Bipolar
Bipolar disorder is characterized by intense changes in mood. These changes in mood include manic periods of high energy, erratic, sometimes reckless behavior, as well as disrupted sleep patterns. These changes in mood also involve depressive periods in which the individual experiences a decrease in mood, feelings of sadness and general hopelessness. Individuals suffering from Bipolar disorder typically teeter between these two mood states and may experience normal moods in between episodes. Individual’s suffering from Bipolar Disorder experience these intense shifts in mood that interfere with their day-to-day functioning. Manic episodes experienced by individuals suffering from Bipolar disorder are characterized by grandiosity, disrupted sleep, reckless behavior, reckless spending and sexual activity. Depressive episodes experienced by individuals with Bipolar Disorder are characterized by feelings of intense sadness, poor sleep, guilt, and suicidality.
Bipolar Disorder typically affects individuals during their later teen years into early adult years and usually lasts the entire individual’s life.
Bipolar Disorder typically affects individuals during their later teen years into early adult years and usually lasts the entire individual’s life.
There are four different types of Bipolar disorder: Bipolar I Disorder, Bipolar II Disorder, Cyclothymic Disorder, and Unspecified Bipolar Disorder.
Bipolar I Disorder is defined by manic episodes that exceed one week and typically require hospitalization and conversely depressive episodes that last about 2 weeks. Bipolar II Disorder is defined by the experience of both depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes, but not full-fledged debilitating manic episodes that lower day-to-day functioning. Cyclothymic Disorder is defined as the cycling between dysthymia and hypomania. Unspecified Bipolar Disorder is defined as experiencing symptoms typical of Bipolar disorder, however not specific to the other three categories.
Bipolar I Disorder is defined by manic episodes that exceed one week and typically require hospitalization and conversely depressive episodes that last about 2 weeks. Bipolar II Disorder is defined by the experience of both depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes, but not full-fledged debilitating manic episodes that lower day-to-day functioning. Cyclothymic Disorder is defined as the cycling between dysthymia and hypomania. Unspecified Bipolar Disorder is defined as experiencing symptoms typical of Bipolar disorder, however not specific to the other three categories.
Bipolar disorder can be effectively managed with the help of a qualified medical professional. There are medication treatment options, as well as, therapy options.
The primary cause of Bipolar disorder is still under investigation; however, research has found links between genetics, brain anatomy and processing. The genetic component of Bipolar disorder suggests that an individual is most likely to be diagnosed with Bipolar disorder if they have family members who have also been diagnosed with disorder at a 70% rate of heritability. There are also links between genetic mutations and the diagnosis of Bipolar disorder.
Treatment for Bipolar disorder includes medication management, psychotherapeutic approaches, lifestyle adjustments, and the strengthening of an individual’s social supports.
Medications typically prescribed in the treatment of Bipolar disorder include mood stabilizers, such as lithium, and anticonvulsants.
The primary cause of Bipolar disorder is still under investigation; however, research has found links between genetics, brain anatomy and processing. The genetic component of Bipolar disorder suggests that an individual is most likely to be diagnosed with Bipolar disorder if they have family members who have also been diagnosed with disorder at a 70% rate of heritability. There are also links between genetic mutations and the diagnosis of Bipolar disorder.
Treatment for Bipolar disorder includes medication management, psychotherapeutic approaches, lifestyle adjustments, and the strengthening of an individual’s social supports.
Medications typically prescribed in the treatment of Bipolar disorder include mood stabilizers, such as lithium, and anticonvulsants.
At Psychiatrists of Los Angeles, we are here for you, and you want to feel better. Please give us a call and we can help:
Call us at: 323-609-4601
Call us at: 323-609-4601
