Bipolar Disorder Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, & Treatment

What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a severe mental disorder identified by intense mood fluctuations. They can incorporate severe excitement episodes or extreme depressive feelings such as rage and emotional outbursts to feelings of intense stimulation. Bipolar disorder is:

• Quite prevalent (with over 3 million cases yearly just in the USA.)
•  Treatable by mental health specialists.
•  It can last several years or even become a lifelong illness.
•  More common for adults aged 18 to 35.
•  Family history may increase disposition to this illness.
•  It is not laboratory tested or imaged.

What is a bipolar disorder? Bipolar disorder is a diagnosis that encompasses three distinct bipolar disorders. These are bipolar I, bipolar II, and cyclothymic disorder. Individuals with bipolar I disorder usually have other mental disorders such as anxiety, substance use disorders, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Suicide risk is significantly higher among individuals with bipolar I disorder in the general population.

What are Bipolar Disorder Symptoms?

Bipolar disorder symptoms may persist over several weeks, months, or even multiple years. The symptoms fluctuate during the bipolar disorder manic and depressive phases. Patients can experience no symptoms during intervening occurrences of bipolar disorder mania and depression bipolar disorder.

Signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder differ from person to person. For example, one individual may be overly talkative during a bipolar disorder manic phase. Another may experience manic bipolar disorder symptoms by having racing thoughts. Abruptly changing habits, like losing interest in activities you once enjoyed and having a significant change in appetite, could be part of the depressive bipolar disorder phase.

The depressive phase symptoms of bipolar disorder can include:

• Feeling sad and crying.
• Emotions of being hopeless, worthless, and guilty.
• Loss of energy.
• Loss of interest and or pleasure in daily activities.
• Difficulty focusing and making decisions.
• Being irritable.
• Feeling sleepy.
• Change in appetite.
• Weight loss or gain.
• Suicidal thinking and even suicide attempts.

The manic phase symptoms of bipolar disorder are characterized by the following:

• Extreme happiness, hopefulness, and excitement.
• Fits of anger, rage, and hostile behavior.
• Feeling restless.
• Feeling Agitated.
• Experiencing rapid speech.
• Lack of focus and good judgment.
• Increased energy levels.
• Reduced need for sleep.
• Unusually high sex drive.
• Setting unrealistic goals.
• Feeling paranoid.

What are the Signs of Bipolar Disorder Characteristics?

The sign and symptoms of bipolar disorder can have a significant impact on individuals living with bipolar disorder. Individuals with this mood disorder have a much stricter time coping during bipolar disorder manic episode highs and depressive lows. Bipolar can look very different in different people. Bipolar disorder signs can look very different in other people. Bipolar disorder warning signs are sometimes confused with severe depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), drug-induced highs, or simply plain moodiness. As a result of not detecting the early signs of bipolar disorder in young adults, only one in four sufferers is accurately diagnosed in less than three years.

Gender Differences in Bipolar Disorder Signs and Symptoms

Understanding bipolar disorder in different sexes is crucial. The course and presentation of bipolar disorder differ between women and men. The onset of bipolar disorder tends to occur later in women than in men, and women more usually have a seasonal pattern of mood disturbance. Bipolar disorder symptoms in women often include depressive episodes, mixed mania, and rapid cycling bipolar disorder compared to symptoms in men.

Signs of Bipolar Disorder in Women

The signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder in women, like in men, bipolar disorder for women are described by severe mood swings, including periods of mania (heightened mood) and depression in bipolar disorder. However, women are more feasible to experience hypomania than men, meaning their mania experience may be less pronounced to others.

• Bipolar disorder age of onset
  • Women appear to have a later onset of bipolar disorder than men. Females are more likely than men to develop bipolar disorder throughout their fifth decade.
• Seasonal changes
  • Women with bipolar disorder experience a seasonal pattern of mood disturbance more often than men. Women are more prone than males to develop depressive episodes in the fall and winter.
• Depressive episodes
  • Women appear more prone to a depressive diathesis of bipolar disorder than men.
• Rapid cycling
  • Women with bipolar illness are more prone than males to cycle rapidly. In bipolar disorder, rapid cycling is described as having at least four episodes of a mood disturbance in the past 12 months that fulfill the criteria for a major depressive, manic, mixed, or hypomanic episode.
• Comorbidity
  • Comorbidity of medical and psychiatric disorders is more common in women than men and adversely affects recovery from bipolar mania disorder more often in women. Medical conditions more common in women with bipolar disorder than in men include thyroid disease, migraine headaches, and obesity.

Signs of Bipolar Disorder in Men

The symptoms of bipolar illness in males might be difficult to detect since men are more likely to reject the existence of a problem. This is most likely due to cultural norms that familiarize males that exhibiting emotion is a sign of weakness. Symptoms of bipolar disorder in men might manifest differently than in women. There are a few crucial differences that we should be aware of.

• Onset
  • Bipolar disorder can have an earlier start in men. Women also might have more extreme mood swings or disturbances with a seasonal pattern. 
• Episodes
  • Men generally have fewer depressive episodes and mixed mania than women. They also have less bipolar disorder rapid cycling than women. 
• Bipolar II disorder
  • Bipolar 2 disorder is typically less common in men than women, which means fewer bipolar disorder depressive episodes.
• Comorbidity
  • Psychiatric and medical disorders are less common in men. Substance abuse, in addition to bipolar, is more common in men. Women, by contrast, typically have a comorbidity of thyroid disease, obesity, migraines, or an anxiety disorder more often than men.

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Learn More:

• Top Mood Stabilizers for Bipolar Disorder
• Bipolar and Alcohol
• Difference Between Bipolar And BPD, Causes, Risk Factors, Complications & Symptoms
• Psychiatric Disorders Treatment
• Mental Health Treatment
• BPD Treatment
• Anxiety Disorder Treatment
• Depression Treatment
• Rehab for Depression
• Depression at an All-Time High

Borderline Personality Disorder vs Bipolar

Is borderline personality disorder the same as bipolar? Borderline personality disorder and bipolar disorder have similar symptoms but are very different conditions with different treatment approaches. Diagnosing mental health conditions can be challenging because no biological tests can distinguish bipolar vs borderline personality disorder or bipolar disorder vs BPD.

What is the difference between bipolar and borderline personality disorder?

Let’s answer the following questions. Is there a difference between borderline personality disorder and bipolar? What type of disorder is bipolar? Is bipolar a mood disorder? Is bipolar disorder a personality disorder? BPD is a mental personality disorder, and bipolar disorder is a mood disorder. Mood disorders are a category of conditions distinguished by severe alterations in mood. Some the conditions, like depression, fall in this category, along with bipolar.

What is the key difference between borderline personality disorder vs bipolar disorder? BPD vs bipolar disorder

Is bipolar a personality disorder? Bipolar is not a type of personality disorder. The critical difference between a person with bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder is that a person with bipolar is not in a manic or depressive episode. They show stability that the borderline personality does not display. If someone bipolar is in between episodes, they can function well. 

What are the psychological factors that may distinguish bipolar disorder vs borderline personality? 

Bipolar involves dramatic mood changes, while people with borderline personality disorder think, feel, and behave differently from those without the condition. Bipolar disorder mood fluctuations are more random and less tied to events than borderline mood swings. Bipolar persons may have a hair-trigger response during an episode, but borderline people constantly experience a hair-trigger reaction.

Can a person have a bipolar and borderline personality disorder dual diagnosis? What are the bipolar personality disorder symptoms?

Can you have borderline personality disorder and bipolar at the same time? Many of the borderline personality disorder symptoms vs bipolar overlap. About 20 percent of people with bipolar 2 disorder receive a BPD diagnosis. Of individuals with bipolar 1 disorder, about 10 percent receive a BPD diagnosis.

Can you be bipolar and have borderline personality disorder? Yes. A mental health dual diagnosis of borderline personality disorder and bipolar disorder can sometimes cause severe signs and symptoms. Someone may need intense inpatient care in a hospital or a residential mental health treatment facility.

What symptoms occur when an individual has both conditions? When a person has bipolar disorder and BPD, they’ll display signs unique to each state.

How do you know if you have bipolar disorder? Symptoms unique to bipolar include:

• Bipolar manic disorder episodes cause extremely high feelings or emotions.
• Depression symptoms within manic episodes (also known as a “mixed episode.”)
• Shifts in sleeping habits.

Unique BPD symptoms include:

• Regular emotional changes are related to factors such as family and work stress.
• Extreme relationships with difficulty regulating emotions.
• Signs of self-harm include cutting, burning, hitting, or injuring themselves.
• Ongoing feelings of boredom or emptiness.
• Sensations of shame or guilt usually follow intense, sometimes uncontrollable, angry outbursts.

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Bipolar Disorder Statistics

How many people have bipolar disorder? Each year it is calculated that around 7 million adults in the United States experience bipolar disorder. This correlates to about 2.8 percent of the adult population. Roughly 4.4 percent of all US citizens will experience bipolar disorder at some point. Most people diagnosed with this mental condition are between 18 and 29, followed by those in the 30-44 range, then those in the 45-59 range.

Different Types of Bipolar Disorders

There are three kinds of bipolar disorder. This mental illness causes extreme mood swings, with emotional highs (mania) and emotional lows (depression). However, bipolar disorder (which used to be called manic depression) goes past mood swings. Bipolar manic depression can disrupt many areas of your life, including your school or job, regular routines, and relationships. Once you’ve learned what type of bipolar disorder you have, you can take steps to get treatment.

What is the difference between bipolar disorder 1 vs 2? Both can appear highly similar, but there is one significant difference. Persons with bipolar 1 disorder have at least one episode of mania, whereas those with bipolar 2 illness do not. People with bipolar 1 illness have more severe symptoms that interrupt their everyday lives during manic episodes.

Bipolar I Disorder

What is bipolar 1 disorder? Bipolar Disorder Type 1 is defined by manic bipolar disorder episodes that last at least seven days or by manic signs and symptoms that are so intense that the person needs immediate hospital care. Usually, depressive episodes also occur, typically lasting at least 2 weeks. Bouts of depression with various mixed features can also happen. These experiences of four or more episodes of mania or depression within 1 year is named “rapid cycling.”

Bipolar 1 Disorder Symptoms (DSM-5 – Bipolar Disorder 1 Symptoms)

What are the symptoms of bipolar 1 disorder? To be diagnosed with bipolar 1 disorder, the person must have experienced at least one period of mania and depression as defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.

What are the characteristics of bipolar disorder? The DSM-5 defines manic episodes as at least seven days, consecutively, of profound mood disturbance characterized by joy, irritability, or expansiveness. (These are referred to as gateway criteria.) At least three of the following symptoms must also be present:

Grandiosity (an exaggerated belief in one’s importance, sometimes reaching delusional proportions; delusions are false beliefs held despite confrontation with contrary facts.)

•  Diminished need for sleep.
•  Excessive talking or pressured speech.
•  Racing thoughts or flight of ideas.
•  Clear proof of distractibility.
•  Increased level of goal-focused activity at home, at work, or sexually.
•  Excessive pleasurable activities, often with painful consequences.

The mood disturbance in type 1 bipolar disorder must be sufficient to cause impairment at work or danger to the individual or others. The mood must not result from substance abuse or a medical condition.

Bipolar II Disorder

What is bipolar 2 disorder? Bipolar disorder type 2 is distinguished by a pattern of depressed and hypomanic episodes, although the attacks are less severe than those in bipolar disorder type 1. Most persons with bipolar II disorder experience more depressive episodes. This is the origin of the phrase “manic depression.” Many persons with bipolar disorder II go about their daily lives in between periods of hypomania and bipolar disorder depression episodes.

Bipolar 2 Disorder Symptoms

What are the symptoms of bipolar 2 disorder? To be diagnosed with Bipolar II Disorder according to the criteria provided in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders or DSM-5, someone must experience the following:

• A hypomanic episode.
• A major depressive episode. These can happen at any point throughout a lifetime.

What qualifies as bipolar disorder hypomania? An episode of hypomania bipolar disorder requires at least 4 days of positive mood change that may include feelings of heightened energy, irritability, and expansiveness. You must have at least 3 signs and symptoms during this time. If your mood has been exclusively temperamental, you must have 4 of the subsequent bipolar disorder II symptoms:

1. An inflated sense of well-being and self-confidence (euphoria), grandiosity.
2. Lessened need for sleep.
3. Uncommon talkativeness.
4. Rushed/scattered thinking, racing thoughts.
5. Attention/focus problems, distractibility.
6. An increase in purposeless physical activity (restlessness, pacing, tapping fingers or feet, suddenly beginning and stopping work, hurriedly chatting, and moving stuff around without meaning) or an increase in “activity toward goals” is what psychomotor agitation is.

What qualifies as a depressive episode? A major depressive bipolar disorder episode requires at least two weeks of depressive disorder (MDD) symptoms.

A major depressive episode is defined by depressed symptoms lasting at least two weeks and causing considerable emotional and occupational discomfort. A depressive episode must include a sad mood or loss of interest and pleasure (anhedonia), as well as at least four of the following symptoms:

• Notable changes in weight and appetite.
• Napping too much (hypersomnia) or too little (insomnia).
• Turmoil or sluggishness.
• Loss of energy.
• Feeling intense worthlessness or guilt.
• Attention problems, indecisiveness.
• Thinking about, planning, or attempting suicide.

Cyclothymic Disorder 

It is also known as cyclothymia and is characterized by repeated hypomanic and depressed symptoms that are not severe enough or remain long enough to be classified as hypomanic or depressive episodes. This is an uncommon kind of bipolar illness. Its highs and lows are generally milder than bipolar disorder 1 and 2.

Cyclothymic Disorder vs Bipolar

An individual might experience signs of bipolar disorder that do not match the abovementioned three categories. This is “other specified and unspecified bipolar and related disorders.”

Bipolar disorder is typically diagnosed (diagnose bipolar disorder test) during late adolescence (teen years) or early adulthood. Occasionally, bipolar symptoms can appear in children. Although symptoms vary, bipolar illness often needs lifelong therapy. Following a treatment plan can assist patients in managing their symptoms and improving their quality of life.

What Causes Bipolar Disorder? 

What are the causes of bipolar disorder? The origins of bipolar disorder vary among people, and the precise mechanism is unclear. However, research indicates that bipolar disorder causes can be traced to:

• Genetics can cause bipolar disorder and is often seen in families of impacted patients. The genetics of bipolar disorder and the inheritance pattern of bipolar disorder is unclear. Generally, first-degree relatives of afflicted persons have a higher chance of getting this ailment.
•  Brain structure- abnormal bipolar disorder brain structure and function.
•  Seasonal depression and certain other mental illnesses, such as anxiety disorder.

Risk Factors for Bipolar Disorder

What are the bipolar disorder risk factors? Researchers are investigating the reasons for bipolar disorder. Most experts believe there is no one cause, and several variables influence a person’s risk of developing the condition.

Brain Structure and Functioning

What causes bipolar disorder in the brain? Some studies indicate that the brains of people with bipolar disorder may differ from the brains of people who do not have bipolar disorder or any other mental disorder. Learning more about these differences may help scientists understand the risk factors of bipolar disorders and determine which treatment for bipolar disorder will work best. At this time, healthcare providers base the diagnosis and treatment plan on a person’s symptoms and history rather than brain imaging or other diagnostic tests.

Bipolar Disorder Genetic Risk

Is bipolar disorder genetics? According to some studies, those with particular genes are more prone to developing the bipolar illness. Individuals who have a parent or sibling that has a diagnosis of bipolar illness have a higher risk of developing the disease themselves, according to research. Can bipolar disorder be genetic? More genes are involved, and no one gene can cause the illness. Learning more about the genetics of bipolar disorder and how genes play a role in bipolar disorder may help researchers develop new treatments.

Is bipolar a genetic disorder? Genetic bipolar disorder is frequently inherited, with genetic factors accounting for approximately 80% of the condition’s cause. Bipolar disorder is the most feasible psychiatric condition to be passed down from the family. If one parent has bipolar disorder, there’s a 10% chance their child will develop the illness. What are the genetic markers for bipolar disorder? The inheritance pattern of bipolar disorder is unclear. The risk of developing this condition is more significant for first-degree relatives of affected individuals (such as siblings or children) than for the general public.

Bipolar Disorder Complications 

Where suitable treatment is not given timely, bipolar disorder and relationships could lead to:

• Damaged and strained relationships, in and outside the home. Bipolar disorder relationship patterns may include risky behaviors such as unprotected sex or extramarital affairs while manic.
• Bipolar disorder sabotages relationships. Loving someone with bipolar disorder can be a challenge. It is common for a person with bipolar disorder to hurt and offend their partner.
• Effects of bipolar on the brain. How does bipolar disorder affect the brain? Bipolar mental disorder is a psychiatric condition that can cause extreme mood changes. It is also associated with various structural and functional changes in the brain.
• Poor performance at school or work.
• Bipolar disorder and alcoholism, or other types of drug abuse, can be dangerous. Each can exacerbate the symptoms and severity of the other. Both conditions increase the risk of mood swings, depression, violence, and suicide.
• Financial difficulties.
• Suicidal thoughts and attempts.

Do I Have Bipolar Disorder Test

How to test for bipolar disorder? To diagnose bipolar disorder (bipolar disorder diagnosis test), a doctor performs a physical exam, asks about your symptoms guided by the bipolar disorder questionnaire (Mood Disorder Questionnaire), and suggests blood testing to determine if another condition or illness, such as hypothyroidism, is causing your symptoms. If your doctor does not find an underlying cause of your symptoms, they perform a psychological evaluation. Do you think you may be bipolar? Take the “do I have a bipolar disorder quiz” below.

10 Popular Bipolar Disorder Test FAQs

How is Bipolar Disorder Diagnosed? Bipolar Disorder Diagnosis

How does bipolar disorder screening work? Most of us have become used to sophisticated blood tests or other laboratory measurements to assist our doctors in making accurate diagnoses. However, most lab or imaging tests do not help diagnose bipolar disorder in adults. The most important diagnostic tool may be discussing your mood swings, behaviors, and lifestyle habits openly with the doctor.

How to diagnose bipolar disorder? The test for bipolar disorder and diagnosis of bipolar disorder is made only by carefully noting the symptoms’ severity, duration, and frequency. Mood fluctuations” from day to day or moment to moment may not always reflect a bipolar disorder diagnosis. The criteria for bipolar disorder include times of exceptional elevation or irritation in mood, increased energy, insomnia, and rapid thinking or speaking. The patient’s symptoms are thoroughly evaluated utilizing American Psychiatric Association standards.

10 Top Bipolar Disorder Diagnosis FAQs

Do I Have Bipolar Disorder Quiz? Quiz for Bipolar Disorder

This brief test will help determine if you need to see a mental health professional to diagnose and treat bipolar disorder. Only a professional mental healthcare provider can accurately diagnose bipolar disorder and advise a treatment plan if needed.

This brief test will help determine if you may need to see a mental health professional for the diagnosis and treatment of bipolar disorder. Only a mental health professional can accurately diagnose bipolar disorder, and if needed, recommend a treatment plan.

*By taking this free quiz, you may obtain your results online and in your email box. You'll have the opportunity to opt-in to learn more about your symptoms, talk to a mental health consultant and join our newsletter. Rest assured your information is private and confidential. Results, consultations and assessment are provided without any cost to you and without any obligation. If you do not wish to provide your contact information, you may omit it during your quiz. Thank you for opting in and participating. To you best of health.

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3. Has there ever been a period of time when you were not your usual self and you felt so good or hyper that other people thought you were not your normal self or were so hyper that you got into trouble?

Yes

No

4. Has there ever been a period of time when you were not your usual self and you were so irritable that you shouted at people or started fights or arguments?

Yes

No

5. Has there ever been a period of time when you were not your usual self and you felt much more self-confident than usual?

Yes

No

6. Has there ever been a period of time when you were not your usual self and you got much less sleep than usual and found you didn’t really miss it?

Yes

No

7. Has there ever been a period of time when you were not your usual self and you were much more talkative or spoke much faster than usual?

Yes

No

8. Has there ever been a period of time when you were not your usual self and thoughts raced through your head or you couldn’t slow your mind down?

Yes

No

9. Has there ever been a period of time when you were not your usual self and you were so easily distracted by things around you that you had trouble concentrating or staying on track?

Yes

No

10. Has there ever been a period of time when you were not your usual self and you had much more energy than usual?

Yes

No

11. Has there ever been a period of time when you were not your usual self and you were much more social or outgoing than usual, for example, you telephoned friends in the middle of the night?

Yes

No

12. Has there ever been a period of time when you were not your usual self and you were much more interested in sex than usual?

Yes

No

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What are Bipolar Disorder Treatment Options?

Treatment may benefit numerous patients, including those with highly severe cases of bipolar disorder. An efficient treatment program customarily combines medicine and psychotherapy, known as “talk therapy.”

Generally, for most people, bipolar disorder can be an enduring lifetime illness. Experiences of extreme mania and depression usually arrive in cycles over and over. In between episodes, countless people with bipolar disorder are independent of mood changes, but some may experience continued symptoms. Intensive long-term, inpatient therapy can help improve and offer techniques for patients to handle bipolar manifestations properly.

People with bipolar illness can live healthy and productive lives with proper diagnosis and treatment. The initial step is to consult with a doctor or other certified healthcare practitioner. The doctor can do a physical checkup and order any required medical tests to rule out other problems. After that, the health care practitioner may conduct a mental health examination or send the patient to a qualified mental health care provider with expertise in diagnosing and treating bipolar illness.

Bipolar Disorder Medications

Several bipolar disorder medicine can enhance the improved control of bipolar disorder symptoms. Some clients may need to investigate different drugs to learn which works best. At the same time, they communicate with their healthcare provider to determine which medications for bipolar disorder are likely to work best for them.

What medications treat bipolar disorder? Medicines for bipolar disorder are commonly employed to manage bipolar disorder and incorporate mood stabilizers and second-generation (“atypical”) antipsychotics. Bipolar II disorder treatments may involve bipolar II disorder medications that focus on sleep and anxiety. Healthcare providers frequently prescribe antidepressants to tackle depressive incidents in bipolar disorder, coupling the antidepressant with a mood stabilizer to avert triggering a manic episode.

People taking bipolar II disorder medication should:

• Talk with their healthcare provider to understand the risks and benefits of the medications used to treat bipolar disorder.
• Tell their healthcare provider about any prescription drugs or over-the-counter medications bipolar disorder supplements they are already consuming.
• Report any issues about side effects to a healthcare provider right away. The healthcare provider may need to change the dose or try different medications to treat bipolar disorder.
• Note that medication for bipolar disorder must be taken consistently, as prescribed, even when feeling well.

Avoid pausing bipolar-prescribed medication unless consulting with your mental health specialist first. Abruptly discontinuing bipolar disorder prescription may lead to a “rebound” or worsening of bipolar symptoms. 

Bipolar Disorder Medication List

What medication is used to treat bipolar disorder? Many persons with the bipolar disease take multiple drugs, some of which are included below in the bipolar disorder medications list, before finding one that works for them. Furthermore, some patients find that treating their symptoms necessitates using more than one type of medicine. Any new or altering symptoms and adverse effects should be discussed with a doctor. The doctor can change the treatment based on the bipolar disorder medication list below.

Lithium Medication for Bipolar Disorder

How is bipolar disorder treated? Lithium works in the brain to aid in stabilizing moods. Doctors may prescribe lithium as part of the bipolar 1 disorder medications to help treat bipolar disorder or acute mania. Lithium bipolar disorder medication is sold as lithium carbonate capsules and tablets, and lithium citrate comes as a liquid. There are several brand names for bipolar disorder Lithium, such as Eskalith, Eskalith CR, and Lithobid. Lithium for bipolar disorder is a long-term treatment for episodes of mania and depression. It’s usually prescribed for at least six months. If you’re prescribed lithium, stick to the prescribed dose and do not stop taking it suddenly unless told to by your doctor. 

Antipsychotic Medication to Treat Bipolar Disorder

What are the medications for bipolar 1 disorder? An antipsychotic medicine may be prescribed “off-label” by a clinician to treat symptoms of bipolar illness with psychotic characteristics. (psychotic bipolar disorder). This signifies that the FDA has not authorized the use of this medicine for this purpose. Antipsychotics can also help manage bipolar disorder, mainly when periods of bipolar disorder psychosis occur during severe depression or mania.

Anticonvulsant Medication Treatment for Bipolar Disorder

What medication is used for bipolar disorder? Anticonvulsants are used to treat seizures, but they can also aid with mania and bipolar illness. Anticonvulsants used to treat bipolar disease are frequently referred to as “mood stabilizers” by doctors.

Antidepressant Medications

Antidepressants as a bipolar disorder treatment medication are practical. Although the efficacy of antidepressants is still being studied, they can help control the symptoms of bipolar depression. They function by interfering with brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. To reduce the risk of mania, those who use antidepressants to treat bipolar illness must also take a mood stabilizer.

What medications to avoid with bipolar disorder? Unless it is prescribed, avoid antidepressants. Sometimes, antidepressants can exacerbate bipolar illness or cause a manic episode. Mood stabilizers should be tried first, and antidepressants should never be used without them.

Antianxiety Medications

Most persons with bipolar illness also have other mental health problems. The most common is an anxiety disorder. Bipolar anxiety disorder is curable, although it is a long-term disease that can sometimes be difficult. 

A doctor may prescribe antianxiety meds as bipolar disorder 2 medications, such as a benzodiazepine, for short-term use. These can also help with sleep. Doctors typically do not prescribe these anxiety meds for bipolar disorder for long periods due to the risk of tolerance and dependence.

What are the Common Bipolar Disorder Medication Side effects?

Like any drug, common medications for bipolar disorder can cause some side effects. They vary depending on which medications you use. These side effects can include:

• Nausea.
• Tremors.
• Hair loss.
• Sexual problems.
• Weight gain.

• Liver damage.
• Kidney damage.
• Diarrhea.
• Belly pain.
• Skin reaction.

Medication Resistant Bipolar Disorder

Medication resistant bipolar disorder, or treatment-resistant bipolar disorder, is a term used when someone has minimal or inadequate response to standard treatments. To dramatically reduce treatment resistance and enhance stability, comorbid conditions, such as substance abuse, must be addressed. And destabilizing medications for bipolar disorder, such as antidepressants, must be discontinued. Evidence-based intensive bipolar disorder therapies are useful in maintenance. 

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Psychotherapy for Bipolar Disorder

What is the best bipolar disorder treatment without medication? Psychotherapy, sometimes called “talk therapy,” can be a valuable component of a bipolar illness treatment regimen. Psychotherapy refers to various bipolar illness treatment strategies that try to assist a person in identifying and changing troublesome feelings, ideas, and behaviors.

It can support, educate, and guide people with bipolar disorder and their families. Treatments bipolar disorder may include bipolar disorder therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and psychoeducation, which are used to treat various conditions.

How to help bipolar disorder without medication? Newer treatments for bipolar illness, such as interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT) and family-focused therapy, may be employed in medicine. Determining whether intensive psychotherapeutic intervention at the earliest stages of bipolar disorder can prevent or limit its full-blown onset is an important area of ongoing research.

Other Bipolar Treatment Options

How to treat bipolar disorder without medication? Some people may find other treatments for bipolar disorder helpful in managing their bipolar symptoms, including:

• Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)
  • ECT is a brain stimulation method that can assist people in getting relief from the harsh sign of bipolar disorder. With advanced ECT, a patient typically undergoes a sequence of therapy sittings over several weeks. ECT is performed under general anesthesia and is considered safe. It can be helpful in bipolar depressive disorder and manic episodes. These happen most frequently when medication and psychotherapy are inadequate or unsafe for a particular case. ECT can also be helpful when a fast response is required, such as suicide risk or catatonia (a state of unresponsiveness).

How to treat bipolar disorder without medication? More research is needed to determine the effects of other treatments, including:

• Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
  • TMS is a newer procedure for brain stimulation that uses magnetic waves. It is given to an alert subject most days for one month. Research reveals that TMS is effective for many people with different subtypes of depression, but its role in treating bipolar disorder is still under study.
• Supplements
  • While there are reports that some supplements, including bipolar disorder nutraceuticals and herbs, may benefit bipolar sufferers, not enough research has been done to completely know how these supplements may influence patients with bipolar disorder.

Healthcare providers must understand all bipolar prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications a patient takes. Certain medications and supplements taken together may cause undesired or even dangerous effects.

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Things You Can Do Beyond Bipolar Disorder Treatment

How to fix bipolar disorder without meds? Counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy for bipolar disorder, and the scope of lifestyle transformations can help individuals to manage their symptoms and enhance their overall quality of life. Although lifestyle changes won’t treat bipolar disorder, specific changes may improve your treatment and help to stabilize your mood. These changes include regular exercise and adequate sleep.

• Regular Exercise.
  • Consistent aerobic activity, such as jogging, quick walking, aquatics, or bicycling, may assist with depression and anxiety. And help support more regular sleep and is healthful for one’s heart and brain. Some data show that anaerobic exercises such as weightlifting, yoga, and pilates can also be practical. Verify with your healthcare providers before beginning a new workout regimen.
• Keeping a Life Chart.
  • Even with customary treatment, mood changes may transpire. Treatment is more efficient when a sufferer and healthcare specialists work collectively and communicate sincerely on concerns and options. How to manage bipolar disorder? A life chart that registers everyday mood manifestations, medications, rest patterns, and life experiences can help you and your healthcare providers to follow and manage bipolar disorder over time. Clients can readily distribute data gathered via smartphone apps, including self-reports, self-ratings, and activity data, with their bipolar disorder therapists.
• Meditation for Bipolar Disorder.
  • Even though it’s not a cure for bipolar, meditation can help you relax and reduce stress. It can also help you disengage from stressful or anxious thoughts and better control your mood. Meditation is easy; anyone can practice it at home or in class.

Finding Mental Health Treatment Resources

• How to help someone with bipolar disorder? A family healthcare practitioner or doctor is an excellent resource and should be the first port of call when seeking assistance.
•  For public information on mental health and to find local treatment assistance, contact the SAMHSA/Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Treatment Referral Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

Anhedonia Treatment

Before individuals can be confident they are suffering from anhedonia, a doctor must ensure they aren’t suffering from other illnesses that might present the same way. There is no direct treatment for this condition itself. This condition often correlates to other mental health illnesses and treating the primary issue.

Treatment depends on the condition or mental disorder it’s associated with. For example, for people with depression, antidepressants may be prescribed, while individuals with schizophrenia are often treated with antipsychotic medications. Treatment also often includes psychotherapy.

Since this condition may be associated with deficits in the brain’s reward system, a different approach may be necessary for its treatment. For example, one study found that favorable affect treatment, a method that attempts to increase the way the brain perceives rewards, resulted in better outcomes than the treatments that focus solely on reducing negative feelings for individuals who experienced this condition.

Some medications may help with this condition associated with physical ailments. For example, research has shown that people with Parkinson’s disease experienced reduced anhedonia after receiving treatment with dopamine agonist medications such as pramipexole.

Suppose you or your loved one think you may have anhedonia and no longer experience pleasure when participating in activities you usually enjoy. In that case, a mental health professional can help determine what’s causing your symptoms. At the We Level Up FL mental health facility, we provide the utmost care with doctors and medical staff available 24/7 for life-changing and lasting recovery. We can provide clients with the tools, education, and therapy to return to a fulfilling and productive life.

Is Manic Depression The Same As Bipolar? Bipolar VS Manic Depression, & Manic Depression Definition

Is manic depression bipolar? What is manic depression disorder? With the publication of the third revision of the “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders” in 1980, depression manic disorder was changed to bipolar disorder. The term depressive manic had become highly stigmatized, so changing the word was intended to help minimize negative perspectives toward the condition. Renaming the manic depressive illness also helps professionals diagnose manic depressive bipolar disorder more accurately.

When searching for manic depression vs bipolar disorder, manic depression vs depression, manic vs depressive, and bipolar vs manic depressive, mental healthcare organizations have considered and analyzed the below factors.

Bipolar disorder (formerly manic-depressive illness or manic depression episodes) is a mental illness that causes unusual shifts in a person’s mood, energy, activity levels, and concentration. Medical organizations, particularly psychiatry, have made a significant effort in recent decades to convert the vocabulary to the official DSM diagnostic diagnosis of bipolar disorder. This movement has been attributed to a variety of factors, including:

• The manic depressive episode has generally been used to denote various mental illnesses. As classification systems have become more sophisticated, the new term of bipolar disorder allows for more clarity in diagnosis.
•  The terms “manic” and “mania” have received many negative connotations. Probe standard phrases like “Manic Monday,” “Animaniacs,” and “homicidal maniac.” Similarly, the term “depression” is thrown around casually by the general population to describe feelings of melancholy that do not qualify as clinical depression.
•  Bipolar disorder is a clinical term and so less emotionally charged. When you define manic depression, manic depression meaning has been stigmatized.
•  The manic depressive definition emphasizes the predominant emotional symptoms but seems to exclude the physical and cognitive symptoms also present.
•  The terms “depressed manic,” “manic depressant,” and “manic depressive psychosis” exclude the cyclothymic or hypomanic (bipolar II disorder) versions of the disorder.

Symptoms of Manic Depression

When depressed, a person might feel the following signs of manic depression, such as being persistently sad, hopeless, and lethargic, and may feel suicidal, among other symptoms of a manic depressive episode. When a person has manic depressive symptoms, they become overly elated, more irritable, require less sleep, make grand plans, and may impulsively engage in potentially dangerous behavior.

Manic bipolar depression is distinguished by chronically occurring mania or hypomania alternating with depression and is often misdiagnosed initially. The symptoms of manic depressive episodes are often difficult to recognize because manic depressive disorder symptoms overlap with other psychiatric disorders. Also, psychiatric and somatic comorbidity is common, and patients may lack insight into their conditions, particularly hypomania.

The distinction between unipolar and bipolar depression is a significant diagnostic difficulty since bouts of unipolar major depression and bipolar depression share the same overall diagnostic criteria. Clinicians must inquire about past manic depression signs and hypomanic episodes in patients presenting with manifestations of a depressive episode. Questionnaires into past hypomanic or manic episodes are critical for individuals with early onset of their first depressive episode (in persons younger than 25 years), a family history of bipolar manic depression disorder, and a high number of lifetime depressive episodes (5 or more episodes). These findings in the patient’s history have increased the likelihood of a bipolar manic depressive disorder rather than a unipolar diagnosis.

The presence of psychosis, unresponsiveness to antidepressants, the induction of manic or hypomanic symptoms by antidepressant drug treatment, and poly morbidity, defined as three or more comorbid conditions, are all factors that increase the likelihood of a diagnostic change from major depressive disorder to bipolar disorder.

Manic Depressive vs Bipolar

Can you be manic and depressed at the same time? Technically, there’s so little difference between manic depression and bipolar, as bipolar disorder was named manic depression before. Bipolar manic depression symptoms are a mixture of hypomanic/manic and depressed symptoms. You have dysphoric mania when you have symptoms of both sadness and mania. It’s also known as a “mixed state,” “mixed mania,” “mixed episode,” or “mixed characteristics,” and while scientists used to believe it was uncommon, now they think it’s widespread. Around 40% of patients with bipolar illness experience dysphoric mania at times.

A doctor will do a physical check, discuss your symptoms, and offer blood tests to see whether another ailment, such as hypothyroidism, is causing your symptoms during the manic depression test. If the doctor cannot identify an underlying cause of your symptoms, they will do a psychological examination as a part of the manic depressive test.

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How to Improve Mental Health? 8 Steps & Tips for Maintaining Your Mental Wellbeing Video

We Level Up FL treatment center nurtures the healing of the body, mind, and spirit. Each client is considered a member of our family. We know clients can recover better when they get the proper individualized treatment. When you’re ready to begin your recovery journey, we are here for you.

Learn how to overcome depression and anxiety naturally with the tips below. If you are ready to get professional help, contact We Level Up FL for free mental health assessment and treatment resources.

8 Steps for Mental Wellbeing & How To Improve Mental Health

1. Staying Positive.

2. Practicing Gratitude.

3. Taking Care of Your Physical Health.

4. Connecting With Others.

5. Developing a Sense of Meaning and Purpose in Life.

6. Developing Coping Skills.

7. Meditation

8. Relaxation Techniques.

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