What to Expect When Starting Bipolar Disorder Therapy
Starting bipolar disorder therapy can be overwhelming. Learn more about the condition and discover what to expect when you begin your journey here.
What Is Bipolar Disorder And How It Affects People
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by severe mood, energy, and activity changes. People with bipolar disorder often experience intense highs (mania or hypomania) and deep lows (depression). These episodes can last from days to months and usually cause difficulty functioning at work, school, and social settings. Bipolar disorder therapy can help.1
What Causes Bipolar Disorder?
The exact cause of bipolar disorder is unknown, but genetics account for 60-80% of the risk. Stressful life events, sleep disturbances, or substance use can also trigger it. There are three main types of bipolar disorder: Bipolar I, Bipolar II, and Cyclothymic disorder.2
- Bipolar I: this is the most severe type and is characterized by manic episodes that last for at least seven days.
- Bipolar II: this occurs when a person experiences depressive episodes and hypomania, less severe than mania.
- Cyclothymic disorder: this is marked by more frequent mood swings between low (depressive) and high (hypomanic).Unfortunately, there is no cure for bipolar disorder. However, with bipolar disorder therapy and lifestyle changes, it can be managed. Therapy and medications can also help reduce the intensity of symptoms and allow people to live a more balanced life.
Bipolar Disorder Prevalence: How Common Is It?
Bipolar disorder affects approximately 1 in every 100 people. It affects both men and women equally and often begins in the late teen years or early adulthood. Bipolar disorder can also occur during childhood or later in life.3
Symptoms Of Bipolar Disorder
About 2.8% of adults and adolescents in the US have bipolar disorder. That’s more than 9 million people living with this condition. The symptoms of bipolar disorder can vary from person to person.
The most common symptoms include:
- Unusual high energy levels with decreased need for sleep
- Feeling “on edge” or easily agitated
- Rapidly changing thoughts and ideas
- Impulsive or reckless behavior
- Extremely positive mood and high self-confidence
- Depression, characterized by extreme sadness or apathy.
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
Resources
- https://magazine.medlineplus.gov/article/highs-and-lows-understanding-bipolar-disorder
- https://www.healthline.com/health/is-bipolar-disorder-hereditary
- https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/bipolar-disorder/overview/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2914308/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3190964/
- https://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/guide/bipolar-disorder-supplements
Questions About Treatment?
Reach out to Advaita Integrated Medicine today and let us guide you toward a full and rewarding life uninhibited by mental health or substance use disorder challenges. We are here to support you every step of the way.
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Questions About Treatment?
Reach out to Advaita Integrated Medicine today and let us guide you toward a full and rewarding life uninhibited by mental health or substance use disorder challenges. We are here to support you every step of the way.