Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depressive disorder can cause extreme mood swings. Bipolar causes intense highs and lows in the persons life. These highs are referred to as mania with bouts of deep depression. When a person starts to get depressed, they feel sad and hopeless. You lose the pleasure and enjoyment you once felt in things found pleasurable. When the mood starts to shift from one state to the other, a person will move from one mood of euphoria where they display intense energy and then drop to feelings of intense depression. These mood shifts can occur a few times a per year or they can occur several times in one week.
Bipolar disorder is very disruptive. It is a long-term condition. however, one is able to keep their moods under control by sticking to and following a good treatment plan. A combination of medication and psychotherapy is effective.
Signs and Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
There are severe fluctuations in a persons sleep schedule. Their levels of activity change and often very unusual behavior can occur. These mood episodes are scary to the person and those around them. It becomes very hard to read and understand. Knowing the signs and symptoms can help you better grasp an understanding of what bipolar disorder looks like.
| Manic episodes may include: |
| Feeling “up,” “high,” or elated |
| Having lots energy |
| An increase in activity level |
| Feeling very “jumpy” and “wired” |
| Problems with sleep |
| Much more agitated and active |
| Increased rapid speech with loose associations |
| Very irritable, sensitive and “touchy” |
| Rapid thoughts going at a very fast pace |
| The feeling that many things can be accomplished at one time |
| Increased risky behavior: Spending sprees, increased sexual promiscuity, etc. |
| Manic episodes may include: |
| Feeling very sad, hopeless, empty and overall down. |
| Little to no energy |
| A decrease in their activity level |
| Problems with sleep, too much or not enough sleep occurs. |
| Feeling no interest or enjoyment in any activity. |
| Feeling of worry, anxiety and emptiness |
| Problems with concentration |
| Forgetful of task and what you are doing |
| Increased or decreased eating patterns |
| Feel sluggish, very tired and “slowed down” |
| Thoughts of suicide or death |
Bipolar Disorder and Types
Mixed Feature Bipolar
Often times these mood episodes can include both mania and depression. This is referred to as having an episode with mixed features. A person who experiences mixed episode bipolar can feel both sad and hopeless while still feeling very high and full of energy.
Hypomanic Episode Bipolar
Episodes of bipolar are present even if the mood swings are less intense. People experiencing hypomania, have a less severe form of symptoms related to mania. In this state, the individual feels good and can be very productive. They function extremely well and do not feel “off” in regards to their behavior. However their immediate family members and close friends can often recognize quickly the mood shifts and swings. Proper treatment early on is very helpful. Especially for those suffering with hypomania. The goal is to treat it before developing quickly into mania and depression.
Rapid Cycling Bipolar
This form of bipolar has frequent and very distinct noticeable symptoms. With rapid cycling, the person can experience at a minimum five or even more episodes of intense mania followed by severe depression. All in a single year. Depending on how well the individual is seeking help to manage the symptoms can decrease the amount of times episodes occur.
Bipolar Disorder
Proper Diagnosis
With the proper treatment and correct diagnosis, you can have a healthy future. You can live a full and productive life. The first step is to get to a psychiatrist, medical doctor or a licensed counselor. If you suspect you may have the above listed symptoms a doctor can perform a thorough physical examination. The exam will rule out any other possibilities related to health first. When other symptoms are ruled out, the mental health examination is conducted.
Bipolar Disorder
Treatments and Therapies
Treatment helps many suffering from mental illness. The benefits are endless. You are able to control your mood swings and other associated symptoms. A combination of talk therapy and medication work hand in hand. Bipolar disorder unfortunately is a life long mental health illness. Episodes of both the mania and depression can return.
With therapy and medication management the intensity and frequency decreases significantly. Often it is hard for someone with bipolar to stabilize on their medications. They enjoy the “euphoric high feeling”. They take themselves off of their medications. The downfall is that it throws the balance off in the brain. This inconsistency makes it that much harder to stay stabilized.
Psychotherapy
Therapy and counseling provides the support, guidance and education for the client suffering and the family as well. Common treatment approaches utilized are as follows:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Family Therapy
- Psychoeducation
Call now for a free phone session. Start the process of regaining your health. You deserve to live a full and wonderful life.
