Bipolar Disorder Symptoms And Treatment

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Bipolar disorder or manic-depressive disorder is a disorder related to the brain. A person suffering with this condition has difficulty in carrying out normal activities, experiences severe mood swings together with unusual shifts in energy and activity levels. The symptoms of bipolar disorders are very severe in nature. In fact, they are different from the normal ups and downs a normal person undergoes from time to time. This disorder is believed to have a heavy genetic influence, runs in the families and lasts a lifetime. Although bipolar disorder medications are available, there are no sure cure treatments for bipolar disorder.

Symptoms of bipolar disorders are seen in people in their late teens or early adulthood. Bipolar disorder is known to exist with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). Broadly speaking, the disease exists in two phases: Manic phase and Depressive phase. Signs of bipolar disorder in manic phase include experience of an overexcited or joyful state followed by increased energy and activity levels. In depressive phase, ...
... overwhelming feelings of sadness and hopelessness are experienced. Besides, there is a mixed phase too, where people can be explosive and irritable at the same time. In mixed phase, symptoms of bipolar disorders can include agitation, appetite changes, trouble sleeping, and suicidal thinking. People in a mixed state may feel extremely energized, together with feelings of sadness or hopelessness.

Although there is no cure for bipolar disorder, effective medications and psychotherapy treatments for bipolar disorder can help gain control of mood swings and other related symptoms of the disease. A maintenance treatment plan for preventing relapse and reducing symptom severity is necessary for those who suffer from this lifelong disorder.

Below is a list of some of the popular bipolar disorder medications:

Antidepressants - This medication is used together with a mood stabilizer during a depressive episode. There is a risk of a mania episode if this medication is used alone.

Mood Stabilizers - Help in delaying or rendering relief in bipolar mania episodes and depression.
ECT or Electroconvulsive Therapy - This type of treatment is used to aid people who suffer from extreme episodes of bipolar disorder and for those who are non responsive or respond negatively to medications. ECT is not a medication but a shock therapy whereby the affected person is subjected to a range of electric shocks. This is the least popular form of bipolar disorder treatment.

Antipsychotic - Patients suffering from severe mania or depression episodes can suffer from psychosis. Antipsychotic is used alone or in combination with other drugs to treat such patients.

Before opting for a bipolar disorder test, one should talk to a doctor who can guide the patient towards the right mode of treatment by conducting a lab test, an interview, and physical examination. As bipolar disorder is a lifelong illness, those affected need a long term treatment to keep symptoms under control. Bipolar disorder medications and psychotherapy are included in an effective maintenance treatment plan that prevents relapse and reduces symptom severity. With proper treatments for bipolar disorder, conditions of affected individuals can be controlled and stabilized to a vast extent.