ADOLESCENT MOOD DISORDERS

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CARING PSYCHIATRY FOR

YOUR ADOLESCENT

Have you been concerned about the mental health of your adolescent child? At Blue Umbrella Psychiatry, board-certified child/adolescent psychiatrist Eric Robbins, MD and our dedicated care team offer customized and innovative treatments to help relieve your child’s symptoms and restore your family life to a calm and loving environment.

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Mood disorders in adolescents

Recognizing signs of major depressive disorder in teenagers is crucial for early intervention and support. While every individual is unique, some common signs of depression in teens include:


  • Persistent Sadness
  • Loss of Interest
  • Changes in Sleep Patterns
  • Fatigue or Loss of Energy
  • Changes in Appetite or Weight
  • Irritability or Anger
  • Difficulty Concentrating
  • Feelings of Worthlessness or Guilt
  • Social Withdrawal
  • Physical Complaints
  • Suicidal Thoughts or Behavior

It's important to remember that some of these signs can also be typical of adolescence or other conditions. A professional mental health evaluation is essential for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a common anxiety disorder that can affect teenagers. Recognizing signs of GAD in teens is crucial for early intervention and support. Some common signs of GAD in teenagers include:


  • Excessive Worry
  • Restlessness and Irritability
  • Fatigue
  • Difficulty Concentrating
  • Sleep Disturbances
  • Muscle Tension
  • Physical Complaints
  • Avoidance Behavior
  • Perfectionism
  • Seeking Reassurance
  • Overthinking and Catastrophizing
  • Physical Symptoms of Anxiety

It's important to remember that every individual is different, and not all teens with GAD will exhibit all of these signs. GAD symptoms can also overlap with other anxiety disorders or mood disorders, making a professional evaluation essential for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), also known as social phobia, is a common anxiety disorder that can affect teenagers. Recognizing signs of social anxiety disorder in teens is crucial for providing appropriate support and intervention. Some common signs of social anxiety disorder in teenagers include:


  • Intense Fear of Social Situations
  • Avoidance of Social Interactions
  • Excessive Self-Consciousness
  • Physical Symptoms of Anxiety
  • Difficulty Initiating or Maintaining Conversations
  • Fear of Being the Center of Attention
  • Performance Anxiety
  • Excessive Preoccupation with Negative Outcomes
  • Academic Impact
  • Isolation and Loneliness
  • Physical Complaints

It's important to note that social anxiety disorder can vary in severity, and not all teens with SAD will exhibit all of these signs. Some signs of social anxiety may overlap with typical adolescent behavior or other anxiety disorders, making a professional evaluation essential for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is a behavioral disorder that primarily affects children and teenagers. It is characterized by a pattern of defiant, disobedient, and hostile behavior toward authority figures. Some common signs of Oppositional Defiant Disorder in teens include:


  • Frequent Anger and Irritability
  • Defiance and Refusal to Follow Rules
  • Argumentative and Hostile Behavior
  • Blaming Others for Their Mistakes
  • Vindictiveness
  • Disregard for Consequences
  • Difficulty Maintaining Friendships
  • Academic and School Problems
  • Frequent Parental Conflict
  • Resistance to Authority
  • Impaired Social Functioning

It's important to note that while occasional oppositional behavior is a normal part of adolescent development, the diagnosis of ODD requires a persistent pattern of problematic behavior over time and across different settings. Additionally, ODD can sometimes co-occur with other mental health conditions, such as ADHD or conduct disorder.

Recognizing signs of substance abuse disorders in teens is crucial for early intervention and support. It's important to note that some of these signs can also be indicative of other issues, so a comprehensive evaluation by a qualified professional is essential for an accurate diagnosis. Some common signs of substance abuse disorders in teens include:


  • Changes in Behavior
  • Decline in Academic Performance
  • Neglect of Responsibilities
  • Isolation and Withdrawal
  • Changes in Social Circle
  • Physical Changes
  • Risky Behavior
  • Mood Swings
  • Increased Secrecy
  • Change in Sleep Patterns
  • Financial Issues
  • Missing Medications
  • Drug Paraphernalia
  • Physical Symptoms

It's important for parents, caregivers, teachers, and other significant adults in a teen's life to be aware of these signs and maintain open communication with the teen. If substance abuse is suspected, seeking professional help from a healthcare provider or a mental health professional with experience in substance abuse treatment is crucial for appropriate intervention and support. Early intervention can significantly improve outcomes and help the teen navigate towards a healthier path.

Why are mood disorders common in teenagers?

It is known that chemicals in the brain (neurotransmitters) are responsible for mood management and can fall out of balance, either on its own, due to environmental factors or due to underlying stress or upsetting life events, such as loss of a parent’s job, divorce, loss of a loved one, financial issues within the family. We also find that mood disorders run in families and are often of a genetic nature. 

Mood disorder symptoms

  • Long term sadness
  • Feelings of despair, helplessness or guilt
  • Low self-esteem
  • Feelings of not being good enough
  • Loss of interest in normal activities
  • Relationship upsets
  • Sleep problems, such as insomnia
  • Changes in appetite or weight
  • Low energy
  • Problems focusing or making decisions
  • Suicidal thoughts or attempts
  • Frequent physical complaints, such as headache, stomachache, or extreme tiredness (fatigue)
  • Running away or making threats of running away from home
  • Sensitivity to failure or rejection
  • Being grouchy, hostile, or angry

Other signs of possible mood disorders may include

  • Poor performance in school
  • Constant anger
  • Rebellious behaviors
  • Trouble with family
  • Trouble with friends and peers

The blue umbrella psychiatry program

Your child’s initial evaluation begins with a thorough assessment. We’ll learn about current symptoms and lifestyle as well as your child’s health history, along with your family medical history. We’ll discuss what efforts you’ve already tried, from medications to alternative medical approaches toward resolving symptoms. If a diagnosis is made, we’ll discuss evidence-based treatment options with you. We’ll work together to customize a treatment plan to relieve your child’s symptoms and restore quality of life. If necessary, your child will be prescribed medication to regulate your brain chemistry and mood. As your symptoms subside, your child will have more mental clarity and space to focus on exploring and resolving any underlying issues in individual or group therapy.


We welcome you to Blue Umbrella Psychiatry, where our team is committed to your mental health care. Call today to schedule your appointment. 

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Medication Management

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individual therapy

Individual therapy, also known as psychotherapy or counseling, is a crucial and effective form of mental health support that focuses on the needs of a single individual. It offers a safe and confidential space where a person can work closely with a trained therapist or counselor to explore their thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and challenges. The importance of individual therapy lies in several key aspects, including:


  • Personalized Attention
  • Confidentiality
  • Targeted Problem-solving
  • Emotional Support
  • Self-Discovery and Insight
  • Building Coping Skills
  • Resolving Trauma
  • Enhancing Relationships
  • Mental Health Maintenance
  • Empowerment and Growth


In order for sustained and profound change to occur, you must work with the psychological, social and cultural aspects of life as well. We offer collaborative and evidence-based care for children, adolescents and adults to help create a meaningful life.

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family therapy

Each of our therapists is trained in facilitating family therapy sessions. Goals include improving communication, developing and maintaining healthy boundaries and promoting problem solving behaviors. Each family has its own unique family dynamics and our team will help you to understand current dynamics and move toward an optimal cohesion for improved day to day life and a brighter outlook for the future for each family member, especially for those with mental illness. The main focus is on understanding the family dynamics and communication patterns to improve overall functioning and well-being. The benefits of family therapy include:


  • Improved Communication
  • Strengthened Relationships
  • Enhanced Problem-Solving Skills
  • Family Bonding
  • Resolving Family Conflicts
  • Improved Coping Strategies
  • Addressing Family Changes
  • Understanding Family Patterns
  • Support for Specific Issues
  • Inclusive Approach
  • Prevention of Relapse


Overall, family therapy offers a comprehensive and systemic approach to understanding and addressing family challenges. By improving communication, resolving conflicts, and fostering a supportive environment, family therapy can lead to positive and lasting changes that benefit all family members.

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group therapy

You are not alone in your struggles. Blue Umbrella Psychiatry has multiple group therapy programs to allow you to build relationships, find common ground and experiment with new ways of living life.


Group therapy is a valuable and effective form of therapeutic intervention that involves a small group of individuals working together under the guidance of a trained therapist or counselor. The importance of group therapy lies in its unique benefits and outcomes, which complement and sometimes surpass those of individual therapy. Here are some key aspects of its significance:


  • Shared Support and Understanding
  • Normalization of Experiences
  • Feedback and Perspective
  • Social Skills Development
  • Empowerment and Encouragement
  • Cost-Effectiveness
  • Diversity and Inclusivity
  • Real-life Simulation
  • Generalization of Skills
  • Long-lasting Support Network


Overall, group therapy offers a dynamic and enriching experience that complements individual therapy and can lead to significant personal growth and positive change. The combination of shared support, diverse perspectives, and the opportunity for social skills development makes group therapy a valuable and impactful approach to promoting mental health and well-being.


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frequently asked questions

  • Why should I choose Blue Umbrella Psychiatry?

    If you are like many of our patients, you’ve been frustrated with previous psychiatry services and unable to find meaningful or lasting relief from symptoms that make life unpleasant. All of that is about to change.


    Dr. Eric Robbins founded Blue Umbrella Psychiatry after years of working in a fragmented and uncompassionate mental healthcare industry. He noted that patients aligning with disconnected physicians and therapists led to poor communication, mixed messages, and ineffective care. Blue Umbrella Psychiatry was formed to offer all mental health services under one roof, with providers collaborating and patients caring for the whole person.


    If you are looking for a psychiatry service provider who truly cares, then look no further than Blue Umbrella Psychiatry.

  • What conditions do you treat?

    We treat many conditions, such as:

    • Adolescent Mood Disorders
    • Anxiety
    • Bipolar Disorder
    • Depression
    • Treatment Resistant Depression
    • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
    • ADHD

    and more!

  • How can I contact you?

  • What insurances do you accept?

    We currently accept:

    • Aetna
    • Medicare
    • Memorial Healthcare System
    • Optum
    • UMR
    • Cigna
    • United Healthcare
    • Oscar
    • Meritian
    • Avmed
    • Humana
    • Evernorth
    • Florida Blue

  • I don't want to be on medication. Can I still be a patient of the practice?

    We understand that medications can be stigmatizing and may have potential side effects, and we respect our patients' preferences regarding their treatment. While our providers may recommend medications as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, the final decision is always up to you.


    In addition to medication, we offer a range of non-medicinal treatment options to support your mental health journey, such as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and various therapy modalities. Our primary goal is to help you achieve better mental health and wellbeing, and we will work closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that aligns with your preferences and needs.

  • What will the first appointment look like?

    At the first appointment, you can expect to meet with at least one clinician who will perform a thorough evaluation. Following this assessment, a diagnosis will be provided along with a personalized treatment plan to address your specific needs.

  • To what extent are parents involved in their child's care?

    A family-centered approach to treatment is something we believe in at Blue Umbrella Psychiatry. Parents play a crucial part in their child's care, and the success of the situation depends on their active participation. Beginning with a first evaluation when they offer significant insights, we appreciate parents as partners. We create individualized treatment programs together and provide chances for both group and individual therapy sessions. We also give parents the information and assistance they need to support the mental health of their children. Continuous cooperation and communication make sure that parents are aware of and involved in the process. We stand out because of our dedication to family participation and our understanding of the importance of a nurturing home environment for a child's well-being.

  • What is the difference between psychiatry and therapy?

    Psychiatry and therapy are two ways of addressing mental health issues, but they differ in their approach, focus, and the professionals involved. Psychiatry involves using medications and medical treatments to manage mental health conditions. Therapy, on the other hand, focuses on talking and problem-solving techniques to help individuals cope with emotional or behavioral issues. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who have completed medical school followed by years of specialized training in psychiatry. Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners and Psychiatrists can prescribe medications. Therapists include various professionals like psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, or licensed professional counselors, who have different educational backgrounds and are trained in counseling and psychotherapy techniques. 

  • From what age and up do you treat?

    At Blue Umbrella Psychiatry, we provide treatment for individuals from the age of 5 and above. We understand that mental health concerns can affect people of various age groups, and we are committed to addressing the needs of children, adolescents, and adults alike. Our expert team of specialists is experienced in dealing with individuals throughout all phases of development and adjusting our approaches accordingly. Whether it's assisting young children with behavioral challenges, supporting teenagers facing emotional difficulties, or providing care for adults navigating mental health issues, we strive to offer comprehensive and compassionate treatment. We want to provide effective assistance and foster well-being for people and families throughout their lifetimes, which is why we start providing services from age 5.

  • Are you a virtual or in-person practice?

    We are primarily an in-person clinic with the capability to do telehealth sessions on occasion on an as-needed basis. For the initial evaluation and subsequent follow-up sessions, you will need to be present for in-person sessions. As such we suggest that you be in close enough proximity to our clinic.