What is the common treatment for bipolar disorder?

As per the National Alliance on Mental Illness, around 2.8 percent of the population in the United States is affected by bipolar disorder. So, what exactly is this disorder? A person that has this disorder, might experience alternating episodes of low and high mood. It can affect the lifestyle and behavior of people.

Their ability to focus, sleep patterns, and energy levels might get affected too. In a nutshell, people’s mood swings that experience this disorder will be really intense. Others even experience paranoia, delusions, and hallucinations. If you follow the right treatment plan, you can ensure a stable mood that will last for months and years.

You can live a productive and great life only if you make sure you continue the medications prescribed by the doctor. Sometimes, your mood might be elevated, allowing you to be creative, sociable, and talkative. Keep reading to know the causes and symptoms along with the treatments for this disorder.

What are the causes and symptoms of this disorder?

There are several factors that lead to this disorder. They are genetic factors, environmental factors, and biological traits. If any of your family members have this condition, there are chances that you can get this condition too. In case there is an imbalance in hormones or neurotransmitters, it can affect your brain drastically.

Additionally, various life events like mental stress, abuse, and other traumatic events can allow you to be susceptible to episodes. The International Bipolar Association suggests that the symptoms differ from person to person.

For some, it can last for many months, whereas others might experience some “lows” and “highs.” You can experience four or more episodes in a year if you have a “rapid cycling” bipolar disorder. In this disorder, there are two types of elevated moods like mania and hypomania.

Hypomania is less intense than mania. Some of the symptoms of these elevated moods include not feeling exhausted but sleepy, underperforming at work or school, talking a lot, and jumping from one topic to another.

More symptoms include increased libido, engaging in risky behavior, impaired judgment, boredom and a sense of distraction, and denying anything is wrong. Some people might splurge on alcohol, drugs, and other inappropriate and dangerous activities.

When it comes to bipolar depression, the symptoms include anxiety, insomnia, extreme sadness, weight loss or weight gain, irritability, difficulty focusing, pain, and physical problems.

More bipolar depression symptoms include the inability to face going to school or work, sensitivity to noise and smell, and a sense of guilt. In severe cases, the person can have suicidal thoughts and might act upon those thoughts. If the person with this disorder experiences hallucinations or delusions, they might consider themselves super special with special powers.

What are the common treatments for this disorder?

If the person has severe symptoms, the healthcare provider will ensure to reduce them and stabilize the mood. After all, the ultimate goal is that the person must work each day effectively. Some of the treatment methods involve physical intervention, counseling, and medication.

Since the symptoms vary, people react differently to various treatment methods. Your healthcare provider will prescribe you medications to manage your symptoms and stabilize your mood. A combination of antidepressants, mood stabilizers, anticonvulsants, and other medications for anxiety and sleep are generally prescribed by the doctor.

If you are concerned about the treatment, make sure you consult your healthcare provider. You must continue your medications until the healthcare provider asks you to. You must remember medications can take time to help you relieve your symptoms.

Your doctor can suggest that you manage the bipolar disorder with psychotherapy and counseling. Additionally, your healthcare provider might suggest proper sleep, regular exercise, and a healthy diet to manage your symptoms. These are a few steps that should be taken by you to change lifestyle choices that will ensure your mood is stabilized.