What is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is more than just mood swings. It encompasses a range of symptoms including severe mood shifts, changes in behavior and personality, and can significantly impact relationships.
Understanding the Mood Shifts
The primary characteristic of bipolar disorder is the oscillation between manic and depressive episodes. These episodes can last for days, weeks, or even months:
- Manic Phase Symptoms:
- Increased energy and activity levels
- Reduced need for sleep
- Restlessness
- Rapid and frequent talking
- Heightened excitement
- Engagement in risky behaviors
- Depressive Phase Symptoms:
- Lack of energy
- Increased need for sleep
- Social withdrawal
- Pervasive sadness
- Feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness
Types of Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder manifests in three main forms:
- Bipolar I Disorder: This is the most severe form, characterized by extreme mood episodes and possible psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations or delusions. The depressive episodes can be debilitating.
- Bipolar II Disorder: This form also involves significant depression, but the manic episodes are less severe, and psychosis is less common.
- Cyclothymia: This milder form involves more frequent mood shifts that are less severe, with symptoms of hypomania rather than full mania.
These conditions can affect daily functioning and quality of life, even in their mildest forms.
Treatment Options
Effective management of bipolar disorder involves understanding the signs of mood shifts and learning how to handle them. At Agnescare Service Solutions, Inc., we
specializes in treating this disorder and offers guidance on managing symptoms:
- Medications: Mood stabilizers such as lithium can diminish the severity of manic episodes. Antidepressants and sometimes antipsychotics are used to manage depressive and psychotic symptoms respectively.
- Therapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal psychotherapy provide strategies for dealing with daily challenges and processing underlying issues that exacerbate symptoms.
A combination of medication and therapy often yields the best outcomes. For some, treatments like the Spravato® esketamine nasal spray may be beneficial when other methods are insufficient.
Get Help Today
Contact Agnescare Service Solutions, Inc. to explore the most effective treatment strategies for your condition. Schedule an appointment by phone or online today.