Teen "Horror"-mones or Something More Serious?

There is little doubt that the stereotype of the adolescent monster holds some truth. Parents shrink in fear of this hostile, moody, defiant creature their once angelic child has turned into. It doesn't help that teens seem to have an invisible switch they can turn on and off at the slightest whim. Hormonal changes in the adolescent years can often cause a temperamental nature not seen in a bubbly tween. Comparisons with other teens if often not effective. Like snowflakes, no two teens are alike. Additionally, the severity of acting out is a constant continuum. Is a child sullen or genuinely unhappy? If you can even get your teen to talk, are they revealing their deep and darkest secrets? Are you still missing something? These questions can cause severe doubt and worry in even the most seasoned parent. Parents will often wonder when a Jekyll and Hyde routine crosses the line into something needing serious intervention.

Parents should be aware that there are normal growing pains during adolescence, however, they should also remain cognizant that many mood disorders (such as bi-polar disorder) often develop during adolescence and are frequently misdiagnosed because of the belief that all teens are “moody”.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). 9.0% of adolescents aged 12 to 17 (an estimated 2.2 million adolescents) experienced at least one major depressive episode in the past year. Those with a family history of mood disorders can show symptoms of the more serious condition of Major Depressive Disorder (or “clinical depression), but it may often be explained away as typical teen angst. Those adolescents who are moody or irritable and also exhibit signs of academic failure and risk taking behaviors are especially vulnerable.

Behavioral symptoms can often overlap with other disorders like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. The overlap of these two disorders is estimated to be at least 15 %. A child may experience difficulty paying attention, be hyperactive, irritable or explosive, and having acting out behaviors. Even if they are being treated with ADHD medication, they can still experience erratic moods and behaviors Often times, their moods will fluctuate between hopelessness and elation, leading to impulsive behaviors and clouded judgment. It can be especially overwhelming for a teen when they experience these feelings concurrently.

Cases such as these should be evaluated by a therapist, adolescent psychiatrist or pediatrician immediately. Without a proper and accurate diagnosis, treatment cannot begin. There are a number of effective interventions and medications which can help to stabilize moods and bring children back to optimum functioning.

Left untreated, these adolescents are at a particularity high risk for academic failure, alcohol and drug abuse, risky behaviors, and suicidality. Suicide continues to be in the top three causes of death among adolescents.

By the time our children reach their teen years, parents have a good idea of who they are, what they are good at, and where they are vulnerable. Some moodiness during adolescence can be expected, but marked personality changes should alert parents of possible problems. Changes in their ability to take pleasure in activities, inability to sleep, decreased or extremely heightened energy levels, and rage inappropriate to the stimulus may all be signs of depression. And of course signs of failure in their own world, such as withdrawal from peer group activities, absenteeism, and behavior problems are all red flags that should not be overlooked.