About bipolar disorder
There are 2.3 million Americans currently living with bipolar disorder, and around one in 100 people will be diagnosed at some point in their lifetime. Bipolar disorder is characterized by extreme moods – severe high and lows – sometimes lasting weeks or even months, as well as changes in sleep, energy, thinking and behavior.
Although it is a lifelong condition, the symptoms of bipolar disorder can be managed with a combination of medication and psychotherapy, and simply having a diagnosis can set you and your family on the path to seeking the right help and developing a treatment plan.
We have put together a brief guide to navigating a bipolar disorder diagnosis, including the basics on diagnosis, treatment, and how you can help your loved one at home.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of bipolar disorder are described as a disorienting swing from high, overactive emotions to very low, lethargic feelings. Harvard Medical School says that during a manic episode, a person with bipolar disorder will feel energetic and happy, with ambitious, creative ideas, they may talk quickly and want to eat and sleep less. During depressive episodes, a person may lose pleasure in everyday things, and have low energy and mood, may sleep more than normal and may have thoughts of suicide.
Types of bipolar disorder
There are three types of bipolar disorder that all share similar characteristics but are classed as distinct diagnoses. Bipolar I disorder exhibits manic episodes that may be severe enough to require hospitalization, as well as depressive episodes lasting at least two weeks. Bipolar II disorder is defined by a pattern of depressive and hypomanic episodes that are much less extreme than manic episodes experienced by people with Bipolar I disorder. Cyclothymic disorder is when a person experiences hypomania and depressive symptoms for a period of at least two years, but mood extremes do not meet the diagnostic requirements for either Bipolar I or II disorders.
How is bipolar disorder diagnosed?
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), people with bipolar disorder can wait up to 10 years for an accurate diagnosis, so the sooner you have a name for your condition, the sooner you can start feeling better.
Once your doctor rules out any medical causes for your symptoms – through blood work and a physical exam – you may be referred to a psychiatrist who is trained to look at your medical and life history alongside your symptoms and provide you with a formal diagnosis.
How is it treated?
Bipolar disorder is a multi-faceted condition and often requires the care of a team of mental health professionals who will work with you, or your family member, to help manage your symptoms.
A psychiatrist will prescribe medications to help stabilize your mood and other symptoms, such as depression and anxiety, depending on your specific situation. Psychotherapists are also are a vital part of a bipolar disorder treatment plan.
How can psychotherapy help?
Research shows that medication alone offers only partial relief for people with bipolar disorder symptoms and that medication in combination with psychotherapy is much more effective at relieving symptoms and reducing the risk of relapse. A qualified psychotherapist can help families with coping strategies and strengthening relationships and can help individuals understand their thinking and behavior patterns and develop strategies for managing extreme moods and emotions.
What can I do to help at home?
After a serious diagnosis, you may feel powerless to help. However, there are things you can do at home to support your family member as they manage their bipolar disorder. Sleep, diet and exercise play an important role in mental wellbeing and these could be areas where you could help.
Could you help your loved one establish a routine of getting enough sleep by going to bed and getting up at regular hours? Perhaps you could stock the house with healthy foods and have regular family mealtimes. You could suggest taking regular light exercise, such as walking together as a family in the mornings or early evenings. Finally, you can support your loved one by knowing when to call for professional help if you notice significant changes in their mood or behavior.
Help is just a phone call away.
It’s important to remember that your diagnosis is not your fault. Bipolar disorder can be diagnosed at any time in a person’s life, and is caused by several factors, from genetic factors or biological traits to stress or traumatic events.
If your family needs the support of a psychotherapist, please contact us today to get started. We look forward to meeting you and being part of your journey.