Like all other mental health problems, Bipolar disorder can also be managed and controlled through various forms of treatment. But, can you heal permanently from bipolar disorder? Let’s find the answer in this health blog!
Page Contents:
What is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder was formerly known as manic-depressive disease or manic depression. It is a mental condition characterized by extraordinary swings in mood, energy, activity levels, focus, and capacity to carry out daily duties. These emotions vary from excessively “up,” exhilarated, irritated, or energetic behavior known as manic episodes to significantly “down,” sad, apathetic, or hopeless conduct known as depressive episodes.
Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
The signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder vary greatly depending upon the phase a person is going through.
Manic Episode Symptoms:
- Feeling very irritable, excited, or touchy
- Being jumpy or wired
- Loss of sleep
- Reduced appetite
- Talking very fast
- Racing thoughts
- Doing many things at one time
- Taking a lot of risks
- Feeling powerful
Depressive Episode Symptoms:
- Feeling very sad and down
- Being slow or restless
- Sleeping too much or no sleep
- High appetite
- Weight gain
- Talking very slowly
- Having trouble concentrating
- Trouble making decisions
- Loss of interest
What are the Types of Bipolar Disorder?
There are three main types of bipolar disorder. Their characteristics include:
Bipolar I Disorder
During a manic episode, individuals with bipolar I disorder have an unusually high level of energy and may feel on top of the world or uncomfortably irritated. Some persons with bipolar I disorder have depressed or hypomanic episodes, but the majority of people with bipolar I disease have periods of neutral mood.
Bipolar II Disorder
A person with bipolar II disorder must experience at least one major depressive episode and at least one hypomanic episode. They are more likely to have additional mental illnesses, such as anxiety or drug use disorders, which can worsen feelings of sadness or hypomania.
Cyclothymic Disorder
Cyclothymic disorder is a milder variant of bipolar disorder characterized by recurrent “mood swings” and hypomania and depressive symptoms.
Can Bipolar Disorder be Cured?
There is currently no treatment available to cure bipolar disorder, but there are many strategies to manage it and lead a healthy life. You can consult a mental health professional to get effective therapy. As long as the treatment plan is made according to your unique requirements and incorporates evidence-based therapy practices, this is one of the best ways to live with and manage bipolar illness.
What is the Treatment for Bipolar disorder?
The treatment for bipolar disorder consists of the following strategies:
Talk Therapy
Psychotherapy, often known as “talk therapy,” can be a valuable component of a bipolar illness treatment regimen. It consists of therapeutic procedures aimed at assisting a person in identifying and changing troublesome emotions, ideas, and behaviors.
Such therapies can provide people and their families support, education, and advice regarding this mental condition. Your psychologist might administer treatments such as:
- cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- psychoeducation
- interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT)
- family-focused therapy
Drug Therapy
There are numerous drugs available to treat bipolar illness, but it may take some time to identify the optimum medicine, or drugs, to treat your symptoms with minimum side effects. Some of the medications prescribed by psychiatrists for bipolar disorder include the following:
- antidepressants
- mood stabilizers
- antipsychotics
- anti-anxiety medications
- antidepressant-antipsychotic combo medications
However, it is vital to understand that these alone will not adequately control symptoms and moods.
Lifestyle Changes
Some critical lifestyle adjustments that you can include in your everyday life to manage bipolar disorder include the following:
- creating a strong social support network of friends and family
- staying in touch with other individuals dealing with similar challenges
- focusing on a daily routine
- avoiding drugs and alcohol
- eating healthily
- getting enough sleep
In other words, staying healthy and developing daily healthy habits are critical for mood management.
What are the risk factors for Bipolar Disorder?
Researchers are looking at the causes of bipolar illness. Most experts believe that there is no one reason and that several variables influence a person’s risk of developing the condition. Some of these include:
- Some studies suggest that persons with bipolar disorder have brains that vary from those who do not have this condition.
- Scientists also believe that people who have particular genes are more prone to develop the bipolar illness. Therefore, people who have a parent or sibling with bipolar illness have a higher risk of developing the disease themselves.
Consult a psychiatrist now!
If you or someone close to you has been experiencing any of the symptoms of bipolar disorder, you must consult a psychiatrist as soon as possible. Marham is an online healthcare platform that allows you to consult with any doctor online through video consultation. You can book your appointment from the comfort of your home with the Best Psychiatrists without any additional costs.
