Bipolar Disorder

What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder, otherwise formerly known as manic depression, is a mental illness that consists of very extreme mood swings. These would consist of emotional highs, consisting of mania or hypomania, and emotional lows, consisting of depression.

The episodes of mania may result in increased energy, euphoria, or irritability, while depressive episodes may cause feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in activities once enjoyed. Bipolar disorder can occur at any age, though it is predominantly diagnosed during adolescence or early adulthood. 

Symptoms vary profoundly from person to person, and if left unattended, the condition may gradually worsen. Conversely, proper treatment that involves medication and psychotherapy may control bipolar disorder for patients and enable them to lead healthy lives.

Types of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar I Disorder

Bipolar I disorder is characterized by the presence of at least one manic episode. The manic episode may have been preceded or followed by hypomanic or major depressive episodes.

Severe mania can result in psychotic episodes, where individuals completely lose contact with reality. Manic episodes associated with manic disorders will usually last for at least seven days, but a depressive episode almost always follows, which can remain for two weeks or more.

Bipolar II Disorder

Bipolar II disorder is distinguished by patterns of major depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes without full symptoms of manic episodes. Whereas the hypomanic episodes are less severe compared to Bipolar I, the depression might last longer; hence, the condition is equally serious.

Cyclothymic Disorder

Cyclothymic disorder, also called cyclothymia, is a mood disorder that consists of periodic episodes of hypomania and depression that are evident for at least two years. The episodes never appear to be severe enough to constitute a full manic or depressive episode. Although less extreme, the recurring cycles of mood swings can be distressing and can significantly impact daily life.

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is a mental illness distinguished by various emotional and physical symptoms. These symptoms cause significant interference with daily functioning and, in most cases, cycle between episodes of mania or hypomania and major depression.

Manic and hypomanic symptoms

Symptoms of manic and hypomanic states most often include:

• Heightened activity or unusual agitation
• Excessive talking and racing thoughts
• Easily distracted or scattered thoughts
• Overconfidence or false sense of well-being
• Impulsive decisions, like reckless spending or risky behaviors Needing less sleep than usual

Depressive symptoms

Common depressive symptoms include:

• Persistent sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness
• Loss of interest in most activities
• Feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt
• Fatigue or loss of energy
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Weight loss or gain without dieting
• Excessive sleeping or insomnia
• Suicidal thoughts or behaviors

Mixed features and rapid cycling

Sometimes, patients have depressive and manic/hypomanic symptoms at the same time; this is described as mixed features. These may include:

• Anxious distress
• Psychosis (disconnection from reality)
• Melancholy or deep sadness
• Other seasonal changes and pregnancy 

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Causes and Risk Factors

Bipolar disorder has multifactorial causes; it develops under the interaction of biological, genetic, and environmental factors.

• Brain Structure and Functioning:

  Research has identified structural differences in the brains of people with bipolar disorder compared to those without.

• Genetics: 

  Genetics also play a major role in the risk for bipolar illness. Individuals from families affected by the illness have a more predisposed tendency toward the illness.

Other Risk Factors

• Age of Onset:

  The typical age of onset for bipolar disorder is late adolescence to early adulthood, although it sometimes begins in childhood.

• Gender Differences: 

  Men and women are equally affected, though women experience more rapid cycling and tend to have more depressive episodes.

• Co-existing Conditions: 

  Many people with bipolar disorder also face issues like substance abuse, anxiety, thyroid problems, or seasonal mood changes

Treatment Options for Bipolar Disorder

Management of bipolar disorder involves an integrated system of treatment: medications, therapy, and other forms of treatment that will stabilize mood swings and prevent episodes of manic depression. That is why treatment in Nuview is individualized in order to guarantee the best possible results for each client.

Medication for Bipolar Disorder

Medications form a significant cornerstone in the management of bipolar disorder by offering mood regulation and preventing extreme episodes of mania and depression. Some of the common medications used include the following.

• Mood stabilizers: Drugs such as lithium and valproate (Depakote) could be prescribed to reduce the severity of mood swings.
• Antipsychotic drugs: Quetiapine widely known by the trade name Seroquel, may be administered to control manic episodes.
• Antidepressants: While these medications are effective for symptoms of major depressive disorder, they are often prescribed in addition to a mood stabilizer as the antidepressant medication can sometimes trigger a manic episode.
• Anti-anxiety medications: Medications such as benzodiazepines may be prescribed in conjunction with other medications to help control anxiety or sleep problems associated with bipolar disorder.

Psychotherapy

Talk therapy, or psychotherapy, may play an important role in helping a patient with bipolar disorder learn to cope with their mood and behavior. Certain therapies that may help include the following:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): The most common approach used for enabling patients to go through some negative thinking patterns and replace them with healthier ones.
• Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT): Provides an emphasis on the stabilization of daily life routines, such as sleep and appetite, which can make a significant difference in mood stability.
• Family-Focused Therapy: This kind of treatment incorporates the family into the process, and this trains them to recognize mood episodes and be the needed support when such situations arise.

Other Treatment Options

In some cases, other treatments may be advised, which include:

• Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT): This is a procedure used for the most severe forms of bipolar disorder, especially in those instances when other forms of treatment have not been effective.
• Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS): A non-invasive stimulation of the brain that is used to treat symptoms of depression.

These treatments are especially indicated in emergency situations or in those that require sudden intervention.

How is Bipolar Disorder Treated?

The treatment approaches for bipolar disorder involve a combination of medication, psychotherapy, and ongoing support. At Nuview, we emphasize a long-term, personalized treatment approach that addresses symptoms not only for manic depression but also towards the emotional well-being of our clients.

Although bipolar disorder is a long-term illness, treatment allows many with the condition to control symptoms and maintain fulfilling lives. Treatment generally continues for many years but can often prevent relapse and allow the intensity of mood episodes to be less severe. While medications can balance mood, therapies like CBT and IPSRT teach one how to cope with everyday challenges.

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Living with Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a lifelong disorder, always. However, it is possible to cope with the right strategizing. Small adjustments to the daily routine might become very helpful in minimizing mood swings by bringing equilibrium to life.

Understand Your Moods

By monitoring your moods over time, you can learn to recognize patterns and possible triggers: stress from important life events, travel across time zones, or other disruptions of your regular sleep/wake cycle. This may help you identify early warning signs that a mood episode is beginning, such as a change in sleeping or eating habits.

Take Practical Steps

By maintaining a routine, stability can be achieved, especially among bipolar patients. Stress management, facing financial difficulties with support, and planning in advance during a crisis can avoid a potential crisis.

Focus on Your Physical Health

Physical well-being is extremely important to emotional stability. Getting regular sleep, eating a well-rounded diet, and exercising on a regular basis can greatly enhance the way you feel daily.

Build Support

There needs to be a support network for one to be reliable. This can include trusted friends, colleagues, or family members who may be in a position to help during times of crisis and who also offer emotional support while going through hard times. 

Coping Strategies and Support

Living with bipolar disorder can indeed pose some difficulties, but certain coping mechanisms will make everyday life a little more bearable.

• Treatment Plan: 

  Develop a treatment plan in concert with your doctor. The key to manic depression management and episode prevention lies in adhering to the treatment plan.
  
  

• Stay Active: 

  Regular rigorous workouts like jogging, cycling, or swimming can temporarily alleviate depressive symptoms while at the same time reducing anxiety and enhancing well-being.
  
  

• Monitor Your Moods: 

  Keep a record of mood swings and general health. This is helpful so that you may become aware of early signs of episodes before they occur and thus stay proactive in your care.
  
  

• Seek Support: 

  Trusted friends and family members can help you stay consistent with your treatment. Don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed.

Although improvement will take some time, constant treatment along with social support can significantly increase your quality of life.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you experience mood swings or bipolar disorder symptoms for any reason, it is important that you seek professional help immediately. While the high energy and productivity during manic states are enjoyed by some, these are states that lead to emotional crashes, most often along with depression, relationship problems, and even financial or legal repercussions.

If you experience any signs of mania or depression, find a health professional trained in treating bipolar disorder. With proper treatment, it is possible to regain control over symptoms and lead an overall more balanced life.