Bipolar disorder is a mental health disorder characterized by intense mood variations. It has also been called manic depression or bipolar disease. While going through a manic phase, a person may experience an emotional high and a few events of depression.
It can be troublesome for people with bipolar disorder to manage daily routine tasks at work or school or sustaining relationships. Bipolar disorder doesn’t have any cure. However, its symptoms can be managed with the help of some treatment options.
What are the different types of Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar I, Bipolar II, and Cyclothymia are the three main types of bipolar disorder:
Bipolar I
With Bipolar I there is at least one event of mania. In this form of the disorder, a person may experience major depressive or hypomanic events before and after the occurrence of mania. Both women and men are equally affected by this.
Bipolar II
In this type, people experience one significant depressive phase that lasts for at least 15 days and a hypomanic event that lasts for around 4 days. Women are more vulnerable to this type of bipolar disorder.
Cyclothymia
Both hypomania and depression are present in this type, in which the symptoms are less severe and of shorter duration than the depression and mania caused by the first two types.
What Causes Bipolar Disorder?
It’s not yet clear what causes bipolar disorder to occur in a few people and not others. Even doctors and researchers are not sure about it. However, the following are possible causes of bipolar disorder:
Genes
You have a greater chance of developing bipolar disorder if your parents or siblings have it. However, most people who have a history of bipolar disorder in their family don’t develop it.
Brain
Your brain’s structure impacts your risk for bipolar disorder to occur. Any imbalance in the functions of your brain may increase your chances of developing it.
Environment
Besides internal factors, several external factors, such as high-stress levels, physical illness, and past traumatic events, may also contribute to bipolar disorder.
How to Treat Bipolar Disorder?
Several treatments, such as routine changes, counseling, and medications, can help you manage your bipolar disorder.
Medications
- Lithobid(mood stabilisers)
- Zyprexa(antipsychotics)
- Symbyax(antidepressant-antipsychotics)
- Xanax(anti-anxiety)
Psychotherapy
Recommended psychotherapy treatments may include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy: A talk therapy in which the person with bipolar disorder and a therapist talk about ways to manage it and positive coping approaches.
- Psychoeducation: A kind of counseling that helps you and your loved ones know about the disorder to manage it effectively.
- Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy: This includes regulation and balancing of routine habits, such as eating, exercising, and sleeping.
Lifestyle changes
The following routine changes can help you alleviate bipolar disorder:
- Timely eating and sleeping
- Awareness of mood swings
- Asking a loved one for the support of treatment plans
- Getting in touch with your doctor
Other treatment options
A few other options are also available for the treatment of Bipolar Disorder:
- ECT (electroconvulsive therapy)
- Prescribed sleep medicines & supplements
- Acupuncture
If you or someone you know experiences mental health issues, it is important to seek help from a qualified professional. Our Resource Specialist can help you find expert mental health resources to recover in your community. Contact us now for more information on this free service to our users.
About the Author: Anurag Vishwakarma works as a Marketing Manager for Wisdom Policy, a leading online insurance provider in India that offers different types of insurance policy plans like Health Insurance, Car Insurance, Life Insurance, and more.
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