Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder

 

Bipolar disorder continues to be one of the mental health disorders that lay people understand worst. People casually use the term “bipolar” to describe things that change quickly, like the weather. However, the disorder is marked by long periods of depression and long periods of mania. The moods do not change rapidly. Bipolar disorder is a serious illness that requires treatment to improve a person’s quality of life. Bipolar disorder is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks. Symptoms of bipolar disorder are severe. They are different from the normal ups and downs that everyone goes through from time to time. Bipolar disorder symptoms can result in damaged relationships, poor job, or school performance, and even suicide. But bipolar disorder can be treated, and people with this illness can lead full and productive lives. 

Cyclothymic Disorder:

The mental health profession has strict guidelines for diagnosing bipolar disorder. As such, some people experience both depression and mania, yet the symptoms fail to meet the criteria for diagnosis. These people may have cyclothymic disorder. The symptoms and recommended therapies for cyclothymic disorder are like bipolar disorder.

Bipolar disorder has two distinct sub-types: Bipolar 1 and Bipolar 2:

People with Bipolar 1 typically have periods of mania that last at least one week and depressive episodes that last at least two weeks. People may also have Bipolar 1 if the symptoms don’t last quite that long, but they are so intense that the person needs inpatient therapy.

When people have Bipolar 2, they have shorter periods of both mania and depression. While the symptoms may not last as long, people with Bipolar 2 still deserve and need professional intervention.

Signs & Symptoms:

People with bipolar disorder experience unusually intense emotional states that occur in distinct periods called "mood episodes." Each mood episode represents a drastic change from a person’s usual mood and behavior. An overly joyful or overexcited state is called a manic episode, and an extremely sad or hopeless state is called a depressive episode. Sometimes, a mood episode includes symptoms of both mania and depression. This is called a mixed state. People with bipolar disorder also may be explosive and irritable during a mood episode.

 

Manic Symptoms

  • Feeling irritated with anyone who tries to calm them down.

  • Unusually high energy levels.

  • Taking big, unnecessary risks.

  • Insomnia.

  • Inability to calm racing thoughts.

Depressive Symptoms

  • Thoughts of suicide.

  • Low energy.

  • Having no interest in activities they used to enjoy.

  • Feeling hopeless.

  • Sleeping too much.

  • Changes in appetite.

At MindShift Psychotherapy, we are experts in assessing and treating mood disorders. Treatments consist of Psychodynamic therapy, Cognitive-behavioral therapy, Interpersonal Therapy and Neurofeedback.  A focus of psychotherapy for mood disorders is to work with your medical doctor and help you manage adherence to medication and physical health.