Can Bipolar Disorder Cause Death

Do You Think I Might Have It

Look, I was amazing at science in school. And Im sure I would look good in a white coat if I was Liz Hurley and thought it acceptable to wear white coats but I am not a doctor. I dont know if you have bipolar disorder. I dont know any more than that printout youre waving in front of me.

There is no diagnostic test for bipolar disorder, so often diagnoses rely on personal empirical experience and the testimony of close ones. If you are concerned about your own, or somebody elses mental health, please do go and see your GP. While we still have an NHS.

Bipolar Disorder Depression And Suicide

There are many shocking statistics about bipolar disorder and suicide. It’s also frightening to know that roughly half of the people who attempt suicide are clinically depressed. In this day and age, there are so many new treatments and so much hope for people coping with mental illness, but only if they can survive and receive treatment.

If you’ve been coping with bipolar disorder or depression, get help. It’s also a good idea to take the time to create a suicide safety plan.

What Are The Symptoms Of Schizoaffective Disorder

Symptoms of schizoaffective disorder are:

What are the symptoms of schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a mental illness which affects the way you think. Symptoms can effect how you cope with day to day life. Symptoms include.

• Hallucinations. You may hear, see, or feel things that arent there.
• Delusions. You may believe things that arent true.
• Disorganised speech. You may begin to talk quickly or slowly, and the things you say might not make sense to other people. You may switch topics without any obvious link.
• Disorganised behaviour. You might struggle to organise your life, or stick to appointments, for example.
• Catatonic behaviour. You may feel unable to move or appear to be in daze.
• Negative symptoms. These are symptoms that involve loss of ability and enjoyment in life. They can include the following things.
• Lack of motivation

You can find more information about Schizophrenia by clicking here.

What are the symptoms of mania?

You may experience the following if you have mania.

Mania is associated with bipolar disorder.

You can find more information about Bipolar disorder by clicking here.

What are the symptoms of depression?

You may feel the following if you have depressive symptoms.

• Low mood,
• Sleep too much, not being able to sleep or have disturbed sleep,
• More or less hungry than usual or have a weight change, or
• Thoughts of death or suicide or attempt suicide.

You can find more information about Depression by clicking here.

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Which Treatments Are Most Effective For Bipolar Disorder

The most effective treatment for bipolar disorder is a combination of psychotherapy and medication, according to McFerren.

The most effective psychotherapies for bipolar disorder, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy This form of therapy helps people with bipolar disorder identify triggers that may cause a mood episode and enables them to develop healthy thinking and behavioral patterns to better manage their mood.
• Interpersonal Social Rhythm Therapy This therapeutic technique involves developing regular daily routines, such as going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, eating meals at regular times, and decreasing stressful triggers in ones surroundings.
• Family-Focused Therapy This includes both the person with bipolar disorder and the people closest to them, such as spouses and parents, so that everyone is well-informed about the condition and develops skills for avoiding conflicts.

Several medicines can help alleviate the severity of symptoms for people with bipolar disorder:

• Anti-anxiety medications

If you are prescribed a medication to treat bipolar disorder, dont stop taking it without consulting your doctor first. Taking medication as directed reduces the likelihood of future mood episodes.

Unfortunately, every time someone goes off of medication and experiences extreme manic and depressive episodes, it becomes more difficult for them to restabilize on medication, McFerren warns.

What Is The Most Painful Mental Illness To Live With

Borderline personality disorder has long been believed to be the one psychiatric disorder that produced the most intense emotional pain and distress in those who suffer with this condition. Studies have shown that borderline patients experience chronic and significant emotional suffering and mental agony.

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Bipolar Disorder In Children And Teens

Diagnosing bipolar disorder in children is controversial, largely because children dont always display the same bipolar disorder symptoms as adults. Their moods and behaviors may also not follow the standards doctors use to diagnose the disorder in adults.

Many bipolar disorder symptoms that occur in children also overlap with symptoms of other conditions that commonly occur in children, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder .

However, in the last few decades, doctors and mental health professionals have come to recognize the condition in children. A diagnosis can help children get treatment, but reaching a diagnosis may take many weeks or months. It may be worth seeking care from a professional who specializes in treating children with mental health conditions.

Like adults, children with bipolar disorder experience extreme mood shifts. They can appear very happy and show signs of excitable behavior, or seem very tearful, low, and irritable.

All children experience mood changes, but bipolar disorder causes distinct and noticeable mood symptoms. Mood changes are also usually more extreme than a childs typical change in mood.

Brain Chemistry And Biology

Bipolar disorder also has a neurological component.

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers in the brain. They help relay messages between nerve cells throughout the body. These chemicals play an essential role in healthy brain function. Some of them even help regulate mood and behavior.

Older links three main neurotransmitters to bipolar disorder:

• serotonin
• dopamine
• norepinephrine

Imbalances of these brain chemicals may prompt manic, depressive, or hypomanic mood episodes. This is particularly the case when environmental triggers or other factors come into play.

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What Risks And Complications Can Bipolar Disorder Cause

There can be complications and risks for people who live with bipolar disorder. But these risks can be lessened with the right support and treatment.

What about suicide and self-harm?

You might have an illness where you experience psychosis, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Your risk of suicide is estimated to be between 5% and 6% higher than the general population.

You are more likely to try to take your own life if you have a history of attempted suicide and depression. It is important that you get the right treatment for your symptoms of depression and have an up to date crisis plan.

There is also research that suggests you are 30% 40% more likely to self-harm if you live with bipolar disorder.

What about financial risk?

If you have mania or hypomania you may struggle to manage your finances. You may spend lots of money without thinking about the effect that it may have on your life.

You could make a Lasting Power of Attorney. This is a legal process. This means that you pick someone that you trust to manage your finances if you lack mental capacity to manage them by yourself.

You can work with your carer and mental health team. You can form an action plan. This can say what they can do if you have a period of mania or hypomania and you start to make poor financial decisions.

What about physical health risk?

What about alcohol and drugs risk?

If you want advice or help with alcohol or drug use contact your GP.

What about driving risk?

Trigger #6 Seasonal Changes

Seasonal changes are not a trigger for everyone with bipolar disorder.

Generally speaking, Fall and Winter tend to trigger depressive episodes in individuals. During these seasons , there are fewer hours of light during the day, and the cold temperatures keep people indoors.

Spring has the opposite effect, as mania is more often triggered during this season. There are long hours of light during the day, and the warmer temperatures get people outside.

Some individuals are not triggered by seasonal changes. Others have the opposite occur in the Fall and Spring. In the Fall, they go into a manic episode, and in the Spring they get depressed. Each person is unique.

It is a good idea to chart your moods and see if you can find any trends.

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Is Bipolar Inherited From The Mother Or Father

Bipolar disorder is frequently inherited, with genetic factors accounting for approximately 80% of the cause of the condition. Bipolar disorder is the most likely psychiatric disorder to be passed down from family. If one parent has bipolar disorder, there’s a 10% chance that their child will develop the illness.

The Stress Of A Bad Breakup Or Failed Marriage

A number of people with bipolar disorder especially those with a history of severe manic episodes have failed marriages. If youre going through a divorce, working with your therapist through what is often a drawn-out and extremely stressful process can help.

You might consider a durable power of attorney that allows someone else to make major decisions for you, such as financial ones, when you are going through an episode of depression or mania in relation to or during a breakup.

In fact, assigning a durable power of attorney could be useful for anyone who might be experiencing an episode of bipolar disorder.

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Complicated Grief And Staying Mentally Healthy

The right way to grieve your loved one is the way that will help you affirm life and stay healthy, period. Surviving your grief with bipolar without becoming manic or depressed needs to be your primary concern . For me, this means taking extra time to care for my bipolar disorder. I see my doctors more frequently during the times my grief seems to surface: the holidays, my son’s birthday month, and when new babies are born into our family. I get the help I need before the waves of sadness catch me off guard .

When I am overcome with sorrow from time to time, I reach out and tell someone who will empathize. I do not isolate myself, especially if I am having feelings of despair. Sometimes just voicing my feelings helps me to navigate my way through them.

So if you are grieving the loss of a loved one and you live with bipolar disorder, know that there is no wrong way to grieve if it keeps you healthy and stable. There is no timetable for grief. Give yourself permission to honor your pain in whatever way you see fit for as long as it takes. Take care of your bipolar disorder and you will find a way through your loss.

When Might A Mood Be A Symptom Of Bipolar Disorder

A shift in mood that lasts no more than a few hours or even a day is normal. In contrast, mood episodes that last days, weeks, or even months are a defining feature of bipolar disorder, according to the American Psychiatric Association .

Someone with bipolar disorder who is experiencing a mood episode may feel manic or depressive , APA experts explain. Sometimes their shifts between moods happen abruptly, sometimes not. And its important to note that people with bipolar disorder can experience periods of neutral moods between mood episodes. They can even experience normal mood swings.

The nature and frequency of mood episodes vary by bipolar disorder type. There are three types of bipolar disorder:

• Bipolar 1 In this form of bipolar disorder, a person has such severe manic episodes that they cause noticeable problems in everyday life and ultimately may require hospitalization. People with bipolar 1 also have depressive episodes. In some cases, manic and depressive symptoms may occur simultaneously.
• Bipolar 2 A person with this type of bipolar disorder experiences depressive episodes, as well as hypomanic episodes, which are episodes involving milder symptoms of mania that, compared with full-blown manic episodes, typically dont impede their ability to function.
• Cyclothymia A milder form of bipolar disorder, cyclothymia involves emotional ups and downs that are less severe than those of bipolar 1 or 2.

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Complications Schizoaffective Disorder And Suicide

There are many potential complications of living with schizoaffective disorder of any type, but the most serious and life-threatening is suicide. Someone with bipolar schizoaffective disorder experiences symptoms of three types of mental illness or mental health episodesschizophrenia, depression, and maniathat are risk factors for suicidal thoughts.

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Facts About Bipolar Disorder Suicides

Also known as manic-depressive disorder, this mental illness invariably results in negative outcomes for the individual. The rapid changes in mood and behavior can damage relationships beyond repair, create a poor job performance that leads to a termination, or reduce a students grades at school. When left untreated, there is also an increase in the risks of suicide.

The good news is that bipolar disorder can be treated. Many people with this mental illness go on to continue living lives that are very fulfilling.

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How Do Medications Factor In

Treating bipolar disorder with medication can be something of a delicate balance. Antidepressants that help ease depressive episodes can sometimes trigger manic episodes.

If your healthcare provider recommends medication, they might prescribe an antimanic medication such as lithium along with an antidepressant. These medications can help prevent a manic episode.

As you work to develop a treatment plan with your care provider, let them know about any medications you take. Some medications can make both depressive and manic episodes more severe.

Also tell your care provider about any substance use, including alcohol and caffeine, since they can sometimes lead to mood episodes.

Some substances, including cocaine, ecstasy, and amphetamines, can produce a high that resembles a manic episode. Medications that might have a similar effect include:

• high doses of appetite suppressants and cold medications
• prednisone and other steroids
• thyroid medication

If you believe youre experiencing a mood episode or other symptoms of bipolar disorder, its always a good idea to connect with your healthcare provider as soon as possible.

Bipolar Disorder Fact Sheet

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a psychiatric disease that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels and the ability to conduct daily life activities. The condition was estimated in 2014 to affect 2.2 percent of the population or approximately 5.3 million adults in the United States aged 18 or older. An estimated 51% of individuals with this condition are untreated in any given year. Suicide is the number one cause of premature death among people with bipolar disorder, with 15 percent to 17 percent taking their own lives.

The National Institute of Mental Health describes bipolar disorder as “a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out daily tasks. Symptoms of bipolar disorder can be 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.

From the NIMH: “Bipolar Disorder in Adults: What is bipolar disorder?”

Signs and Symptoms of bipolar disorder

From the NIMH: Bipolar Disorder in Adults. Visit “What are the signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder?” at the NIMH for more about symptoms.

Diagnosing bipolar disorder

Treating bipolar disorder

Medications

Other Treatments

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Trigger #12 Financial Strain

Financial strain can look different for each person and family.

Take debt as an example. Debt can cause anxiety across the board. Chronic anxiety can wear you down. The majority of individuals have , housing debt, and/or school loan debt. Thinking about it contributes even more to stress.

An emergency that causes increased financial strain also increases stress, and this can trigger an episode.

Losing a job can cause a financial strain . It can make things worse if you cannot find a job replacement and your bills become due. Again, if you have the means, try to prepare for this situation.

Treatment Of Schizoaffective Disorder

Treatment includes:

• Medication: What you take depends on whether you have symptoms of depression or bipolar disorder, along with symptoms that suggest schizophrenia. The main medications that doctors prescribe for psychotic symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, and disordered thinking are called antipsychotics. All these drugs can probably help with schizoaffective disorder, but paliperidone extended release is the only drug that the FDA has approved to treat it. For mood-related symptoms, you might take an antidepressant medication or a mood stabilizer.
• Psychotherapy: The goal of this type of counseling is to help you learn about your illness, set goals, and manage everyday problems related to the disorder. Family therapy can help families get better at relating to and helping a loved one who has schizoaffective disorder.
• Skills training: This generally focuses on work and social skills, grooming and self-care, and other day-to-day activities, including money and home management.
• Hospitalization: Psychotic episodes may require a hospital stay, especially if youâre suicidal or threaten to hurt others.
• Electroconvulsive therapy: This treatment may be an option for adults who donât respond to psychotherapy or medications. It involves sending a quick electric current through your brain. It causes a brief seizure. Doctors use it because they think it changes your brain chemistry and may reverse some conditions.

This condition may raise your risk of:

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