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Bipolar Affective Disorder

Bipolar Affective Disorder

Do you experience an intense shift between periods where you want to stay up late and seek thrilling experiences, followed by periods where getting out of bed and getting dressed are insurmountable tasks? If yes, you may be experiencing bipolar disorder. This condition is known for causing shifts in thinking patterns, behaviors, moods, and energy levels. If you or a loved one have bipolar disorder, you know these shifts can be challenging to manage, but treatment for bipolar disorder can help you manage these shifts and achieve mental wellness.

Types of Bipolar Disorder

There are a few different variations of bipolar disorder. How someone transitions from high energy (manic) to depressive episodes determines which type of bipolar disorder someone has.

Bipolar I

Individuals suffering from bipolar I have manic episodes that last for at least one week. These episodes can require hospitalization. In addition, a person experiencing a manic episode may experience psychosis, meaning they will sense and believe in things that are not real.

Bipolar II

Bipolar II patients often return to a balanced state between episodes. However, they often experience hypomania, a manic episode without including psychosis, but they can still experience manic episodes at times. More women experience bipolar II than men.

Cyclothymic Disorder

Cyclothymic disorder is considered, by some clinicians, a more mild form of bipolar disorder. Those who experience hypomania and depression for more than two years, with active symptoms occurring at least half the time, may be diagnosed with this condition.

Unspecified Bipolar Disorder

Unspecified bipolar disorder patients do not fit neatly into any of the other categories of bipolar. In addition, this form of bipolar looks different from person to person and therefore is difficult to identify.

Common Bipolar Symptoms

Mania and Hypomania

Mania and hypomania are similar yet different episodes in individuals experiencing bipolar disorder. Mania is distinct from hypomania due to the inclusion of psychosis, meaning that a person will see, hear, taste, smell, or feel things that are not present during mania. Common symptoms included in mania and hypomania are:

  • Being uncharacteristically upbeat
  • Elevated energy level
  • Euphoria
  • Decreased need for sleep
  • Racing thoughts
  • Easily distracted
  • Risky behavior

Major Depressive Episode

The symptoms of the depressive episodes often mimic severe clinical depression. These episodes will make it difficult for a person to find success at work or maintain relationships. Examples of depressive episode symptoms are:

  • Feelings of emptiness or hopelessness
  • Loss of interest in activities that a person usually enjoys
  • Fluctuations in weight
  • Insomnia
  • Sleeping too much
  • Significant loss of energy
  • Intense feelings of guilt
  • Feelings of worthlessness
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Indecisiveness
  • Suicidal ideation

What Causes Bipolar Disorder?

The exact cause of bipolar disorder is unknown, but researchers have identified several risk factors thought to contribute to the development of bipolar disorder. These risk factors do not guarantee a person will develop bipolar disorder, but their presence is a contributing factor.

Family History

Having a close relative with bipolar disorder is a risk factor for developing bipolar disorder. Researchers suspect this is in part due to genetic factors. However, it is essential to note that this is not the only factor associated with bipolar disorder. Researchers know this because of studies that analyze identical twins. Both twins have bipolar disorder, but sometimes only one twin develops bipolar.

Excessive Stress and Trauma

Chronic stress can lead to many mental health conditions, including bipolar disorder. Similarly, experiencing a traumatic event in childhood or adulthood can cause a person to develop a mental health condition.

Substance Use

Substance use contributes to the development of mental health conditions, such as bipolar, by affecting the way neurotransmitters in the brain work. In addition, over time, substance use can cause a dopamine deficiency, making it difficult to achieve mental wellness.

Other Factors

Other factors that may contribute to bipolar disorder include:

  • Changes in sleep patterns
  • Hormonal changes
  • Changes in physical activity
  • Physical illness

Treatment For Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a treatable condition, and people with bipolar disorder can live normal lives with the right treatments. SUN Behavioral Health uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to treat bipolar disorder. During CBT, a therapist helps patients identify thought patterns and behaviors present during manic and depressive episodes. Learning to recognize these patterns helps the patient replace these harmful patterns with healthy habits of thought and behavior.

The use of Medication is an integral part of bipolar disorder treatment. In combination with therapy, medication helps manage symptoms of bipolar. Commonly used medications include:

  • Mood stabilizers: examples include lithium and lamotrigine
  • Antidepressants: used in some cases but not others. Antidepressants can trigger mania and should be used as directed
  • Antipsychotics: used during manic episodes to treat psychosis

Get Help For Bipolar Today

SUN Behavioral Health offers quality treatment for bipolar disorder. We understand that all cases of bipolar require an individualized approach, and we can tailor your treatment to your specific needs. You do not need to struggle alone. Call us today at 713-796-2273 to discuss treatment options with our staff.

713-796-2273

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Difference Between Bipolar and Bipolar Affective Disorder?

There is no difference between bipolar and bipolar affective disorder. In addition, there are many variations of bipolar including bipolar I, bipolar II, Cyclothymic disorder, and unspecified bipolar disorder.

What are the Types of Bipolar Affective Disorder?

The types of Bipolar Affective Disorder are bipolar I, bipolar II, cyclothymic disorder, and unspecified bipolar disorder.

Is Bipolar Affective Disorder a Serious Mental Illness?

Bipolar is a severe mental health condition that can lead to risky behavior, difficulty maintaining relationships, and suicide in extreme cases. However, bipolar is also treatable, and someone who has bipolar disorder can lead a normal life.

Is Bipolar a Major Affective Disorder?

Along with major depressive disorder, bipolar is an example of major affective disorder. These are illnesses that affect the way you think and feel.

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