Bipolar Disorder Treatment Program Options
Bipolar disorder, sometimes referred to as manic-depressive disorder, is a type of brain disorder that results in changes in activity levels, energy and mood. Individuals who suffer from this disorder may experience difficulty in carrying out everyday tasks. Bipolar disorder treatment program options are readily available to those who need them. With treatment, it is possible for an individual with bipolar disorder to lead a life that is full and productive.
Conditions That Can Co
Many people with bipolar disorder also may have other mental health disorders or conditions such as:
- Psychosis. Sometimes people who have severe episodes of mania or depression also have psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations or delusions. The psychotic symptoms tend to match the persons extreme mood. For example:
- Someone having psychotic symptoms during a manic episode may falsely believe that he or she is famous, has a lot of money, or has special powers.
- Someone having psychotic symptoms during a depressive episode may believe he or she is financially ruined and penniless or has committed a crime.
Some bipolar disorder symptoms are like those of other illnesses, which can lead to misdiagnosis. For example, some people with bipolar disorder who also have psychotic symptoms can be misdiagnosed with schizophrenia. Some physical health conditions, such as thyroid disease, can mimic the moods and other symptoms of bipolar disorder. Street drugs sometimes can mimic, provoke, or worsen mood symptoms.
Is There A Cure For Bipolar Disorder Mental Illness
Posted by Natasha Tracy | Nov 2, 2011 | Bipolar blog, bipolar disorder, mental illness, mental illness issues, treatment issues, z_features | 14
In the world of mental illness we talk about response and remission and not cure for mental illness. The reason is very simple we dont know of a cure for mental illness. One may exist, but we dont know of any such cure for bipolar disorder, depression, schizophrenia and other mental illness.
Don’t Miss: What’s The Phobia Of Long Words
Is Bipolar Disorder Ever Considered Cured
This is not clear at this time. Although the condition responds to treatment in most cases, bipolar disorder is generally seen as a chronic disease that may come and go for many years.
Your child will need to follow the treatment plan outlined by her care team, and any changes should be carefully discussed among all members of her treatment team.
Cannabis And Bipolar Disorder
Many people with bipolar disorder report that cannabis relieves both depressive and manic symptoms, that it works better than conventional medications, and that it helps relieve bothersome side effects from those drugs.13 Despite these anecdotal claims, a 2020 review that examined research on the therapeutic use of cannabis in bipolar disorder presented a more nuanced picture. 14
While researchers found that the use of medical cannabis offered short-term partial alleviation of clinical symptoms,15 another case study showed that treating two bipolar type I patients with CBD had no impact on manic symptoms.16 Yet another study cited evidence that cannabis use might actually worsen manic symptoms and increase the risk of new manic episodes.17
With these mixed results, additional clinical trials are needed to better clarify the role that marijuana might play in treating bipolar disorder. Upcoming trials include:
- A randomized clinical trial has been registered to examine CBD as an adjunctive treatment for bipolar disorder
- Another trial aimed to evaluate the cognitive and psychophysiological effects of THC in bipolar disorder has been registered but is not yet recruiting.
- A trial that examines the effects of dronabinol as well as of CBD on cognitive domains relevant to bipolar disorder, i.e., arousal, decision making, cognitive control, inhibition, and temporal perception will be evaluated in adult patients and is currently recruiting participants.
Recommended Reading: Prodromal Phase Schizophrenia
Understanding Bipolar Disorder Treatment
If you suspect that youre suffering from bipolar disorder, its important to seek help right away. Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition that runs an unpredictable course of ups and downs. When left untreated, these ups and downs can be devastating. The recurring manic and depressive episodes that characterize the disease make it difficult to lead a stable, productive life. In the manic phase, you may be hyperactive and irresponsible. In the depressive phase, it may be difficult to do anything at all. Early diagnosis and treatment can help you avoid these problems. An experienced mental health professional can make an accurate diagnosis and start you on the path to recovery.
Successful treatment of bipolar disorder depends on a combination of factors. Medication alone is not enough. In order to get the most out of treatment, its important to educate yourself about the illness, communicate with your doctors and therapists, have a strong support system, and help yourself by making healthy lifestyle choices that may reduce your need for medication. Its important to stick to your treatment plan, reassessing with your doctor as changes in your life occur.
What can I do to start feeling better?
Educate your loved ones about bipolar disorder. The more your family and close friends know, the better they can help you to cope with symptoms, spot triggers, and handle any crises.
What Causes Bipolar Disorder
There are many genetic, environmental, and neurochemical factors that impact the development of bipolar disorder.
In this section, we will talk about the high yield differentials that should be considered in identifying the root cause of your symptoms of bipolar disorder. It is important to emphasize that this is not a complete or exhaustive list and it will be extremely important for you to establish care with a highly trained integrative bipolar doctor.
Also Check: T.gondii Schizophrenia
What Are The Symptoms Of Bipolar Disorder
The symptoms of bipolar disorder can vary. An individual with bipolar disorder may have manic episodes, depressive episodes, or mixed episodes. A mixed episode has both manic and depressive symptoms. These mood episodes cause symptoms that last a week or two or sometimes longer. During an episode, the symptoms last every day for most of the day. Mood episodes are intense. The feelings are intense and happen along with changes in behavior, energy levels, or activity levels that are noticeable to others.
| Symptoms of a Manic Episode | Symptoms of a Depressive Episode |
|---|---|
| Feeling very up, high, elated, or extremely irritable or touchy | Feeling very down or sad, or anxious |
| Feeling jumpy or wired, more active than usual | Feeling slowed down or restless |
| Racing thoughts | Trouble concentrating or making decisions |
| Trouble falling asleep, waking up too early, or sleeping too much | |
| Talking fast about a lot of different things | Talking very slowly, feeling like you have nothing to say, or forgetting a lot |
| Excessive appetite for food, drinking, sex, or other pleasurable activities | Lack of interest in almost all activities |
| Thinking you can do a lot of things at once without getting tired | Unable to do even simple things |
| Feeling like you are unusually important, talented, or powerful | Feeling hopeless or worthless, or thinking about death or suicide |
How Is Nimh Addressing Bipolar Disorder
The National Institute of Mental Health conducts and supports research on bipolar disorder that increases our understanding of its causes and helps develop new treatments. Researchers continue to study genetics and bipolar disorder, brain function, and symptoms in children and teens who have bipolar disorder, as well as family history in health and behavior.
Learn more about NIMHs research priorities and current studies.
Read Also: What Are The Three Stages Of Schizophrenia
Choose Natural Products With Care
People sometimes use St. Johns wort to treat depressive symptoms, but they may and interfere with antidepressants.
People with bipolar disorder should not use St. Johns wort.
Always speak to a doctor before trying any natural or alternative therapy. Some can interact with other drugs, and they may have adverse effects.
The FDA does not officially regulate supplements and herbal products, so people may not know exactly what they are buying.
How Is Bipolar Disorder Diagnosed
To diagnose bipolar disorder, a doctor or other health care provider may:
- Complete a full physical exam.
- Order medical testing to rule out other illnesses.
- Refer the person for an evaluation by a psychiatrist.
A psychiatrist or other mental health professional diagnoses bipolar disorder based on the symptoms, lifetime course, and experiences of the individual. Some people have bipolar disorder for years before it is diagnosed. This may be because:
- Bipolar disorder has symptoms in common with several other mental health disorders. A doctor may think the person has a different disorder, such as schizophrenia or depression.
- Family and friends may notice the symptoms, but not realize that the symptoms are part of a more significant problem.
- People with bipolar disorder often have other health conditions, which can make it hard for doctors to diagnose bipolar disorder.
Read Also: How To Cure Schizophrenia Permanently
Medication Treatment For Bipolar Disorder
Most people with bipolar disorder need medication in order to keep their symptoms under control. When medication is continued on a long-term basis, it can reduce the frequency and severity of bipolar mood episodes, and sometimes prevent them entirely. If you have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, you and your doctor will work together to find the right drug or combination of drugs for your needs. Because everyone responds to medication differently, you may have to try several different medications before you find one that relieves your symptoms.
Check in frequently with your doctor. Its important to have regular blood tests to make sure that your medication levels are in the therapeutic range. Getting the dose right is a delicate balancing act. Close monitoring by your doctor will help keep you safe and symptom-free.
Continue taking your medication, even if your mood is stable. Dont stop taking your medication as soon as you start to feel better. Most people need to take medication long-term in order to avoid relapse.
Dont expect medication to fix all your problems. Bipolar disorder medication can help reduce the symptoms of mania and depression, but in order to feel your best, its important to lead a lifestyle that supports wellness. This includes surrounding yourself with supportive people, getting therapy, and getting plenty of rest.
In The End Whether You Believe That There Is A Cure Or Not The Bottom Line Is That There Is Always A Chance For Symptoms To Re
There has been much discussion over the years about Bipolar Disorder and whether or not there is a cure for these illnesses. While there can be a remission in symptoms, I believe there is always the possibility for relapse.
For example, a person can be symptom-free however there is no guarantee that his/her illness wont reoccur. Some may argue this point but maintaining stability is an ongoing process. In order to remain healthy we have to do certain things to keep our lives in check. Some people subscribe to medication while others utilize holistic methods and many, like myself, try to utilize a combination of the two.
As I always say, recovery is different for everyone and what may work for one person may not work for another. Therefore each persons tools for recovery may be different.
As with other diseases such as cancer or conditions like high blood pressure, it is possible to be completely relieved from symptoms but this does not mean that the person doesnt have to still self-monitor, seek professional help and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Mind you, Im not being a downer. I know many people who are living with a variety of mental health conditions that have been able to embrace their recovery and take control of their lives. If anything, with the proper treatment I believe this is possible.
Do you think theres a cure for Bipolar Disorder?
You May Like: Fear Of Puke
Brain Structure And Function
Researchers are learning that the brain structure and function of people with bipolar disorder may be different from the brain structure and function of people who do not have bipolar disorder or other psychiatric disorders. Learning about the nature of these brain changes helps doctors better understand bipolar disorder and may in the future help predict which types of treatment will work best for a person with bipolar disorder. At this time, diagnosis is based on symptoms rather than brain imaging or other diagnostic tests.
Types Of Bipolar Disorder
There are three basic types of bipolar disorder all of them involve clear changes in mood, energy, and activity levels. These moods range from periods of extremely up, elated, and energized behavior or increased activity levels to very sad, down, hopeless, or low activity-level periods . People with bipolar disorder also may have a normal mood alternating with depression. Four or more episodes of mania or depression in a year are termed rapid cycling.
- Bipolar I Disorder is defined by manic episodes that last at least seven days or when manic symptoms are so severe that hospital care is needed. Usually, separate depressive episodes occur as well, typically lasting at least two weeks. Episodes of mood disturbance with mixed features are also possible.
- Bipolar II Disorder is defined by a pattern of depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes, but not the full-blown manic episodes described above.
- Cyclothymic Disorder is defined by persistent hypomanic and depressive symptoms that are not intense enough or do not last long enough to qualify as hypomanic or depressive episodes. The symptoms usually occur for at least two years in adults and for one year in children and teenagers.
- Other Specified and Unspecified Bipolar and Related Disorders is a category that refers to bipolar disorder symptoms that do not match any of the recognized categories.
Recommended Reading: What Is The Phobia Of Clowns Called
How Our Helpline Works
For those seeking addiction treatment for themselves or a loved one, the PsychGuides.com helpline is a private and convenient solution.
We are standing by 24/7 to discuss your treatment options. Our representatives work solely for AAC and will discuss whether an AAC facility may be an option for you.
Our helpline is offered at no cost to you and with no obligation to enter into treatment. Neither PsychGuides.com nor AAC receives any commission or other fee that is dependent upon which treatment provider a visitor may ultimately choose.
For more information on AACs commitment to ethical marketing and treatment practices, or to learn more about how to select a treatment provider, visit our About AAC page.
If you wish to explore additional treatment options or connect with a specific rehab center, you can browse top-rated listings or visit SAMHSA.
What Does It Mean To Be Bipolar
Once called manic depression, bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, concentration and an inability to carry out daily tasks. Moods can range from highs where you feel extremely energized, elated or unusually irritable to lows which can lead to sadness, indifference, or hopelessness.1
Although bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, its possible to manage mood swings and other symptoms by following a treatment plan that, in most cases, includes medications and psychotherapy.
In general, bipolar disorder is much better controlled if treatment is continuous and tailored to each person since different people respond to treatment in different ways, says Diana Samuel, MD, assistant professor of clinical psychiatry at the Columbia University Medical Center. The combination of psychotherapy and medications together tends to be more effective, providing improvement in symptoms sooner.
You May Like: What Are The Three Stages Of Schizophrenia
What Are The Types Of Bipolar Disorder
Each type of bipolar disorder includes periods of highs and lows. The major difference between forms of the disorder is how extreme the mood swings are and how long they last. In all types, there are periods between manic or depressive episodes when symptoms lessen or people feel stable.
Food Allergy Testing For Bipolar Disorder & Candida Testing For Bipolar Disorder
The health of the gut impact how your body makes its mood-altering neurotransmitters. In fact, 95% of your serotonin is made in the gut, and medications that primarily focus on modifying serotonin, have high side effect profiles in the gut. If you have bipolar disorder, it is likely that your diet is playing a role. There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to diet. Finding out your unique needs will give you direction on a way you can eat to feel like yourself again.
Don’t Miss: What Are The Three Stages Of Schizophrenia
The Benefits Of Residential Bipolar Disorder Programs
The benefits of residential bipolar disorder programs are numerous. One of the most important benefits of this type of facility is that you will be able to receive around-the-clock medical supervision while receiving treatment. Due to the risk for self-harm that accompanies bipolar disorder, such medical supervision is critical, particularly if you are experiencing a depressive episode. In addition, medical staff will be available to assist you in regulating your daily schedule, including your sleep schedule.
Additionally, you will be able to benefit from professional assistance regarding the use of medications as part of your individual treatment plan. If you have had problems in the past in regulating your medication, this type of supervision can help to ensure you are taking your medications as prescribed.