Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a serious and chronic mental disorder that causes mood fluctuations, changes in energy and activity levels, and concentration, affecting the ability to do everyday tasks. Bipolar disorder is a manic-depressive illness where patients experience sharp mood swings that show a marked fluctuation between mania and depression.

Bipolar disorder requires expert care and management in order for the patient to continue having a normal life. At RHS, our highly experienced team of mental health professionals provide comprehensive support to patients with bipolar disorder in the form of medications and therapies to help them function well in their everyday lives regardless of the condition.

Signs and Symptoms

Bipolar disorder patients usually experience the following symptoms:

Elation or euphoria

Overly energetic

Fast-moving thoughts

Difficulty sleeping

Behavior causing injury or harm

Bipolar disorder patients who experience depression display the following symptoms:

Dull and listless

Low energy levels

Melancholy

Anxious and worrying

Difficulty eating and sleeping

Not interested in favorite activities

Suicidal thoughts

Causes of Bipolar Disorder

Neurological and neuroendocrinological

Genetic and physiological

Environmental

Bipolar Disorder Types

The three commonest types of Bipolar Disorder are:

This form of bipolar disorder is characterized by manic episodes that go on for a week at a time. The patient might also need to be hospitalized. Depression lasting two weeks is also common.

Though the patient might not suffer from manic episodes, he will experience hypomanic episodes accompanied by depression.

This form of bipolar disorder involves the patient suffering from hypomanic episodes for over two years, accompanied by bouts of depression.

Other types of bipolar disorder include:

Substance- medication-inducing bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder due to a medical condition
Bipolar disorder due to an unknown reason

Treatment

A psychiatrist with experience in treating bipolar disorder should be consulted. The line of treatment involves:

Several types of medications are used to treat bipolar disorder. These include mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, antidepressants, antidepressant-antipsychotic and anti-anxiety medications.

Several types of therapy may be useful in treating bipolar disorder. This could be either in groups or individually. These are:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Here, negative behaviors and beliefs are identified and replaced with positivity. It also helps to spot bipolar episodes and teaches patients coping strategies.
Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT)
This deals with mood management and stresses on the individual’s daily rhythms, as waking, sleeping, and eating. It also helps spot bipolar disorder triggers.
Psychoeducation
By understanding what this disorder is about, families can lend better support to the patient.

Patients with bipolar disorder need lifelong treatment, or they may suffer a relapse.

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The Reliance Experience

Operating in Richland, Washington, RHS is a top-notch mental health center providing advanced care to patients suffering from numerous mental health conditions. We believe in providing lasting recovery through highly individualized treatment and therapy. With the integrity and effectiveness of our care, RHS has undoubtedly become a leader in providing exceptional mental health care in the Tri-Cities area, helping numerous patients along the way.