Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder Treatment

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes significant changes in mood, energy levels, activity, and behavior. These changes may include episodes of mania, hypomania and depression that can affect daily life, relationships and overall functioning.

Bipolar Disorder

What Is Bipolar Disorder?

Chronic mental health disorder, bipolar disorder is defined by recurrent periods of mania, hypomania and sadness. A person's relationships, behavior, energy levels, emotions and daily functioning can all be impacted by these mood swings.

Types of Bipolar Disorder

Types of Bipolar Disorder

  • Bipolar I Disorder – One or more episodes of mania (generally to the point where hospitalization is required), either with or without depressive episodes.
  • Bipolar II Disorder – Depressive episodes and hypomania, but not full mania.
  • Cyclothymic Disorder – Mild mood changes that last for two years or more that are less extreme than manic and depressive states.
  • Rapid Cycling Bipolar Disorder – 4 or more bipolar disorder episodes in one year.

Common Symptoms

During Manic Episodes

During Manic Episodes:

  • Abnormal elation or excitement
  • Decreased need for sleep
  • Pressure of speech and racing thoughts
  • Impulsive or dangerous choices
  • Agitation or irritability
During Depressive Episodes

During Depressive Episodes:

  • Sadness is unbearable or feels like it will never end
  • Losing interest in things you normally enjoy
  • Feeling tired, fatigued and drained of energy
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Altered sleep and appetite patterns
Causes and Risk Factors

Causes and Risk Factors

  • Inherent susceptibility due to genetics, family history of the disease
  • Imbalances of brain chemicals
  • Stressful or significant life events
  • Sleep disruption is another factor.
  • Use of substances, which can prompt an episode or make one worse

Diagnosis at Nirvan Hospital

They assess us on a thorough basis by observing our mood changes over time to find out if there are any issues that can lead to bipolar-like symptoms. This is crucial since bipolar disorder is usually mistaken for depression.

When to Seek an Evaluation

When to Seek an Evaluation

The diagnosis of bipolar disorder is often delayed because manic or hypomanic states are productive and not problematic. Think about undergoing an assessment in case of:

  • Clear periods of extreme energy levels or a lack of need for sleep, which alternate with depressive lows.
  • Impulsivity (e.g., financial, relational, professional choices) during the “high” period that are regretted later.
  • Mood swings that last for days and even weeks, but not for hours.
  • Being treated for depression but not experiencing full remission.
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What Happens During Diagnosis

The diagnosis of bipolar disorder is often delayed because manic or hypomanic states are productive and not problematic. Think about undergoing an assessment in case of:

Bipolar Disorder can be confused with many other mental disorders; therefore, for diagnosing a case of bipolar disorder at Nirvan Hospital, it is necessary to draw a picture of the changes in mood over time. It will be quite helpful if the family members of the patient provide their opinion in this regard because the patient may not notice their mania himself.

Our Treatment Approach

As bipolar disorder can be confused with a number of other mental disorders, a diagnostic procedure in Nirvan hospital requires that the moods of the patient be plotted through time and not simply evaluated on one particular day. At times, the opinion of the family members becomes very useful as the patients themselves do not realize that they are in a mania episode.

Psychiatric Medication Management Mood-Stabilizing Medication

Mood-Stabilizing Medication

Pharmacological approach under strict medical observation for management of manic and depressive episodes.

Psychiatric Consultation & Regular Monitoring

Psychiatric Consultation & Regular Monitoring

Adjustment of therapy based on mood patterns through time.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy and psychoeducational programs to help patients understand symptoms of an attack.

rTMS Therapy

rTMS Therapy

Non-medicinal therapy in case of depressive episodes for certain patients.

Inpatient Car

Inpatient Car

For management of serious manic or depressive episodes.

Family Counseling

Family Counseling

Teaching family members about episodes and their supportive role.

Lifestyle Management

Lifestyle Management

Stress reduction, sleep pattern management and routine establishment.

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The Nirvan Hospital Difference for Mood Disorders

  • More than 36 years of experience in differentiating bipolar disorder from other mood disorders — an aspect that is largely ignored elsewhere.
  • Accredited by NABH, adhering to clinical procedures.
  • Constant monitoring for patients going through manic/depressive cycles.
  • Treatment regimens are reviewed and modified with time and not just written out once.
  • Families trained to recognize early signs that precede episodes.
  • Availability of rTMS as an additional treatment modality during difficult depressive cycles.
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Managing Life With Bipolar Disorder

  • Maintain a regular sleep routine as sleep disturbance is one of the major factors causing mania.
  • Monitor the symptoms through journaling or apps to detect any initial symptoms.
  • Do not use alcohol or recreational drugs as these could lead to the onset of episodes.
  • Continue taking prescribed medications regularly even when stable, as discontinuation of medicines after feeling “good” leads to relapses.
  • Develop a support network for your condition, with family participation in the treatment plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bipolar does usually require long-term management, but with the appropriate medication and therapy most patients have stable, satisfying lives.

Mood episodes in bipolar disorder are more severe in nature, persist for an extended period (days to weeks), and result in marked functional impairment over and above normal variations in mood due to life stress or other factors.

Medication treatment is typically the mainstay, although other treatments, such as psychotherapy and lifestyle modifications, are helpful adjuncts in assisting the person to remain stable.

Common precipitants include sleep disruption, stress, and substance use, though they can be missing prior to the onset of an episode.

Awareness of early signs and ensuring that a person takes their medication are the best methods by which family members can assist in the recovery of their loved one.