Symptoms And Treatment Of Adolescent Disorders

There is more to the treatment of bipolar disorder than medication, but the medication Lithium has been the primary treatment since the 1960’s. In four studies

It’s no surprise that adolescents tend to withhold some of their personal information from their parents for a variety of reasons. When the health of the adolescent in concerned, on the other hand, how should the situation be handled? Teenagers are an extremely vulnerable population due to the many changes, stresses, and difficulties that they experience during their everyday life. This is the time in which adolescents value their privacy the most. The same goes for how they handle their medical situations. When they are just going in for a yearly checkup, a vaccine, or a common illness, most teenagers have no problem sharing the information with their parents to ensure that they are well taken care of. Also, teens typically rely on

The most striking impact was found for the hospitalization rate, which fell by 82 per cent (3). This has considerable economic significance, as hospitalization accounts for a major proportion of direct costs in major psychiatric illness. It is important to note that all of this evidence far exceeds the available support for possible alternatives to lithium treatment, including application of anticonvulsant, antipsychotic, or sedative agents. Still, investigators have yet to discover the pharmacological effects of lithium that are responsible for its ability to eliminate mania. Many posit that the drug stabilizes the population of certain classes of neurotransmitter receptors in the brain (particularly serotonin receptors), preventing wide shifts in neural sensitivity, and in turn, influencing mood (4).

Antipsychotic drugs such lithium is one that is commonly prescribed to help reduce anger, threatening behavior, outbursts, and combativeness in ASPD. It alters sodium transport and inhibits neuronal signaling that dials down the activity of hyperactive circuits involved in producing mania (Vallerand, Sanoski, & Deglin, 2017). Lithium dosage is PO in tablets or capsules at 300-600mg TID for adults but precise dosing is based on serum lithium levels. Side effects include polyuria, polydipsia, diarrhea, mild ataxia, leukocytosis, renal toxicity, drowsiness, and weight gain.

Lithium is primarily used for treating acute mania. However, lithium may also treat the manic and depressive episodes of the disorder. In addition, lithium is known for its prevention of suicide compared to other treatment options. Though, with any medication there will be side effects. Side effects associated with lithium include increased thirst, increased urination, rashes, dry mouth, bloating, diarrhea, and weight gain. In certain cases, the toxicity of lithium may cause renal failure. However, these side effects may diminish with monitoring and proper dosage by a

Mood stabilizers are usually the first line of defense. Lithium treats both manic and depressive episodes. It usually takes about 7 to 14 days for therapeutic levels to be reached. The nurse should monitor for lithium toxicity which would include signs such as slurred speech, muscle weakness, gastrointestinal upset, sedation, and mental confusion. Anticonvulsants such as valproic acid and divalproex sodium are now commonly used as mood stabilizers as well. Atypical antipsychotics and antidepressants may be used in treatment as well. Antidepressants should be used cautiously as they increase the risk of mania or hypomania occurring (Halter, 2014, p.240). A concern associated with antidepressants and anticonvulsants is the increase in occurrences of suicidal thoughts, and the presence of unusual behaviors (National Institute of Mental Health, 2012). In recent pharmacological studies the anticonvulsant valproic acid and atypical antipsychotic quetiapine showed that, in patients with this particular dual diagnosis, alcohol consumption was significantly reduced while on these medications (Farren, Hill, & Weiss,

Lithium is the medication most extensively used to treat the mania and depression of Bipolar I. Marketed under the brand names of Eskalith or Lithobid (Martin, 2011), Lithium is often prescribed as maintenance therapy due to its highly-reported success in reducing the frequency/severity of mania, preventing mania, lessening depression and reducing the risk of suicide (Wyatt, 2011). What is more, researchers have found that the earlier Lithium is used, the higher the reduction of morbidity among

In the 1940s and 1950s, scientific experts started to explore different avenues regarding powders and pills that could fix imbalances inside the mind and convey genuine alleviation to individuals who had emotional instabilities. Instead of strapping individuals down to their beds, or getting some information about their issues, these scientific experts would have liked to utilize a type of synthetic limitation. Individuals would feel better, and they may carry on better, and no standardization would be required at all. To a vast degree, this was an effective task. Pharmaceuticals like lithium appeared to be fit for relieving individuals with exceptionally serious instances of bipolar issue, while antipsychotic solutions appeared to be equipped for peopling with

Lithium can inhibit thyroid function. Concomitant use with iodine may have additive or synergistic hypothyroid

The following essay is an overview of mental health in persons between the ages 13-18 known in human development as adolescences. This stage differs and has specific vulnerabilities as a person make their transition into adulthood and responsibilities associated with it. In (Erikson, 1963 Identity, Youth and Crisis) Eric Erikson referred to this stage as the forming one’s identity away from one’s parents to overcome dependence of a child. This essay hopes to present research data with in Australia concerning the overall health of the Adolescent population in an objective manner. These include the most common forms of mental illness for this age group such substance abuse disorder and self-inflicted injuries. It uses specific examples of issues which the group faces such income educational inequality due to family circumstance and its effect on mental disorders. The essay continues to present particular concerns of the age group stress in general and school work and the adolescences ability to achieve. Points raised in the essay also concerns female and male and the impact of their particular pressure they deal with as they move towards adulthood and the forming of their identity. The research is concludes with findings in the paper and compared against theories concerning the age as a whole. The essay reiterates findings bring a perspective to mental health in the age group and the uniqueness of the problems of the mental

Chronic illness has a large effect on everyone, no matter what the age. In adolescents, they are still dependent on their parents as their caregivers, and are old enough to understand and make decisions for themselves. Chronic illness has been defined as “an illness that is prolonged in duration, does not often resolve spontaneously, and is rarely cured completely.” (Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing). Adolescence is “a period of rapid physical, psychological, emotional and social development during which young people develop a sense of an independent identity, focus on peer acceptance, and plan for the future and then develop romantic and intimate relationships.” (Erickson 1963, Suris et al 2004 Christie & Viner

Even in patients with stable lithium doses, toxicity should not be ruled out if they start using other drugs such as NSAIDs or ACE inhibitors.2

Lithium is a top choice for acute mania and for maintenance in ‘classic’ bipolar disorder. Because of its narrow therapeutic range, blood levels must be monitored; also heart and kidney function (EKG, blood and urine tests). Medications such as diuretics, that block its excretion require caution.

Depression a word we’re familiar with especially when it comes to adults, we know adults get depress and we understand the reasons, with the high demands in life it’s not uncommon to get lost in the shuffle. Depression in adult is something we have known for many years, but what has surprised many of us is that adolescents also get depressed. I myself still don’t fully understand the reasons why or how this happens. I see it very often adolescent coming in to the ER because they are depressed and want to hurt themselves, and each and every single time I’m shock. What could be so bad in their lives that would make them think they have no way out? This is the reason why I choice this topic, I want to learn more of how this disease affects so many children and teens and what we can do to stop it.