What You Need To Know About Bipolar Disorder

What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that can cause extreme mood swings between emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). These mood swings can range from feeling very energized and optimistic to feeling hopeless, irritable, and lethargic. Bipolar disorder affects approximately 2.8% of the population and can cause significant impairment in daily functioning, relationships, and work or school performance. It is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors and can be treated with medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing bipolar disorder and improving quality of life.

Is it important to get treatment for Bipolar Disorder?

Without treatment, bipolar disorder can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life, relationships, and daily functioning. The extreme mood swings associated with bipolar disorder can interfere with work, school, and other important aspects of life, leading to problems such as job loss, financial instability, and social isolation.

Additionally, bipolar disorder is associated with a higher risk of suicide. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, individuals with bipolar disorder are at a much higher risk of suicide than the general population. Treatment can help reduce the risk of suicide by managing symptoms and providing support. At Renew Health & Wellness, Abigail Butterfield is an experienced psychiatric nurse practitioner who has extensive experience in treating patients with bipolar disorder.

With proper treatment, individuals with bipolar disorder can manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling and productive lives. Treatment may include medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes, and it is important to work closely with a healthcare professional to develop an individualized treatment plan. If you, or someone you know, is struggling with bipolar disorder, book an appointment at Renew Health & Wellness in Apollo Beach, Florida. Telehealth appointments are available to book online now! Receiving high-quality treatment for bipolar disorder is crucial for managing symptoms and improving quality of life.

How do you treat bipolar disorder?

Medication is often the first line of treatment for bipolar disorder. Mood stabilizers such as lithium and anticonvulsants such as valproate and lamotrigine are commonly used to manage manic or hypomanic episodes. Antipsychotics such as olanzapine, aripiprazole, quetiapine, and risperidone are used to manage symptoms that may occur during manic episodes and also help manage mood fluctuations. Antidepressants can also be used in some situations to manage symptoms of depression but are often used in combination with a mood stabilizer to prevent triggering manic episodes.

In addition to medication, therapy can be an effective tool in managing bipolar disorder. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help individuals learn to recognize and manage triggers and develop coping strategies. Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT) focuses on regulating daily routines and sleep patterns to help prevent mood swings.

Lifestyle changes can also play an important role in managing bipolar disorder. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and good sleep hygiene can help improve mood and reduce symptoms. Avoiding drugs and alcohol is also important as they can trigger mood swings and interfere with the medication’s effectiveness.

While medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes are effective treatments for bipolar disorder, it is important to work with a healthcare professional to develop an individualized treatment plan. Proper treatment and support can help individuals with bipolar disorder manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling and productive lives. Book an appointment with Abigail Butterfield, APRN at Renew Health & Wellness today!