Bipolar Disorder Symptoms, and Treatment Programs in Florida
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes shifts in a person’s mood, energy, and activity levels. In the past, people used to call bipolar disorder “manic depression.”
The symptoms of bipolar disorder can disrupt daily functioning. There are effective treatments that can help people with this condition manage its symptoms and improve their well-being.
This article will explore bipolar disorder and its treatment. You will learn:
- An overview of the different types of bipolar disorder
- The symptoms of bipolar disorder
- What to expect during bipolar disorder treatment
- Where to find effective treatment and support for bipolar disorder
If you or someone you love lives with bipolar disorder, you are not alone. Learn how to treat bipolar disorder and explore your treatment options by contacting the Agape Behavioral specialists.
What is Bipolar Disorder?
In the past, people called bipolar disorder “manic depression.” This term refers to the extreme highs and lows that people with the condition experience. However, new insights into the condition lead to more accurate terminology.
There are three types of bipolar disorder. Here is an overview of each type.
Bipolar I
Bipolar I disorder is a condition that causes manic episodes lasting at least seven days. During manic episodes. During manic episodes, people exhibit significant mood and behavior changes. During episodes of mania, people may exhibit:
- Elevated mood
- Excessive energy
- Irritability
- Energetic behavior
People with bipolar I may require hospitalization to stabilize during a manic episode.
People with bipolar disorder I may also experience depressive episodes that last at least two weeks. During a depressive episode, people exhibit significant changes that include:
- Depressed mood
- Low energy
- Hopelessness
People can experience symptoms of depression and manic behaviors at the same time. They may have rapid mood swings or a mixture of depression and mania.
Medical professionals refer to people who experience four or more periods of mania or depression in a year as “rapid cycling”.
Bipolar II disorder
People with bipolar II disorder have a pattern of depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes. Hypomania is a less severe type of mania. People may have elevated moods and energy levels but do not require hospitalization for stabilization.
Cyclothymic disorder
Cyclothymic disorder (sometimes called cyclothymia) is a condition that causes less intensive hypomanic and depressive episodes. These episodes do not meet the criteria for depression or manic episodes.
Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition. People who develop bipolar disorder require lifelong treatment to manage its symptoms.
Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
About 4.4% of U.S. adults suffer from bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder includes periods of mania and depression. Bipolar depression and manic episodes have different symptoms. Here is an overview of these symptoms.
Mania
Symptoms of mania include:
- Feeling elated or “high”
- Extreme irritability
- Feeling jumpy or “wired”
- Increased activity
- Feeling like you don’t need to sleep
- Taking fast and jumping from one topic to the next
- Racing thoughts
- Feeling powerful or extremely important
- Having an increased appetite
- Pleasure-seeking behaviors, such as having a lot of sex or abusing drugs and alcohol
Depression
Symptoms of depression include:
- Feeling “down” or having a low mood
- Lack of energy
- Inability to feel pleasure
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Thoughts of death or suicide
- Everyday tasks feel very challenging
- Losing interest in things that are usually enjoyable
- Poor concentration
- Inability to make decisions
- Talking or moving very slowly
- Difficulty falling asleep or waking up very early
- Feeling restless
People may have periods of mania and depression or experience manic and depressive symptoms at the same time.
People with bipolar disorder may have varied symptoms. Symptoms may be more or less intense. It is critical to seek an evaluation if you or a loved one exhibits manic or depressive symptoms.
What to Expect DuringTreatment for Bipolar Disorder
Comprehensive treatment can help people with bipolar disorder manage their symptoms. Here is an overview of treatment for bipolar disorder.
Medications
People with bipolar disorder must work with a doctor to determine the correct course of treatment. Finding a medication that works best and has fewer unwanted side effects can take some time. People may take atypical antipsychotic medications or mood stabilizers to reduce manic and depressive episodes.
People may also take medications to help with anxiety, sleep, or other symptoms of the condition.
Talk therapy
People with bipolar disorder may benefit from participating in talk therapy. Therapy can help people identify and change harmful thoughts and behaviors. People can learn coping skills to manage their symptoms more effectively.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective forms of talk therapy. It can help people reduce the sleep issues and depression common with bipolar disorder.
Other treatments
People with bipolar disorder may benefit from participating in other types of treatments, including:
- Light therapy to reduce seasonal depression
- Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) to treat severe depression
- Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to relieve depression
People with bipolar disorder must work with a licensed medical provider to understand their symptoms and treatment. Finding a course of treatment that is right for their needs is essential.
Find Treatment for Bipolar Disorder in Florida
If you or someone you love lives with bipolar disorder, effective treatment is available at Agape Behavioral Healthcare. Contact our intake specialists to explore our treatment and support programs. You may also schedule an intake appointment.
References:
- National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): Bipolar Disorder
- World Health Organization (WHO): Bipolar disorder
- American Journal of Psychiatry: Early Intervention in Bipolar Disorder
- American Psychological Association (APA): Diagnosing and treating bipolar spectrum disorders
- JAMA Network: Diagnosis and Treatment of Bipolar Disorder A Review
