What are Effective Treatments for Bipolar Disorder?

What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a serious mental health condition that can affect people of all ages. It is a chronic mood disorder characterised by extreme swings in mood, energy and activity levels. The symptoms of bipolar disorder are similar to what many people experience during manic episodes—such as racing thoughts, racing speech and overactivity—but may also include extremely low moods that are typically seen in depressive episodes. To meet the criteria for BPAD, these episodes must last for at least 3 weeks. According to the DSM-V, there are two major kinds of BPAD: 

Bipolar I disorder: You've had at least one manic episode that may be preceded or followed by hypomanic or major depressive episodes. In some cases, mania may trigger a break from reality, which is then called psychosis. 

Bipolar II disorder: You've had at least one major depressive episode and at least one hypomanic episode, but you've never had a manic episode.

For you to understand both disorders better, it is important to understand the symptoms of both phases as well. The symptoms of a manic episode include: 

• Excessive happiness and excitement 

• Sudden and severe changes in mood: episodes of high energy and delusions of grandeur, contrasted with low depressive episodes

• Restlessness

• Rapid speech and racing thoughts

• Increased energy and less need for sleep

• Increased impulsivity and poor judgement, and indulgence in reckless behaviour

• Feeling like you’re unusually important, talented or powerful

• Psychosis — experiencing hallucinations and delusions (rare)

The symptoms of a depressive episode include: 

• Overwhelming sadness

• Low energy and fatigue

• Lack of motivation

• Feelings of hopelessness 

• Loss of enjoyment 

• Difficulty concentrating

• Bouts of crying 

• Irritability

• Insomnia or excessive sleep

• Change in appetite

• Suicidal thoughts

Treatments for Bipolar Disorder

Getting a diagnosis is the first step to getting better. A psychiatrist or a psychologist can help you with this. If you have bipolar disorder treatment is possible with the right combination of medications, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes. Medication can help control and balance symptoms of mania and depression. Additionally, psychotherapy can help you understand your condition and manage it.

There are several types of psychotherapy that can help with bipolar disorder, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), family therapy, relationship counselling and more.

Combination of medication and psychotherapy

Medication and psychotherapy work best when they are used in combination. The right medication can help control symptoms, while the right psychotherapy can help you learn to manage your day-to-day concerns. Medicines for bipolar disorder include lithium and valproate, which have been shown to be effective in reducing manic episodes and improving mood stability for some patients with bipolar I disorder. 

Psychotherapy can help you identify harmful patterns, make you more self-aware and help you navigate daily stressors better. It can also teach you effective life skills such as effective communication. It’s important to note that medication is not a  replacement for psychotherapy; rather it enhances treatment by helping you learn how to cope with your symptoms effectively, so that they don’t interfere with daily life or cause problems at work or home. It is important to note that the most effective treatment for bipolar disorder is a combination of medication and psychotherapy - they may not work as effectively in isolation as they do when combined. 

You may notice some side effects once you start taking medication. It’s important to talk to your psychiatrist about what you can expect when taking certain medicines. It’s also important to tell them if you’re experiencing side effects. Please do not stop taking your medication unless your psychiatrist tells you to do so. Abruptly stopping medication can cause various side effects and trigger severe episodes.

Lifestyle changes

In addition to medication and psychotherapy, lifestyle changes can help you manage bipolar disorder.

Get enough sleep: Recent research has determined that a nonadaptive circadian system is a biomarker of bipolar disorder.  Sleep deprivation is a common symptom of bipolar disorder and can worsen your symptoms. Getting on a proper sleep schedule and practising sleep hygiene make sure that you are not sleep-deprived, as this can trigger manic or depressive episodes. Try to get at least seven hours of sleep every night, for at least seven nights in a row, for two weeks, before taking medications or starting therapy sessions (this may not always be possible). 

Eat healthy food: A diet high in carbohydrates and refined sugars has been linked to worsening symptoms of both depression and mania in people with bipolar disorder — so if you're struggling with either type of episode or feel that something isn't right with your mental health overall, it might be worth considering cutting back on carbs while also eliminating processed foods as much as possible.

Exercise can be a great way to relieve stress and depression. It also has a number of other benefits, including:

• Helping you sleep better

• Making you feel more energised and positive

• Enhancing your productivity levels 

Mood Charting 

Mood charting is a way to identify triggers for your symptoms. It can help you understand how your mood changes over time, and what works and doesn't work for you. It is important to stick with it for a while before you can track useful patterns. Mood charting is simple - all you need is a journal. When you wake up in the morning, note down how you feel and make sure to note any major changes in your mood throughout the day. It may also be helpful to write down what triggered that particular mood. Once you have gotten into a routine, it can be very helpful to review this information with a therapist to identify any patterns. 

Conclusion

If you or someone you love is suffering from bipolar disorder, don’t worry, there is hope. The right treatment and medication can help manage and reduce symptoms of the condition over time. However, it is important that every person finds the treatment that works best for them and their condition as each person’s needs may vary.

If you are concerned about your mental health or would like more information on treatments available to help overcome bipolar disorder, please reach out to us.