Bipolar disorder is a considerably common but significant mental health condition that involves adjustments in mood, energy levels, and attention, alongside other indicators. It can severely interrupt your life, but therapy may drastically improve your outlook. Furthermore, treatment may not eliminate mood changes, but working closely with your 2nd Chance Treatment Center therapist can make symptoms more manageable and optimize quality of life.
The symptoms of bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder indicators vary from person to person and from one mood episode to the next. It might be helpful to keep note of your signs over time to identify any patterns in your mood fluctuations. Understanding these adjustments is an excellent first step in discovering how to deal with them. In the US, mental health experts diagnose the bipolar disorder based on the indicators specified in the most recent edition of the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders).
Bipolar disorder in kids and teens
Diagnosing bipolar illness in kids is controversial, largely because children don’t usually display the same bipolar disorder signs as adults. Also, their moods and behaviors may differ from the criteria used by doctors to identify the illness in adults. Most bipolar disorder symptoms in children overlap with symptoms of other diseases that usually develop, like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Conversely, in the last few decades, clinicians and mental health experts have come to detect the disorder in youngsters. A diagnosis may help kids get therapy, but reaching a diagnosis may take several weeks or months. It may be worthwhile to seek treatment from an expert who specializes in managing children with mental health issues.
Can you prevent bipolar disorder?
When you start having mood swings, you may take steps to lessen the intensity of those episodes and minimize your chances of having more. However, you can’t always avoid mood swings or keep the illness from forming in the first place. Future research might disclose more about the precise causes of bipolar disorder and provide researchers with greater insight into potential strategies for preventing the condition.
How effective are treatments?
The outlook for those with bipolar illness is positive with effective therapy. Lithium is usually the first medicine practitioners use to treat bipolar disease. Decades of study have proven its efficacy. Lithium successfully treats bipolar disorder in 40% to 50% of individuals who take it. Also, research suggests lithium helps minimize manic episodes and suicide risk.
Coping and support strategies
If you suspect you have bipolar disorder, make an appointment with a doctor or therapist immediately. Similarly, if a friend or loved one is experiencing symptoms, consider encouraging them to see a therapist. It never hurts to remind them of your compassion and support.
Conclusion
Although bipolar disorder is a long-term condition, it does not have to interrupt your life entirely. While living with bipolar illness can be difficult, sticking to your treatment regimen, practicing regular self-care, and relying on your support system can improve your general well-being and keep symptoms under control. Call 2nd Chance or book your consultation online to determine your ideal bipolar disorder treatments.
