Bipolar Affective Disorder

Our Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental health. They can treat Bipolar Effective Disorder with a variety of treatment modalities, including numerous types of medication and psychotherapy. Choosing the best treatment for the patient will depend on their specific needs

Bipolar

Bipolar Disorder

When we hear bipolar, we can immediately think of two poles,
which is exactly what this disorder is; mania and hypomania.

Bipolar disorder is associated with episodes of mood swings ranging from depressive lows to manic highs.
The exact cause of bipolar disorder isn’t known, but a combination of genetics, environment and altered brain structure and chemistry may play a role.
Bipolar disorder is a serious mental illness and is also known as chronic mood disorder in which the individual experiences extreme mood shifts, difficulty in daily activities and changes in energy levels.
Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition and it can either happen in small intervals or long intervals, it depends on person to person. This condition can be managed through proper medications and psychotherapy.

Symptoms

Symptoms may vary from individual to individual and it may also vary in the severity and duration of episodes Mania and Hypomania. Whilst in Mania the individual will experience extreme elevation of mood. In contrast Hypomania is less intense and disrupts socio-occupational functioning of the individual

  • Speech over productivity
  • Increased self-praise and self-esteem
  • Increased libido
  • Decreased need for sleep
  • Overspending behaviour
  • Feelings of Highly productive
  • Easy distraction and lack of concentration
  • Risky behaviour
  • Aggression and agitation
  • Decreased appetite
  • Having multiple thoughts

Types

  • Bipolar I disorder: In this type you must have experienced at least 1 extreme manic episode for which you need to take help of a professional and the episode must last for at least a week and it is followed by hypomanic or depressive episodes later which last for 2 weeks.
  • Bipolar II disorder: In this type you must have experienced at least one depressive episode and one hypomanic episode. This is not very erratic like Bipolar I disorder and therefore, typical manic features are not seen in this type.
  • Cyclothymic disorder: This type is defined by symptoms of hypomania and depression persists for at least 2 years for adults and 1 year for adolescents. In this type the symptoms are not very extreme to meet the requirements of particular disorders (hypomania or depression)
  • Unspecified or Other Bipolar disorder: When an individual experiences abnormal mood swings and disrupts their functioning, but do not meet the criteria for Bipolar I, Bipolar II or Cyclothymia then it is considered to be other or unspecified bipolar disorder.
  • Rapid Cycling: Here the individual experiences four or more episodes within a year.

Treatment

Medications:

For any illness, be it physical or mental, medications are the primary solution, and therefore, it is recommended to see a mental health professional for the medications. The doctor commonly prescribes mood stabilizers. It is sensible to keep up with your follow-up appointments as the symptoms of mania or depression may increase with time, and changes in medications may be Required. It is a severe mental illness; therefore, it can be managed with proper care and follow-ups.

Psychotherapy:

Psychotherapy helps the individual with bipolar disorder in learning the triggers of the condition. as the triggers can Switch anytime. In this the individual talks with the professional and learns about various ways of handling such extreme mood fluctuations. Therapy goes along with the medications as medications first helps in mellow downing of the symptoms and then the managing strategies will be learnt.