What is Bipolar?
Previously known as ‘manic depression’, Bipolar Disorder is a complex, long-term condition that causes opposing behaviours. These generally manifest as extreme mood swings and peaks and troughs in energy, activity and focus.
The disorder can vary in magnitude and effect and can be seen as a spectrum – one person may have a non-specific mood disorder, or cyclothymia, but another may be dealing with one of the following:
- Bipolar 1, in which a person might experience episodes of mania and depression or a mixture of both.
- Bipolar II, a less severe form, which can, however, have a significant impact on day-to-day life and work.
Individuals with Bipolar may experience either Manic, Depressive and/or Hypomanic episodes. Hypomanic episodes are a less severe version of the Manic occurrences, which don’t cause the same level of difficulty in day-to-day life but can still cause a significant impact.
What are the symptoms of Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar Disorder can make it extremely difficult to carry out daily tasks. It can also have a massive impact on finance, personal and working relationships, and on work in general.
The main challenge for someone with this condition is usually coping with the episodes of extreme mood, highs and lows, ups and downs, which can typically last for weeks or even months.
Manic episodes are often characterised by intense elation, rushes of energy, and a decreased need for sleep. Depressive episodes can bring low mood, sadness or melancholy.
Other symptoms can include:
- disinhibition (lack of self-control or restraint)
- grandiosity (an amplified sense of self-importance/superiority)
- having lots unfiltered of business ideas
- poor sleep
- increased libido (which is potentially negative if combined with impulsive behaviour)
- talking quickly without allowing interruption / prevention
- overspending
The causes of Bipolar Disorder are thought to be linked to genetic, biochemical or environmental factors. It is usually a lifelong condition and won’t just fade away, but it is treatable.
How does Talkmind treat Bipolar Disorder?
At Talkmind, we treat Bipolar Disorders with medications, counselling and therapy, or a combination of all of them.
This, of course, all depends on the severity of the disorder and many other factors.
But if you are tackling Bipolar Disorder, by coming to us for treatment, diagnosis, or both, we can help improve your quality of life. Treatments include:
- Antipsychotics e.g. Aripiprazole
- Mood stabilisers e.g. Lithium / Lamotragine
- Benzodiapemes e.g. Diazepam or Clonazapman
- Various talking therapies
- Remaining abstinent from psychoactive substances
- Lifestyle approaches e.g. engaging in meditation, exercise, yoga etc.
If you want the best of bipolar care from patient-orientated practitioners who understand this condition, then give us a call or click below.
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Signs of Mania
- Lesser need for sleep or an inability to sleep (insomnia)
- Racing mind
- Feeling as if you have consumed too much caffeine or taken an illicit substance, such as cocaine
- Extreme self-confidence and self-belief that is out of the ordinary
- Lack of control or a fear of losing control
- High creative output
- Being extremely talkative, often feeling unable to stop chatting
- Dramatically increased sex drive
- Behaving recklessly
- Having extravagant ideas that are unrealisticÂ
- Behaving impulsively, for example booking a plane ticket last minute in search of an adventure
- Disregard for one’s safety, perhaps engaging in risky or irresponsible activities, such as gambling, spending sprees or unsafe sexÂ
- Anxiety
- Delusions
- Hallucinations
- Paranoia