Bipolar Disorder - SP Medifort Hospital

Bipolar Disorder Treatment

Bipolar Disorder Treatment in South India

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings, alternating between periods of elevated or heightened mood (mania or hypomania) and periods of low mood or depression. These shifts can affect energy levels, behavior, and the ability to carry out daily tasks. When experiencing depression, you may feel persistently sad or hopeless and lose interest or enjoyment in activities you normally like. During mania or hypomania, your mood can swing to extreme excitement or euphoria, with bursts of energy, heightened activity, or irritability. These mood changes can affect your sleep, energy levels, decision-making, behavior, and ability to think clearly, making daily life challenging.

Symptoms and Causes:

What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?

Some people with bipolar disorder will have episodes of mania or hypomania many times throughout their life; others may experience them only rarely. Some Symptoms Include:

Elevated or irritable mood
Increased energy and activity
Reduced need for sleep
Rapid speech or racing thoughts
Impulsive or risky behavior
Persistent sadness or emptiness
Fatigue or low energy
Loss of interest in activities
Changes in appetite or sleep
Difficulty concentrating
Thoughts of death or suicide

What are the different types of bipolar disorder?

There are three primary forms of bipolar disorder.

Bipolar I Disorder: Bipolar I is diagnosed when a person experiences at least one manic episode. This high-energy phase can occur before or after periods of depression or hypomania. In severe cases, mania may include psychosis, where a person loses touch with reality.
Bipolar II Disorder: Bipolar II involves at least one major depressive episode and one hypomanic episode, which is a milder form of mania. People with Bipolar II never experience full-blown mania, but the depressive episodes can still be intense and affect daily life.
Cyclothymia (Cyclothymic Disorder): Cyclothymia is a long-term mood disorder where people experience numerous periods of mild hypomanic and depressive symptoms over at least two years (or one year in children and teens). While these mood swings are less severe than those in major depression or mania, they can still impact relationships, work, and overall well-being.

Diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder

The diagnosis of Bipolar disorder our eminent specialists may use any of the following methods:

Physical Exam
A doctor may perform a physical exam and order lab tests to rule out other medical conditions that could be causing your symptoms.
Mental Health Assessment
You may be referred to a psychiatrist, who will talk with you about your thoughts, feelings, and behavior patterns. You might also complete questionnaires to help assess your mood and symptoms. With your permission, family members or close friends may be asked to provide additional information.
Mood Tracking
Keeping a daily record of your moods, sleep patterns, and other factors can help your healthcare provider understand your symptoms better and create a more accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

What Causes Bipolar Disorder?

The exact cause of bipolar disorder isn’t fully understood, but several factors may play a role:

Biological Differences
People with bipolar disorder often show physical changes in the brain. While the significance of these changes is still being studied, ongoing research may help explain why they occur and how they contribute to mood swings.
Genetics
Bipolar disorder tends to run in families. If a close relative, like a parent or sibling, has the condition, the risk may be higher. Scientists are actively studying genes that could be linked to bipolar disorder to better understand its hereditary patterns.

What are the bipolar disorder risk factors ?

Certain factors can increase the risk of developing bipolar disorder or trigger the first episode:

Genetics: Having a close family member, like a parent or sibling, with bipolar disorder raises your risk.
Stress: Major life events, such as the loss of a loved one or other significant emotional stress, can act as triggers.
Substance Use: Overuse of alcohol or drugs may contribute to the onset of symptoms.

What treatment options are available for bipolar disorder?

Treatment for each person is unique, and healthcare providers tailor their approach to fit individual needs. Some common methods include:

Medications: Doctors may prescribe mood stabilizers, antipsychotic drugs, antidepressants, or anti-anxiety medications to help manage mood swings and emotional fluctuations.

Psychotherapy: Talking with a trained therapist through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or other forms of talk therapy can help people understand their thoughts, cope with difficult emotions, and break unhelpful patterns of behavior.

Psychoeducation: Learning more about the condition can empower both the patient and their family. Understanding what’s happening can make it easier to handle challenges together and support recovery.

Other options: In certain situations, treatments like electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be considered, usually when other approaches haven’t provided sufficient relief.