Understanding Bipolar Disorder
Mood fluctuations are a normal part of our everyday experience. Those without bipolar disorder generally experience transitions that last hours. For those with this condition, these mood swings can persist for days. Unlike a normal mood swing, one driven by bipolar disorder can come with extreme behaviors and trouble following daily routines. These symptoms can create significant difficulty in the relationships sufferers have with others. They can also make succeeding at work or school difficult to impossible.
There are three identified forms of bipolar disorder:
- Bipolar I
- Bipolar II
- Cyclothymic Disorder
Bipolar disorder has been revealed to be congenital. Almost all individuals who experience bipolar disorder have relatives with the same concern. Sleep disruption, stress, and abuse of alcohol or drugs can trigger many people. The specific causes of bipolar are not well understood, but an imbalance in brain chemicals is suspected.
Manic Episode
Manic episodes are defined as persisting longer than a week. During this period, the patient will exhibit high levels of irritability or will be high-spirited for the majority of the period. In addition to these fundamental indicators, they will exhibit changes in behavior. Standard changes are a reduced need for sleep, thoughts that race, elevated activity levels, and a propensity for risky behavior. Some also experience psychotic features such as false beliefs, hallucinations, disorganized thinking. If a manic episode lasts four days rather than a week, it’s known as a hypomanic episode.
Major Depressive Episode
A depressive period persisting for more than two weeks may indicate a major depressive episode. Actual major depressive episodes are accompanied by intense sadness or despair or a loss of interest in favorite activities. Guilt and feelings of worthlessness are common, as are unusual fatigue and sleep patterns or appetite changes. Suicidal ideation may be involved, as well as restlessness and difficulty concentrating.
Cyclothymic Disorder
This form of the disorder is defined as a period of repeated depressive and manic episodes over an extended period. These patients vacillate between hypomanic episodes and mild depressive disorders. Manic and significant depressive episodes are not present in these patients.
Bipolar Disorder Can Be Treated At Prestige Mental Health
The team at Prestige Mental Health is proud to serve the Las Vegas, NV community. Every day our team strives to help patients like you live full and productive lives. Call us today to schedule your next consultation with April Sullivan, NP. They’ll help you identify symptoms, appropriate options for treatment and will be there to help you get the most out of your treatment.
