Teen Bipolar possibilty

[Mother1981]

Hey. First time poster. Mother of a 14 year old boy with younger siblings. Background context is that my Dad is Bipolar. Reason for posting is that my teen boy is absolutely addicted to company! Doesn’t matter age nor gender he is obsessed with being active with other kids! He can’t seem to settle at all and summer hasn’t helped as we have been busy. I’m worried now about the possibility of inherited conditions etc. any advice in this area? For example; home today from school; quick change and out looking for kids. When they go home not happy and looking for more…..

I think you are jumping to conclusions a bit. Unfortunately bipolar can have a genetic component but unless you have any other concerns about his mental health this doesn’t sound like it is indicating bipolar. Any other issues : eg Does he get very depressed? Does he argue with people? Is his behaviour bad in any way? Any anger or self harm?

I'm struggling to see any mental health concerns in what you describe about your son. He is just being a sociable teen. Unless there are other issues as well?

My son is bipolar, identified around 15/16. The main thing with him is mood swings. Extremely highs where he wants to be with people all the time. He takes risks, tries drugs, drinks, behaves recklessly. Barely sleeps, talks incessantly.
Then the lows where he sleeps, huddles in a corner. Feels very depressed, self harms. Wears his coat with his hood up, very quiet, suicidal.

No lows. Can be angry but only when doesn’t get what he wants. Very self centred. Can’t seem to settle In his own company at all. Always what’s next. Can be a bit racy/speedy/hyper. Thanks for the responses