Bipolar disorder is characterized by extremes of highs and lows. Also, they experience mood instability.
Bipolar disorder is a genetic condition, but other factors like stress and trauma are also responsible for mood swings.
The cornerstone of treatment for bipolar disorder is medication. Talk therapy or psychotherapy can be included in the treatment plan.
Mood Disorders
NIMH defines mood disorders as "mental illness that causes changes in your emotions including depression and mania." These conditions can affect your mood and daily functioning. There may be periods when you feel normal.
You may experience a manic episode that leaves you feeling very energetic and active for several weeks. This can affect your daily activities, work and relationships. Psychotic symptoms like hallucinations or delusions can also occur.
Some people suffer from a combination depressive and manic symptoms, called cyclothymic disorders or cyclothymic Bipolar Disorder. You can have several episodes within a short period of time, or just one or two. Your episodes can cause severe problems such as job loss or suicide if they are not treated. You may need to combine medication with psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, and other treatments, like electroconvulsive treatment. Your treatment team can help you recognize early warning signs, and how to manage symptoms.
Mania
A manic episode is a period in which mood, energy and activity levels are abnormally high. It must be a significant change in behavior from what is normal and noticeable by friends and family. These episodes can cause serious problems at work, in school or with social responsibilities and relationships. Some people can experience hallucinations during manic episodes.
Mania is characterized by excessive optimism, grandiose or positive beliefs, talkativeness and rapid speech. It also includes racing thoughts, decreased sleep needs, and psychomotor anxiety (abnormally restless movement). Other symptoms include irritability or the desire to spend money irresponsibly. Impulsive behaviors such as changing your life dramatically without thinking about its consequences are also common.
Manic episodes may cause feelings of intense happiness or euphoria to last for several days. Bipolar disorder can be frightening, both for the person with it and their family members who may not fully understand what's happening.
The following are some of the ways to reduce your risk:
Bipolar depression can cause people to lose interest in the activities they normally enjoy, and be overcome by feelings of hopelessness or sadness. These feelings can last for several weeks and affect daily functioning. Psychotic symptoms such as delusions or hallucinations may be experienced by people with bipolar disorder.
The treatment for depression in bipolar disorder usually involves a combination of medication and talk therapy. The medications can change the brain chemistry, and prevent or reduce depression episodes. The most common medications are antidepressants. It can take them several weeks to start working, so they are not the best first-line treatments.
In severe cases of depression, doctors may recommend transcranial magnetic stimulator (TMS) or electroconvulsive therapy. TMS is a magnetic stimulation of the brain that uses magnetic energy instead of electrical shocks. Both treatments can be found in some inpatient facilities, and they offer rapid response. The treatments don't need general anesthesia which means there is less risk of cognitive and memory problems.
Treatment
Bipolar disorder is characterized by dramatic changes in a person's energy and mood. It is a chronic illness that will require lifelong treatment. Talk therapy (psychotherapy), lifestyle changes, and medication are all important parts of treatment.
Bipolar disorder is characterized by episodes of depression or mania lasting days or even weeks. Between episodes, they may experience lingering symptoms. They can affect work, school, social and family activities. These symptoms can also make getting along with others more difficult.
According to research, a combination genetic and environmental factors can contribute to bipolar disorder. This condition is often inherited, but it can be triggered by stress or trauma. It's also believed that a variety of medications can trigger or worsen bipolar disorder, including antidepressants and stimulants used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Avoiding alcohol and drugs is the best way to avoid bipolar disorder episodes. You should also pay attention to the warning signs, and seek help if they appear. At Inland Empire Behavioral Group, We provide compassionate mental health care to each indiviual who need our help and suppport. Don't hesitate to ask for help contact us now to get better at your emotional and mental health.
