Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a mental health disorder that causes extreme mood swings. A person will go from the highs of mania to the depression of a full-blown depressive episode. These episodes can last weeks, months, or even years and often result in hospitalization or suicide. It is estimated that about 2.6% of adults in the United States suffer from bipolar disorder. We will discuss about bipolar disorder as well the ways to cure for bipolar disorder.
Table of Contents
What is bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder is the term used for a group of disorders, known as manic-depressive illness. These conditions have symptoms that usually occur together, that are known to be reversible, and occur on both sides of the life cycle. In bipolar disorder, you have either a depressive episode (episodes 1-3) or a manic episode (episodes 4-6). Bipolar II disorder is when you have symptoms in between. It is possible for a person with bipolar disorder to have bipolar I disorder as well. Bipolar disorder has an estimated prevalence of 5.7% in the United States, according to the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health. However, these rates are likely higher in people who have a family history of bipolar disorder.
How do I know if I have it?
Symptoms can be intermittent and unpredictable. Common signs include recurrent major changes in mood, such as rapid mood swings. Extreme mood swings may also include extreme euphoria followed by feelings of hopelessness or even suicidal thoughts. Mood instability can also cause difficulty in functioning, such as not sleeping, having difficulty concentrating, and losing track of time. A person with bipolar disorder may also have feelings of very low self-worth and worry constantly. Their feelings of worthlessness may cause a person to delay seeking medical care for a long time. How does bipolar affect my brain? Certain brain activities are controlled by different areas of the brain. In bipolar disorder, the brain is often not functioning in its normal ways and may be out of balance.
Ways to prevent bipolar disorder
Lifestyle changes can prevent bipolar disorder. Here are a few lifestyle changes that may lower your risk: Eat a well-balanced diet. Fiber is important for normal hormone production, which is important for the body to regulate its biochemistry. High levels of carbohydrates and fat can lead to high blood sugar and elevated insulin. In addition, sugar and excess fat can disrupt the function of the dopamine system in the brain. So what’s a diabetic to do? Alcohol should be avoided. Alcohol is a depressant that causes a high blood sugar level. Having a high level of blood sugar levels can decrease the energy needed to keep one’s body functioning. When one is on lithium, which is an effective mood stabilizer for bipolar disorder, the blood sugar can drop and you may feel less energetic.
Ways to treat bipolar disorder
Hospitalization can be an effective treatment for severe cases. In many cases, people also require behavioral therapy and medications. These treatments will help you stay stable and focus on your recovery. The more you learn about bipolar disorder and how to treat it, the easier it will be for you to manage it. If you are a parent with a child who is displaying manic or depressive behavior, get help as soon as possible. These symptoms are dangerous, and sometimes irreversible. Read more about Bipolar disorder: If you or a loved one is exhibiting manic or depressive behavior, contact a licensed health care professional immediately for medical assistance or contact the best bipolar disorder treatment center.
Conclusion
Treatment for bipolar disorder is successful when a patient makes lifestyle changes that will not only help manage symptoms, but also reduce stress. Many people diagnosed with bipolar disorder choose to work with a licensed psychiatrist, psychiatrist assistant, or a therapist. This gives them someone to talk to and who is knowledgeable about bipolar disorder and what treatments are effective. It is important for both the doctor and patient to be patient during treatment and keep in mind that mental illness can be caused by many different factors.
