What Is Bipolar Disorder, and How Can It Be Treated?

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is a diagnosis that describes a group of mood disorders in which a person has periods of depression, mania, hypomania, and/or mixed states. It is a severely devastating psychiatric illness if left untreated.

Bipolar disorder differs from major depression in that it also includes "charged" or "activated" mood states in addition to depressive mood states. People with the condition have a wide range of mood states in terms of duration and intensity.

Changing from one mood state to another is called “cycling” or having mood swings. Mood swings affect not just one's mood but also one’s energy level, sleep pattern, activity level, social rhythms, and thinking abilities. Many people become fully disabled, for some period of time, after being diagnosed, and may have tremendous difficulties functioning during that time.

The great majority of persons who have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder are depressed. During the course of the bipolar I subtype of the disorder, there is at least a 3 to 1 ratio of time spent depressed to time spent in a normal mood, hypomanic, or manic. People with the bipolar II subtype are more likely to be depressed for a longer period of time. Bipolar II can last up to 37 times longer than bipolar I.

Severe depression may be followed by symptoms of psychosis-like hallucinations and delusions. They may also have paranoid notions that they are being persecuted or watched by a powerful entity, such as the government or a hostile force. Intense and unusual religious beliefs may also be present, such as the conviction that they have a God-given role to perform in the world, a big and historic purpose to complete, or even that they possess supernatural powers, In a depressed state, delusions can be considerably more upsetting, taking the shape of extreme remorse for alleged wrongs the patient believes he or she has committed against others.

Treatment for Bipolar Disorder

A doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental health illnesses (psychiatrist) who is experienced in treating bipolar and related disorders is the best person to lead you through treatment.

A psychologist, social worker, and psychiatric nurse may be part of your therapy team. Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, symptom management is the goal of treatment. Treatment may comprise one or more of the following, depending on your needs:

Psychotherapy: It is an important part of bipolar disorder treatment and can be done alone, in a family, or in a group.
Medications: To regulate your mood swings, you may need to start taking medicines straight away.
Day treatment programs: These programs give you the support and counseling you require while you work to reduce your symptoms.
Continued treatment: Bipolar disorder demands medication therapy for the rest of your life, even when you are feeling better. People who skip continued treatment run the danger of relapsing or having small mood swings grow into full-fledged mania or depression.
Hospitalization: If you're acting dangerously, feeling suicidal, or becoming distant from reality, your doctor may urge hospitalization. Whether you're undergoing a manic or major depressive episode, getting psychiatric care in a hospital can help you be calm and safe while also stabilizing your mood.

This article here is not to be taken as medical advice. Kindly seek an expert medical council for the most up-to-date treatment options if you or someone you know suffers from bipolar disorder