BIPOLAR DISORDER is an illness that causes periods of highs (mania) and lows (depression). It’s often a long-term condition.
Treatment can help people manage their symptoms and live happy, productive lives. Medication, talk therapy, lifestyle changes and the support of friends and family can make a big difference.
Symptoms
BIPOLAR DISORDER causes mood swings between periods of feeling euphoric, energetic, and restless ('manic') and times of low mood, sadness, indifference, and hopelessness ('depressive'). These shifts can be extreme and occur over weeks, months or years.
Bipolar disorder often starts in late adolescence or young adulthood. But it can begin earlier in childhood.
Symptoms vary from person to person, and can sometimes come and go without any treatment. For example, some people with bipolar disorder experience "rapid cycling" – four or more distinct episodes in a year.
The most common symptoms of bipolar disorder are depressive and manic episodes. During an episode of depression, you may feel depressed, sad, hopeless, and have thoughts about death or suicide (suicidal ideation).
Diagnosis
It’s not as easy to diagnose bipolar disorder as it is to identify the symptoms of a physical condition such as a heart attack or stroke. Your doctor will want to check out your pulse and blood pressure, take a thorough medical history and give you an in depth assessment of your bipolar symptoms. They might also order a battery of tests that will prove that you have the baffling disease.
Your doctor may offer you a trifecta of prescription drugs, a bit of psychology (psychiatry) and some lifestyle changes. It’s a good idea to keep track of your medications, how you feel and how you manage your disease in a day-to-day context. The best part is, your doc will be there to support you every step of the way. In fact, many people find it helpful to be able to consult with their provider at any time. So be sure to make it a point to see your doc for regular check-ups and to ask questions about the treatment plan you’ve been put on.
Treatment
Treatment focuses on bringing people with mania or depression to a stable (euthymic) mood, and preventing relapse. This can involve medications like mood stabilisers or antipsychotics, or other psychological and lifestyle approaches aimed at optimised functional recovery socially and at work.
Bipolar disorder is treated as a chronic illness, which means it will often take time before you and your doctor find the best treatment for you. It's important to stick with your treatment plan, reassessing as changes occur and finding healthy lifestyle habits that help you manage symptoms and reduce your need for medication.
There are many treatments available for bipolar disorder. They usually include medication, psychotherapy and family-focused therapy. You might also choose to attend a support group, where you can talk with others who have been through similar experiences.
Prevention
While bipolar disorder can’t be entirely prevented, a comprehensive treatment plan involving medication, psychotherapy and other helpful modalities is well worth the effort. Some people with bipolar disorder do well on a single medication, but many need a combination of drugs to keep symptoms at bay.
The right medications at the right time can be life-changing. A regular check-up is also the best way to keep track of your meds and your overall health. The most important rule of thumb is to never stop taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to. Keeping track of your medicines will make sure you don’t miss an important dose. Luckily, your doc isn’t too busy to answer any questions you might have about your meds. Be sure to take advantage of your meds and your doc by asking for suggestions or recommendations for alternative treatments that may be more cost-effective.
