University of Wisconsin - Extension

The next Teen Connection on Wisconsin Public Television (WPT) will discuss bipolar disorder, which was formerly called manic depressive illness. It is a disorder of the brain marked by extreme changes in mood, energy level and behavior that can lead to frequent sadness, impaired judgment, feelings of euphoria, impulsivity, irritability and agitation.

Although this disorder is very rarely talked about, many teens suffer from it and it is not always diagnosed correctly. Symptoms may be present since infancy or early childhood, or may suddenly emerge in adolescence or adulthood.

Teen Connection's host Quinncy McNeal will be joined by a panel of teens from the Josselyn Center in Northfield, Ill., which specializes in treating psychological disorders, including bipolar disorder. The panel will share first-hand experiences about living with bipolar disorder. It airs at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 23 on WPT. WMVS-TV/Milwaukee also will air the program live.

Teen Connection, co-produced by WPT and Northeastern Wisconsin In-School Telecommunications (NEWIST/CESA #7), has sought to take on many of the issues facing adolescents today. Viewers from around the state may participate in the live discussion by calling 1-877-674-8228 during the broadcast. Trained volunteers, many of whom will be from the Josselyn Center and have personal experience with bipolar disorder, will staff the phone banks, help some callers and refer selected calls for on-air discussion. Further information will also be available on WPT's Web site at www.wpt.org

The illness tends to be highly genetic. For some teens, a loss or traumatic event may trigger a first episode of depression or mania. In addition, a majority of teens with

untreated bipolar disorder abuse alcohol and drugs, many in an attempt to control their mood swings and insomnia.

Bipolar disorder is treatable. With medications, close monitoring of symptoms, education about the illness, counseling, stress reduction, good nutrition and regular sleep and exercise, many adolescents see a marked reduction of mania and depression.

"Bipolar disorder is complicated to tease out," said Steven Vogelstein of the Josselyn Center. "It tends not to be a disorder people think about."

"We would like to make more people aware of bipolar disorder," said Eileen Littig, co-producer, "That way, more teens can be helped."

Teen Connection originates from WPT's studios in Green Bay. Toll-free service is provided courtesy of McLeod USA. Host Quinncy McNeal appears courtesy of WBAY-TV/Green Bay.

WPT is a service of the Wisconsin Educational Communications Board and University of Wisconsin-Extension.

Wisconsin Public Television is a place to grow through learning on WHA-TV/Madison, WPNE-TV/Green Bay, WHRM-TV/Wausau, WLEF-TV/Park Falls, WHLA-TV/La Crosse and WHWC-TV/Menomonie-Eau Claire.