Mania and Bipolar Disorder 1
Bipolar disorder, alternatively called manic depression, is a brain-related disorder that is characterized by abrupt,swinging bouts of euphoria and depression.Bipolar disorder causes unusual shifts in energy, mood, sleep patterns, and functioning ability of affected individuals (“Bipolar Disorder”, n.d.).Individuals with Bipolar disorder experience episodes ofmania and depression that are usually alternated by normal-mood periods.Bipolar mood swings are different and much more severe when compared to the ups and downs that people normally experience in their lives (Tighe, 2006). This alternation in mania and depression can be rapid in some individuals, and is termed as rapid cycling.In extreme cases, manic episodes maycausepsychotic symptoms likehallucinations and delusions. Bipolar disorder can affect interpersonal relationships, academic performance, job efficiency, and even prompt affected individuals to contemplate suicide.
It is estimated that as many as 5.7 million Americans are affected by Bipolar disorder, but the good news is that Bipolar disorder is treatable, and individuals with this ailment can still lead complete, productive lives (“Bipolar Disorder(Mania)”, n.d.). However, if Bipolar disorder in an individual goes untreated, then the consequences can be quite devastating. In manic phases, affected individuals may turn hyperactive and act irresponsibly, whereas in depressive phases, they might find themselves incapacitated to perform any activity effectively at all.
Considering that Bipolar disorder can impact all facets of lives of those affected, it becomes crucial to diagnose and treat it early. Bipolar disorder diagnosis however can be a tricky issue even for formally trainedprofessionals, so seeing a psychiatrist who specializes in mental health may be a better option than consulting a family doctor.Diagnosis tests for Bipolar disorder usually constitute a complete examination of psychiatric, medical, and physical histories of the individual in question. A doctor or a specialist will have the individual answer a series of questions about symptoms, problem history, previous treatment details (if any), and family mood-disorder history. Though no lab tests as such exist to identify Bipolar disorder, doctors may go through previous medical records and conduct a physical examination to eliminate any medication or illness that may be causing the symptoms. Doctors especially check for thyroid disorders, as they can cause mood swings that are similar to the ones produced by Bipolar disorder (“Bipolar Disorder Treatment”, 2007). AIDS, epilepsy, head trauma, and vitamin B12 deficiency can cause similar symptoms as well. Apart from this, doctors may consult friends and family members to gather details about the moods and behaviors of the individuals being examined.
Once a doctor determines that an individual has Bipolar disorder, then the treatment and medication options will be explained.The doctor may also refer the individual to a psychologist, counselor, or a mental health professional who specializes in Bipolar disorder treatment. A personalized treatment plan will then be developed by the concerned healthcare providers. Through treatment, most people with Bipolar disorder receive significant relief from their suffering. The recurrence of mood cycles necessitates that the treatment plan should not just emphasize on the acute crisis associated with mania or depression, but also on long-term measures for preventive care.
In Bipolar disorder’s acute treatment phase, primary treatment constitutes medications that stabilize mood.To treat acute mania, mood stabilizers, alongwith atypical antipsychotics are the drugs of choice (“Bipolar Disorder Treatment”, 2007).To provide temporary relief from anxiety and insomnia, sedatives may be used. To treat acute depression, mood stabilizers, alongwith antidepressants are prescribed (“Bipolar Disorder Treatment”, 2007).Different people react differently to drugs, so the right drug combination for the patient will only be decided and continued after careful study of patient response. Psychotherapy is a helpful option in the phase of depression, but is of little use in the manic state, where the patient has limited ability to listen and adhere what the therapist says. To treat severe bouts of mania and depression, Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) is used. ECT is a life saver for patients who are at a high suicide risk, or suffer from psychotic symptoms. Hospitalization will be a serious consideration should the patient pose a danger to themselvesor to others around them.
In Bipolar disorder’s maintenance or preventive phase, the emphasis is on stable mood maintenance and prevention of future bouts.To reduce severity and frequency of the bouts,patients are asked to continue with mood stabilizers even when mania and depression symptoms are within control. Psychotherapy is absolutely essential in this phase because it can help patients learn ways to cope with troublesome feelings, repair relationships, handle stress, and achieve mood regulation. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), family-focused therapy, along with social rhythm and interpersonal therapy are three helpful psychotherapy types that are commonly used to treat Bipolar disorder (“Bipolar Disorder Treatment”, 2007). Complementary and alternative Bipolar disorder treatments include light and dark therapy, mindfulness meditation, and acupuncture.
References
Bipolar Disorder. (n.d.). Retrieved October12, 2008, from
Tighe, J. (2006). Bipolar disorder (manic depression). (2006). Retrieved October12, 2008, from
Bipolar Disorder (Mania). (n.d.). Retrieved October12, 2008, from
Bipolar Disorder Treatment. (2007). Retrieved October12, 2008, from