Bipolar disorder is a chronic and recurrent psychiatric disorder that cuts across the globe, affecting millions of the global population. It is defined by fluctuations in mood, energy, and functioning level, affecting ordinary life. However, bipolar disorder is the recent one that is not so popular in its awareness, even if it is familiar among many individuals. This blog will provide you with information regarding bipolar disorder and that, with the proper management, you will be able to manage this illness.
What is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar affective disorder, earlier labeled as manic depressive illness, is a sort of affective disorder that is characterized by periodic episodes of mania or hypomania and episodes of depression. These moods are of a nature to change how one is thinking, feeling, or even behaving in a certain way.
There are three main types of bipolar disorder:
- Bipolar I Disorder: characterized by at least one episode of mania lasting at least one week with or without mood episodes of depression afterward.
- Bipolar II Disorder: It encompasses hypomania (a milder equivalent to mania as seen in Bipolar I) and depressive episodes, though not male episodes.
- Cyclothymic Disorder (Cyclothymia): A type of bipolar disorder which has less severe episodes and which are hypomanic, but they last for not less than two years.
Still, each type can differ in its extent for severity, its time course, and its frequency; all should be diagnosed and treated.
What Are the Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder?
Manic or Hypomanic Episodes
During manic or hypomanic phases, individuals may experience:
- More kinetic energy and business-like activity.
- Mania, the most severe state of excitation, or hypomania, the mild opposite to severe depression
- Reduced need for sleep
- Speaking or thinking rapidly
- Impulsive or risky behaviors
Lithium and valproate are mood stabilizers that help prevent mood swings and improve symptoms of depression and mania. In the severest of conditions with psychosis or hallucinations, mania can be taken to higher levels.
Depressive Episodes
During depressive phases, symptoms may include:
- Depression may be described as happiness that has lasted for many days, weeks, or even months or a constant course of low moods or hopelessness.
- Fatigue or lack of energy
- Difficulty concentrating
- The objectives of the study include: eating habits, sleeping habits
- Thoughts of death or suicide
Such symptoms may interfere with normal life, relationships, and careers; therefore, early diagnosis and treatment must be performed.
How is Bipolar Disorder Diagnosed?
Like diagnosing many other mental disorders, the diagnosis of bipolar disorder requires a person to be evaluated by a mental health care provider. The process may include:
- Clinical Interviews: Concerning the manifested symptoms, the regular shifts in mood, and the patient’s history of diseases.
- Mood Charts: keeping a record of fluctuations within the affective state.
- Screening for Other Conditions: As the above shows, apart from ruling out bipolar disorder mimicking conditions like hypothyroidism or major depressive disorder,.
This is because the symptoms that are associated with bipolar disorder may be like those of other mental disorders.
Bipolar Disorder Treatment
Treatment typically includes:
1. Medication
- Mood Stabilizers: Use to control swings in mood (for instance, lithium, valproate).
- Antidepressants: May be used cautiously to treat the symptoms of depression.
- Antipsychotics: Use for the treatment of severe manic or mixed states.
2. Psychotherapy
A patient is more likely to gain insight into the disease in case he or she seeks therapy. Common approaches include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Involves the work of recognizing depressive schemata and can be practiced to modify those patterns.
- Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT): assists in maintaining regular schedules and interactions.
- Family-Focused Therapy: Involve family in treatment to facilitate interaction and support.
3. Lifestyle Adjustments
- A healthy workout regime and diet along with sleep regularity will work to improve the mood.
- Stress management approaches, including mind and/or meditation, may help decrease stress.
4. Support Networks
Sometimes it is beneficial to associate with people with bipolar disorder socially, or support groups give encouragement and guidance.
Myths and Facts About Bipolar Disorder
Myth 1: Let’s demolish the misconception that Bipolar Disorder is Just Mood Swings
Fact: Bipolar disorder refers to states of mood swings that affect the normal functioning of the patient. These are not the ups and downs most people have in their lives.
Myth 2: Bipolar disorder is another illness whose sufferers cannot have normal lives.
Fact: Bipolar disorder individuals respond well to treatment, and many lead full productive lives, thus the misconception.
Myth 3: Mania is Fun and Harmless
Fact: Mania, though it may seem to make the afflicted person feel happy in the beginning, is characterized by dangerously irrational behavior often with tragic outcomes.
When to Seek Help
If you, or someone close to you, develop these early symptoms of bipolar disorder, one should consult a doctor. Relapses and complications are preventable if symptoms are addressed at an early stage of the disease.
At Icon Psychologies, we take pride in delivering personalized care and, more importantly, the most effective treatments for treating bipolar disorder. Our experienced mental health staff is present to assist and be there with you throughout the process.
In What Way Can Icon Psychologies Assist You?
Bipolar disorder I Psychologies Icon knows how difficult it can be, and we will always try to be the best specialists for you. Regardless of the stage where you are in the bipolar cycle—manic phase, depressed phase, or just bipolar coping phase—get in touch!
Our services include:
- The various comprehensive evaluations and diagnosis
- Individual and family therapy
- Medication management
Based in Frankfort, Icon Psychologies services are ideal if you are looking for mental health solutions.
Take the First Step Toward Stability
It is one thing to live with bipolar disorder and quite another to battle it on your own. That is why the proper treatment and support can help achieve stability and relief. You can call us at Icon Psychologies today for an appointment so that our psychologists can assist you in leading a healthy lifestyle.
For further information, log on to www.iconpsychologies.com, or you can directly contact us at Icon Psychologies. Welcome to our site. Let us support you and regain control over your lives.
