Bipolar disorder, also called manic depression, can be difficult to live with. It is a chronic health condition that requires ongoing treatment with medication, talk therapy, lifestyle changes and support from friends and family.
It usually begins in adolescence or young adulthood, but can occur at any age. Risk factors include heredity, a stressful or abusive home environment and substance abuse.
Symptoms
Bipolar disorder is characterized by extreme mood changes that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). These episodes can affect sleep, energy, behavior and thinking.
If you have a manic episode, you may feel extremely excited and confident, even invincible. These episodes can lead to impulsive or reckless behavior and can cause concern among family members.
A depressive episode may cause you to be very sad and hopeless, lose interest in most things, and have trouble sleeping. These episodes often last at least two weeks.
Some people have mixed episodes, which involve both mania and depression together. These episodes may be very intense and can cause hallucinations or delusions.
Medication can help treat the symptoms of bipolar disorder. Your doctor will discuss your symptoms and medications to determine the best treatment for you.
Diagnosis
Symptoms of bipolar disorder vary from person to person, but usually include periods of intense emotion (mania or depression), unusual changes in sleep and activity patterns, and behaviors that are out of character for the person. These episodes, or mood shifts, last weeks or months.
People with bipolar disorder may also spend a lot of money, use recreational drugs, drink alcohol or engage in dangerous and inappropriate activities during their episodes. These characteristics are called "highs" or "lows."
Treatment for bipolar disorder begins with a diagnosis, which requires a mental health professional to carefully review the patient's symptoms and other information. The doctor compares the symptoms to the criteria in the DSM-5, a diagnostic tool published by the American Psychiatric Association.
Medications are often prescribed to help balance the symptoms of bipolar disorder. Taking the medications regularly, as prescribed, is essential to maintaining a healthy mood and preventing relapses of symptoms. Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT) or family-focused therapy, is also important.
Treatment
Bipolar disorder is a chronic illness, and it can take time to find the right treatment. However, with the right care, you can manage your symptoms and live a healthy, happy life.
There are many different treatment options for bipolar disorder, including medicines, talking therapies and lifestyle changes. But the best way to get help is to talk to your doctor or mental health professional.
Taking medication can help you stabilise your mood and prevent episodes of mania or depression from happening in the first place. Medication can also help you feel more stable during an episode, and improve your ability to function normally.
Psychotherapy, or "talk therapy," can help you recognize and change impulsive, unhealthy thoughts and behaviors that may lead to manic or depressive episodes. It can also teach you skills for dealing with stress, anxiety and other triggers of an episode.
It's important to find a treatment that works for you and your doctor, and to keep trying new approaches until you find what works for you. Remember that it's normal to be frustrated and discouraged when you're not feeling better, but it's crucial to stick with your treatment plan and be committed to improving your condition.
Prevention
The best way to prevent bipolar disorder is to get early and regular treatment. This includes medication, which can help you manage symptoms.
Medications for mood stabilizers, antipsychotics and antidepressants can reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. They should be taken with your doctor's advice.
Some people with bipolar disorder may be at a higher risk of developing mania while taking antidepressants. This is because these drugs can interfere with your brain's production of neurotransmitters.
Genetics is also a major factor in the development of bipolar disorder. There's a 1 in 10 chance that you'll develop it if one of your parents has the condition.
Family-focused therapy (FFT) can help to reduce negativity in the family and increase the ability of children at high risk for developing bipolar disorder to cope with stress and adversity. It can also help them and their families better understand the disorder.
