Medication is an important part of bipolar disorder treatment. It works by regulating processes in the brain that contribute to mania and depression. However, many people struggle to maintain medication. The key to medication use is having a support system who understands the importance of medication and encourages you to take it. It can be helpful to have a trusted friend or family member store the medication and help you take it. Keeping a journal about your experience with the disorder can also help you better understand the effects of the medication.
Symptoms
The symptoms of bipolar disorder can vary from person to person. Individuals with this condition often exhibit episodes of mania and depression and switch back and forth between phases. If your child shows symptoms of mania and depression, he or she should be evaluated by a psychiatrist. If your child seems inconsistent with what is going on around him or her, it may be a sign of bipolar disorder.
Bipolar disorder can lead to serious consequences if not treated. People with this disorder need professional help to live a normal, productive life. The symptoms of bipolar disorder can make it difficult to work, study, or enjoy social activities. Bipolar disorder can even lead to suicidal thoughts. To seek help for this disorder, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Bipolar disorder symptoms include intense episodes of mania and depression that may affect the sufferer's energy levels, ability to concentrate, and daily life. Some individuals with the disorder may experience mild episodes of mania called hypomania. Unlike the mood swings experienced by people with other disorders, bipolar disorder patients experience episodes that last for longer than they usually do. These intense mood swings may make it difficult to function day-to-day. Typically, a person with bipolar disorder is diagnosed during adolescence, but symptoms may occur at any age.
In addition to these symptoms, individuals with bipolar disorder may also exhibit psychotic symptoms, which may involve seeing or hearing things that don't exist. While bipolar disorder is caused by both genetic and environmental factors, treatment options are available. For people with bipolar disorder, medications and talk therapies can help manage the disorder's symptoms.
Treatment
Treatment for bipolar disorder involves the use of a variety of medications to address the condition. These medications may include lithium and sodium valproate. Patients may need to discuss their individual preferences with their care team to find a combination that works best for them. In addition to the medication, patients should schedule regular health checkups to monitor their progress.
People with bipolar disorder should see a psychiatrist who specializes in treating mental health disorders. They may also work with a psychiatric nurse, psychologist, or social worker. Medication is the most common form of treatment, and it is often lifelong. If you stop taking medication, you run the risk of relapse or full-blown mania.
Patients who have bipolar disorder may exhibit increased impulsivity, poor judgment, and risky behaviors. They may also engage in unsafe sex. Additionally, a person may experience psychosis, hallucinations, or delusions. If untreated, these symptoms may require hospitalization.
Some patients may also benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy, which is an approach that focuses on teaching individuals how to cope with life's challenges. It helps people link their feelings to their behavior. This treatment also helps people better understand the emotional triggers of bipolar episodes. This treatment also helps patients develop problem-solving skills and reframe their thoughts.
Antipsychotic medications can also help those with bipolar disorder. Antipsychotics work as mood stabilizers and can reduce the severity of episodes. Some common drugs for bipolar disorder include lithium carbonate and valproic acid. While there is still no clear evidence to prove that they can successfully treat the disorder, these medications can reduce mania and depression symptoms.
Suicide rate
A large proportion of patients with BD commit suicide. Suicide rates are significantly higher than those of other psychiatric diagnoses. Suicide rates in BD patients treated with anti-manic drugs are significantly lower than those of patients who do not receive such treatments. However, the study was underpowered to identify the causal relationship between anti-manic medications and suicide rate.
The study also examined the risk factors associated with suicide attempts, completed suicide, and suicidal ideation. Among these, time spent in dysphoric mood is a risk factor that increases the risk of suicidal behavior. In a study conducted by Judd and colleagues, patients with bipolar disorder were found to be in depressive symptoms for about 31 percent of follow-up weeks. During the remaining 5.9% of follow-up weeks, patients exhibited mixed mood states.
The ISBD Task Force on Suicide reviewed the literature for research related to the risk of suicide among individuals with bipolar disorder. They identified four key areas to review and established work groups with authors with particular expertise in these fields. Each of the work groups compiled a literature review that summarized the literature.
While the rate of suicide attempts among patients with BD has varied, several large epidemiological studies have found that this disease is associated with a significantly higher rate of suicide attempts than the general population. Researchers also found that patients treated with atypical antipsychotics were at a higher risk of suicide when they discontinued their medications. Moreover, patients with BD should consider seeking treatment with a mood stabilizer, a common antipsychotic.
