Bipolar disorder & It's symptoms, treatment

admin
0 Comments

Bipolar disorder & It’s symptoms, treatment

What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder, also referred to as manic depressive illness or manic depression, is a persistent mood disorder causing consistent changes in mood, energy levels, cognitive expressions, patterns and behaviors in a variety of manners. With advancements in bipolar disorder treatment, the condition has become quite manageable in terms of daily adjustments and occupational patterns.

With quite a few types acquitted under its umbrella, the mood shifts between hypomania/mania and depressive episodes. Euthymia persists very briefly in some cases, but the spectrum remains. With its lifelong persistence, there are many questions like, “Is bipolar disease curable?” or “Will I be able to experience a normal emotion?” amongst many others.

At Tulasi Healthcare, we are committed to understanding the nature of these disorders and how they affect every aspect of an individual’s lifestyle and adjustments. With our team of experts, our wide horizon of experience is graced by catering to a big spectrum of bipolar cases. Each client comes with their own modality and mindsets, and the treatment pattern differs for each.

Let’s go over some common details that will help you recognize a pattern within your loved ones and seek treatment, if needed.

Prevalence- In India, the condition prevails at about 0.3% of Indians, and 70% remain untreated due to negligence.

Signs and Symptoms to look for

Since there are different spectrums to look out for, a simple guide for each spectrum entails in the following section. These will help you recognize when you should be approaching bipolar disorder specialists in your vicinity.

Recognizing manic episodes-

Excessive happiness, restlessness
Running speech and incoherent thoughts
Increased energy
Unattainable plans and goals to achieve
Reckless behavior
Psychosis

Recognizing hypomanic episodes

This includes milder forms of manic symptoms where the person is not incoherent and will be able to function in an occupational or societal setting. This may be harder to recognize, but some clear signs can be noticed if observed closely.

Recognizing depressive symptoms-

Overwhelming sadness, lack of motivation
Irritability, loss of enjoyment & loneliness
Disturbed sleep patterns
Suicidal tendencies
Changed appetite

Recognizing a mixed episode-

A mixed episode usually entails mixed symptoms from manic and depressive episodes, where the marker is the expression of excitement and agitation with a depressive mood.

Diagnostic Criteria

For achieving a proper diagnosis, bipolar disorder specialists apply a variety of tools, testing and assessments and identify the route of treatment.

The healthcare provider can resort to-

A physical exam to rule out any neurological causes
Thorough medical history, including past diagnosis and life crisis
Mental health evaluation including MSE and required assessments to clarify and rule out comorbid conditions
References to DSM 5 & ICD 11 for confirming specific conditions and diagnosis

Modalities for Bipolar Disorder Treatment

Due to many advancements, there are a plethora of treatment modalities present at the moment to manage and deal with bipolar disorder.

Let’s look at some treatment methods Tulasi Healthcare specializes in.

When combining techniques for an effective treatment method, the procedure will include the following steps-

Management with medications
Psychotherapeutic approach
Self management modalities imparted through psychoeducation
Lifestyle transformation through holistic healthcare practices
Addition of other assistive therapies like ECT in case of poor response to medication

Medicine Assisted therapy– here, the treatment is approached with introduction to different medications like- Mood Stabilizers, Antipsychotics & Antidepressants, some of which are listed below-

Mood stabilizers- Lithium, Valproic Acid, Carbamazepine, Lamotrigine and many others.

Antipsychotics- Olanzapine, Risperidone, Aripiprazole, Lurasidone, Cariprazine etc.

Before starting any medication, the client is thoroughly analyzed and their condition is truly determined for the use of these medications. A highly judicious medication routine is set in order to minimize the risk of side effects from the base drugs.

Therapeutic Assistance- The following modalities are applied alongside medication to facilitate the recovery process-

Psychoeducation- As bipolar disorder can be a complex condition to understand for the clients, a holistic psychoeducation along with family and individual therapy is administered to make the client aware about his condition and facilitate a better course of action for the future.
Family focused therapy – Along with the caregivers, the client receives a very focused family therapy session where management, emotional crisis and a long course of action through a solution focused lens is discussed.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy- A structured, cognitive restructuring approach, the client here works in close connection with the therapist to manage the symptoms of their condition and deal with them in a better manner. The therapist helps you adopt healthier patterns and habits of thinking and navigating your way through the whole treatment process.

Assistive Therapies- In case of less reciprocation of medicinal treatment, other options to increase response are-

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) – Used in cases of pregnancy related bipolar issues and life threatening mania and depression. Electric impulses are passed through the electrodes to your scalp that induce the required brain area. Highly effective in nature.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) – Can be used without general anesthesia and is generally used for medication resistant depression cases.

Is bipolar disorder curable?

Bipolar disease is a lifelong condition, so a lifetime treatment is imminent. Over time, best psychiatrist at our facility can help you determine the right course of action with a comprehensive & holistic management plan. A long term continuous treatment ranging from months to years can help manage the symptoms, but not cure it to the fullest extent.

Feeling the need to consult? We’re here.

While seeking the need to identify various treatment options, your need to consult a specialist is a must. At Tulasi Health Care, a comprehensive guidance will be provided with client comfort and treatment options to suit your needs. Visit www.tulasihealthcare.com to know more and book a consultation at your convenience.