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Bipolar disorder is a brain disorder that affects a person’s mood and overall mental health. In 2020, bipolar disorder was estimated to affect around 2.3 percent of Americans.
This number amounts to approximately 5.9 million adults in the U.S age 18 or older. Unfortunately, an estimated 51% of people with this condition are left untreated in any given year.
There is currently no cure for bipolar disorder. However, getting treatment can help those living with this condition lead a better quality of life. Read on to learn an overview of bipolar disorder and common treatment options.
If you suspect that you or a loved one struggles with bipolar disorder, please take our bipolar disorder self-test for a better understanding of how severe your bipolar might be. Keep in mind that this quiz is not a replacement for seeking help from a qualified medical professional and instead is meant to help you know whether to seek out one.
Bipolar disorder is a mental illness formerly known as manic depression. This disorder causes an unusual shift in a person’s mood, energy, activity levels, concentration, and ability to carry out daily tasks. Bipolar disorder can negatively impact the sufferers everyday life if left untreated.
It is important to note that there are three types of bipolar disorders. Regardless of the type of bipolar disorder a person has, each type involves the person feeling periods of extreme emotions. These emotions typically include elation, irritation, or energized behavior.
These feelings are known as manic episodes. A manic episode is generally followed by sad, indifferent, or hopeless periods. These are known as depressive episodes.
Bipolar I disorder is defined as manic symptoms that last at least 7 days. This disorder may also include manic symptoms that are so severe the person needs to be hospitalized. A person with Bipolar I disorder will typically experience depressive episodes, which last around 2 weeks.
Having episodes of depression with manic episodes is also possible. In general, people with Bipolar I may experience intense mood swings that last for varied periods of time.
This is defined as a pattern of depressive and hypomanic episodes. Hypomanic episodes occur when a person experiences abnormally elevated changes in their mood, energy levels, and activity level.
The key difference between Bipolar I and II is that Bipolar II does not present full-blown manic episodes. These full-blown manic episodes are typically seen in people with Bipolar I. A professional can help determine what specific disorder a person is suffering from based on their symptoms.
This is defined as periods of hypomanic episodes and periods of depressive symptoms. These symptoms typically last for 2 years and 1 year in children and adolescents. It’s important to note that the symptoms of cyclothymic disorder do not fall in line with hypomanic and depressive episodes.
Unfortunately, the direct cause of this disorder is still unknown. But research suggests that there is no one cause. Instead, it is believed that a combination of factors may contribute to someone developing this illness.
It is widely believed that bipolar disorder runs in families. Some research suggests that people with specific genes have an increased risk of developing bipolar disorder compared to others.
At the same time, some studies have indicated that in a set of identical twins the data varies. In some cases, it is possible that only one twin may develop bipolar disorder while the other does not. While genes can be a factor in developing this disorder, there are other factors that play a role as well.
Continued research related to bipolar disorder shows that there are key differences between people with bipolar disorder and others. Experts have identified clear differences between how a person with bipolar disorder functions compared to people without the disorder. Studying these brain changes may help learn about which treatment options are best in the future.
The main symptom of Bipolar I disorder is manic episodes that typically last one week. Those living with Bipolar II disorder or cyclothymia experience hypomanic episodes. It is important to note that people living with either type of bipolar disorder will experience a mix of both episodes. Regardless of what bipolar disorder a person has, they may experience manic and hypomanic symptoms.
Symptoms will often vary depending on the person and the type of disorder they have. However, there are some common symptoms of bipolar disorder that are typically associated with the illness. Symptoms may occur throughout life or they may rarely present themselves. Here are some common symptoms of bipolar disorder:
It’s important to note that people who experience manic episodes are often unaware of the consequences of their actions. Some people suffering from bipolar disorder may be in denial about their mental health disorder. Additionally, those with bipolar disorder are at a greater risk of suicide as a result of their disorder.
Bipolar disorder is a mental condition that can certainly affect a person’s quality of life. There is no cure for this bipolar disorder. However, there are plenty of treatments that can help manage the severity of the symptoms. Some treatments for bipolar disorder can be used together for a comprehensive approach to treating the disorder.
It is important to consult a medical professional to determine what treatment approach will suit your unique needs. Treatments for bipolar disorder can be incredibly effective at managing a patient’s symptoms. Here are some common treatment options for bipolar disorder.
Psychotherapy is also referred to as talk therapy or just therapy. Therapy is used to help people who are dealing with a broad range of mental illnesses and emotional difficulties. This therapeutic approach may involve a variety of techniques. The approach a therapist chooses will depend on the needs of each client.
Talk therapy can help those with bipolar disorder cope with daily life. In addition patients may learn how to deal with the impact of trauma. They will begin to learn how to manage symptoms associated with their mental illness. By managing bipolar symptoms, those impacted can start to live a life that is not controlled by mental illness.
A person dealing with bipolar disorder may be prescribed medication to help them manage their symptoms. A common medication for this type of disorder is a mood stabilizer. This is used to help manage manic and hypomanic episodes. Medications should be prescribed by medical professionals who have experience working with bipolar patients.
It is important that people suffering from bipolar disorder do not medicate themselves with drugs or alcohol. When medications are used with other therapeutic techniques, people with bipolar disorder can effectively manage their symptoms.
Adopting certain lifestyle habits may help improve the symptoms of bipolar disorder. Helpful habits, such as routine exercise, yoga, and meditation are excellent ways to provide support. Through adopting self-care techniques, those suffering are better equipped to care for their mental health. Many lifestyle changes can be relatively small, yet they make a big impact.
Some individuals with bipolar disorder will greatly benefit from self-management strategies. These coping strategies allow them to learn how to manage life with their condition. This is done by educating them on their illness and identifying the symptoms and triggers of their disorder.
Through learning how to identify how their bipolar disorder appears in their day to day life, they can start making changes. These coping strategies should be developed and reviewed by a mental health professional. These professionals can help those suffering from bipolar disorder see their symptoms clearly.
Electroconvulsive therapy may be used for those who have had a poor response to medication. This approach to therapy may also be used in the event there is a need for immediate control over symptoms. In these cases, electroconvulsive therapy is utilized to prevent the risk of harm.
There are certainly many advanced treatment options available today to help those with bipolar disorder cope with their condition. Bipolar disorder is a lifelong illness, which means that treatment is a necessary commitment throughout life.
It’s important to note that finding the right treatment plan doesn’t happen overnight. In fact, it can take several months and even a few years to develop a comprehensive treatment plan. Time should be taken to ensure that a treatment plan is developed to work best for the person’s specific needs. Working with a trusted mental health professional is essential for receiving the best treatment.
With the right treatment in place, those with bipolar disorder can live just as normally as anyone else. Here at Moment of Clarity, we are dedicated to helping individuals with bipolar disorder. Our team of mental health professional’s is committed to ensuring our patients get the quality care and support they need.
At Moment of Clarity, our team of qualified treatment and mental health professionals have proven experience treating bipolar disorder. It is important that bipolar disorder is treated through quality care and a well-rounded treatment experience. We offer all of our patients personalized bipolar treatment in Orange County.
Our team can answer any questions you may have about bipolar disorder. If you or a loved one is suffering from a mental health disorder, there is hope.
At Moment of Clarity we are here to help you achieve better mental health. Contact us today to learn about our treatment solutions for you.
