Bipolar Disorder
Over 20 years, 6% of the population with bipolar illness committed suicide, whereas 30-40% participated in self-harm.
Bipolar disorder, often associated with mental health conditions, such as anxiety and substance use disorders, is marked by bouts of depression followed by times of unusually increased happiness that last from days to weeks. People who have bipolar disorder extensively suffer from mood disparity. If the high mood is extreme or linked with psychosis, it is referred to as mania; if it is milder, it is referred to as hypomania.
Common Signs & Symptoms
Bipolar disorder symptoms might vary. They do, however, entail mood swings known as mood episodes:
A manic episode can cause the following symptoms:
- Feeling very energized, elevated, or elated
- Feeling jittery or wired and being more active than normal
- Being exceedingly irritated or having a very short temper
- Having rushing thoughts and speaking quickly
- Requiring less sleep
- Having the impression that you are especially significant, brilliant, or powerful
- Getting involved in dangerous activities, demonstrating poor judgment, such as overeating and drinking, spending or giving away a lot of money, or engaging in reckless sex.
A depressive episode can cause the following symptoms:
- Feeling very depressed, hopeless, or worthless
- Feeling lonely or isolated from others
- Slowly speaking, feeling as though you have nothing to say, or forgetting
- Low energy
- Excessive sleeping
- Eating too little or too much
- Uninterested in your daily activities
- Being unable to do even the simple things
- Thinking about death or suicide
A mixed episode’s symptoms contain both manic and depressed symptoms. For example, you may feel incredibly gloomy, empty, or hopeless, while at the same time feel extremely invigorated.
Some people with bipolar disorder may experience less severe symptoms. For example, they might have hypomania rather than mania. People with hypomania may feel quite extraordinary and be able to do much. They might not believe anything is wrong. However, their relatives and friends may notice their mood swings and variations in activity levels and that certain actions are out of character.
Treatment
Many people, including those with the most severe types of bipolar disorder, can benefit from First-Class Behavioral & Counseling Services, PLLC’s Bipolar treatment. The most common treatments for bipolar disorder are medications, psychotherapy, or both:
- Bipolar disorder can be treated with medications. However, you may need to test a few medicines to discover the one that works best for you. It is critical to take your medication regularly. Do not stop taking it without first consulting your physician. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about the drugs’ adverse effects.
- Psychotherapy (talk therapy) can assist you in identifying and altering disturbing emotions, ideas, and actions. It can provide you and your family with assistance, information, skills, and coping methods.
- Electroconvulsive treatment (ECT) is a type of brain stimulation that can help reduce severe bipolar disorder symptoms. It is employed when a treatment that works faster than medications is required, for example, when a person is suicidal or is catatonic (unresponsive).
- Regular aerobic exercise assists patients in overcoming depression, anxiety, and sleep problems.
- Maintaining a life chart might assist you and your physician in tracking and treating your bipolar disorder. A life chart keeps track of your daily mood symptoms, treatments, sleeping habits, and life events.
Clearview Behavioral Health Solutions & Counseling Services, PLLC, to treat your bipolar disorder.