Teenagers and children with bipolar disorders can have manic or depressive tendencies. Specific children may have only depression while others a combination of depressive and manic behavior. Usually highs are combined with alternative lows.

Indications of bipolar problems in children and teenagers are- drastic differences in behavior, unusual happiness, irritated at times, aggressiveness or agitate.

 Many teenagers experience unbelievable highs in self-confidence, e.g. a teenager finds himself feeling very powerful, like a superhero with additional powers.  A boost in energy is noticed and the capability to cope with little or no sleep for many days without feeling tired. A teenager may be talking a bit too fast, too much and changing topics very frequently, with no interruption because of depression. Sometimes they get distracted easily, and attention varies frequently from one subject to the other. The child may also develop repetitive, risk-involving behavior; like alcohol abusing and drugs, driving recklessly or sexual problems.

Bipolar disorder in teenagers can be successfully cured. Educating the patient and their family about the illness, mood-stabilizing medications like lithium and psychotherapy and valproic acid is some of the treatments available. At times mood stabilizing medications reduce the severity of manic incidents, and also help overcome depression. Using psychotherapy one can help a child to adapt to stress, enhance relations and rebuild self-esteem. Analysis of bipolar problems in children and teenagers is difficult and involves proper observation over an extended time period.