology teams together.
03
Long-Term Monitoring and Relapse Prevention
Regular psychiatric review, mood monitoring, and relapse prevention planning ensure the young person remains stable and can recognise early warning signs of a new episode.

Specific FAQs

1.

Is bipolar disorder a lifelong condition?

Bipolar disorder is a long-term condition, but with the right treatment and support, most people are able to manage their symptoms and live full, productive lives.

Yes – this is common. Accurate diagnosis requires a thorough assessment that considers the full pattern of mood changes over time. Our consultant psychiatrists are experienced in making this distinction.