Bipolar Disorder & Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder
Recognizing the Signs of a Serious Mood Disorder
Supporting Children Struggling with Extreme Mood Changes
Children and teens experience ups and downs, but when mood swings become extreme, persistent, and disruptive across home, school, and relationships, they may indicate a serious mood disorder like Bipolar Disorder or Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD). In severe cases, these conditions interfere with a child’s ability to function day-to-day and often co-occur with behavioral, academic, or family challenges.
At Alexander Youth Network, we specialize in caring for children whose mood symptoms are intense, volatile, or dangerous. When traditional treatments aren’t enough, we offer therapeutic environments and programs that provide structure, safety, and healing for children with serious mood dysregulation.
What to Look For as a Parent
Because mood disorders in children and teens often look different than in adults, it can be hard to discern what’s “normal turbulence” versus a serious problem. Watch for signs such as:
- Extended periods (days to weeks) of extremely elevated moods, intense irritability, or unusual bursts of energy
- Sudden shifts from high to low mood or hyperactive to severely withdrawn
- Frequent, severe temper outbursts or aggression that seem disproportionate to the situation
- Sleep disturbances such as significantly reduced need for sleep or insomnia
- Excessive risk-taking or impulsive behavior during mood highs
- Deep, prolonged depressive episodes with social withdrawal, hopelessness, or suicidal thoughts
- Decline in academic performance, inability to concentrate, or behavioral chaos
- Daily mood disruptions observed in multiple settings (home, school, community, etc.)
- Past failed attempts at outpatient therapy or patterns of relapse
If your child’s mood symptoms are intense, frequent, and interfering with their safety or functioning, they may need higher-level care than a standard outpatient setting can provide.Â
Why Early Intervention Matters for Bipolar Disorder and DMDD
- Children with DMDD often face serious impairment in life skills, schooling, and relationships—sometimes even more than with other childhood psychiatric conditions. (source from NCBI)
- About 65% of adults with bipolar disorder report the disorder began in childhood or adolescence (source from NCBI)
- Up to 46% of youth with bipolar disorder report suicidal ideation (thoughts about suicide). (source from Psychiatry Online)Â
Without timely, intensive care, children with severe mood disorders may suffer from worsening mood cycles, academic decline, self-harm or suicidal behavior, substance use, and damaged relationships. Early, high-quality treatment supports mood stabilization, reduces risk, and helps children regain control of their lives.
How Alexander Youth Network Treats Severe Mood Disorders
Our holistic, trauma-informed approach is focused on supporting children with severe Bipolar or DMDD, offering a full continuum of care tailored to their needs. Each level of care is designed to be nimble; as your child improves, we support transitions to less intensive levels of care while preserving continuity, relationships, and safety.
Residential Treatment
For children requiring 24/7 support in a therapeutic setting. Our Charlotte Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF) and Greensboro Residential Treatment Center (RTC) provide structured interventions, psychiatric care, and family therapy to stabilize mood symptoms and build a foundation for sustained progress.
Intensive In-Home Services
For families struggling with relentless mood-related crises at home. Our clinicians work directly in your home environment to de-escalate conflict, teach emotion regulation strategies, and restore stability in daily life.
Multi-Systemic Therapy (MST)
An evidence-based, intensive therapeutic model for teens whose mood disturbances are tied to behavioral issues or family/school conflict. MST intervenes across your child’s entire ecosystem (home, school, peers, community, etc. ) to reduce mood-driven behaviors and support healthier functioning.
Day Treatment
For youth whose mood dysregulation interrupts their ability to remain successful in a traditional school setting. Day Treatment merges therapeutic care with academic support—helping children manage mood symptoms while maintaining education.
If your child is struggling with extreme mood swings, persistent irritability, or repeated behavioral crises, you don’t have to face this alone. Alexander Youth Network provides the high-level treatment options your family may need.
How to Get Help
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