Treating Bipolar Disorder near State College, PA
Bipolar disorder, formerly called manic depression, is more prevalent in our cultural awareness than it used to be. You may often hear people you know or people in the media talking about “being bipolar” when they have mood swings. While it’s always good to have more awareness of mental health conditions, the condition of bipolar disorder has been diagnosed in only about 2.8% of the U.S. population, with about 83% of those cases classified as severe.
So while bipolar disorder is indeed a serious mental health concern, it is not as prevalent as you might assume. Those who are diagnosed with bipolar disorder may experience extreme mood swings, with intense emotional highs known as manic or hypomanic episodes, and emotional lows, which share the same symptoms as major depressive disorder. These mood swings can significantly impact daily life, relationships, and overall functioning.
If you suspect yourself or a loved one of having symptoms of bipolar disorder, don’t try to diagnose yourself. Seek professional help. Here at St. Joseph Institute in Port Matilda, PA, we offer free, confidential assessments followed by individualized recommendations for treatment.
What is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder that goes beyond the typical ups and downs people experience in daily life. It involves extreme mood swings, and the affected person may have difficulty in maintaining relationships, holding down a job, or pursuing academic and personal goals. There are several types of bipolar disorder, each with its own unique characteristics:
- Bipolar I Disorder: This variation involves manic episodes that last at least seven days or are severe enough to require immediate hospitalization. Depressive episodes may also occur and typically last for about two weeks.
- Bipolar II Disorder: Bipolar II is characterized by a pattern of depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes, which are less severe than full-blown manic episodes. People who have bipolar II may not recognize the hypomanic episodes as problematic.
- Cyclothymic Disorder: This involves numerous periods of hypomanic symptoms and depressive symptoms that last for at least two years in adults (or one year in children and adolescents). The symptoms are less severe than those of Bipolar I or II.
- Bipolar Disorder, “other specified” and “unspecified”: This category was created for those who do not meet the criteria for bipolar I, II, or cyclothymia but still experience periods of clinically significant abnormal mood elevation.
What are the Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder?
Symptoms vary depending on the type and phase of the illness. Bipolar disorder is cyclical, meaning that a person diagnosed with it will generally not experience symptoms year round. On average, people with bipolar will have one or two cycles yearly. The length of each cycle will vary from a day to several weeks or more. Depressive episodes tend to last longer than hypomanic or manic episodes in most people.
Manic episodes are characterized by increased energy and activity levels, as well as either an elevated mood or extreme irritability. Someone experiencing a manic episode will behave impulsively, with poor judgment, and have less need for sleep. In more severe manic states, the person may experience psychotic episodes marked by hallucinations and delusions.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI), “although someone with bipolar may find an elevated mood of mania appealing—especially if it occurs after depression—the “high” does not stop at a comfortable or controllable level.” NAMI notes that what started as an extremely good mood can quickly become more irritable, accompanied by unpredictable, impulsive, and reckless behavior.
Hypomanic episodes are similar to manic episodes but less extreme. The person may feel unusually good and be highly productive. Others may not even notice a change in their behavior.
Depressive episodes are marked by a persistent sadness or a feeling of emptiness, to the point that the person may not be able to get out of bed in the morning. They lose interest in activities they once enjoyed, experience drastic changes in appetite in sleep patterns, and feel chronically tired. They may become so stuck in negative thoughts related to grief, failure, or guilt that they become suicidal. For a bipolar diagnosis, severe depressive symptoms must be present nearly every day for a period of at least two weeks.
What Causes Bipolar Disorder?
The exact cause of bipolar disorder is not fully understood, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic, biological, and environmental factors:
- Genetic: Family history plays a significant role; individuals with a first-degree relative (parent or sibling) with bipolar disorder are at a higher risk.
- Biological: Imbalances in neurotransmitters, the chemical messengers in the brain, particularly serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, may contribute to mood fluctuations.
- Environmental: High-stress situations, traumatic events, or major life changes can trigger the onset of bipolar disorder in individuals with a genetic predisposition.
In addition, structural and functional abnormalities in the brain, including the amygdala and prefrontal cortex, may be associated with bipolar disorder.
How is Bipolar Disorder Diagnosed?
Diagnosing bipolar disorder involves a comprehensive assessment by a mental health professional. This typically includes a clinical interview, in which the client will provide a detailed personal and family history and discuss how their symptoms impact their daily functioning. The client may be asked to keep a journal to track mood swings, sleep patterns, and other factors. The assessment will also include a physical examination to rule out medical conditions that may mimic bipolar symptoms, as well as psychological testing to assess cognitive and emotional functioning.
Bipolar can be very difficult to diagnose. Its symptoms are not present all the time, they vary widely, and they can be masked by factors such as substance use. In addition, people are often in denial of their symptoms or reluctant to talk about them with their doctor. According to a psychiatry professor quoted in an NBC News article, “the average length of time between a person’s first episode and getting the correct diagnosis is eight years.”
How is Bipolar Disorder Treated?
Managing bipolar disorder often involves a combination of medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes. At St. Joseph Institute, we work with our clients to determine which medications might be useful, encourage clients to participate in individual and group therapy, and recommend lifestyle changes that will support long-term recovery.
For clients whose bipolar diagnosis co-occurs with a substance use disorder, we begin treatment with medical detox and then move on to treat both disorders simultaneously in residential or outpatient treatment.
Help for Bipolar Disorder in Central Pennsylvania
Bipolar disorder is a complex mental health condition that requires a comprehensive approach to diagnosis and treatment. With the right combination of medication, psychotherapy, and support, individuals with bipolar disorder can manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of bipolar disorder, contact St. Joseph Institute today. We can provide the compassionate, professional care you need to find stability and well-being.
