How can u tell if someone is bipolar


Symptoms - Bipolar disorder - NHS

Bipolar disorder is characterised by extreme mood swings. These can range from extreme highs (mania) to extreme lows (depression).

Episodes of mania and depression often last for several days or longer.

Depression

During a period of depression, your symptoms may include:

  • feeling sad, hopeless or irritable most of the time
  • lacking energy
  • difficulty concentrating and remembering things
  • loss of interest in everyday activities
  • feelings of emptiness or worthlessness
  • feelings of guilt and despair
  • feeling pessimistic about everything
  • self-doubt
  • being delusional, having hallucinations and disturbed or illogical thinking
  • lack of appetite
  • difficulty sleeping
  • waking up early
  • suicidal thoughts

Mania

The manic phase of bipolar disorder may include:

  • feeling very happy, elated or overjoyed
  • talking very quickly
  • feeling full of energy
  • feeling self-important
  • feeling full of great new ideas and having important plans
  • being easily distracted
  • being easily irritated or agitated
  • being delusional, having hallucinations and disturbed or illogical thinking
  • not feeling like sleeping
  • doing things that often have disastrous consequences – such as spending large sums of money on expensive and sometimes unaffordable items
  • making decisions or saying things that are out of character and that others see as being risky or harmful

Patterns of depression and mania

If you have bipolar disorder, you may have episodes of depression more regularly than episodes of mania, or vice versa.

Between episodes of depression and mania, you may sometimes have periods where you have a "normal" mood.

The patterns are not always the same and some people may experience:

  • rapid cycling – where a person with bipolar disorder repeatedly swings from a high to a low phase quickly
  • mixed state – where a person with bipolar disorder experiences symptoms of depression and mania together; for example, overactivity with a depressed mood

If your mood swings last a long time but are not severe enough to be classed as bipolar disorder, you may be diagnosed with a mild form of bipolar disorder called cyclothymia.

Living with bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder is a condition of extremes. A person with bipolar disorder may be unaware they're in the manic phase.

After the episode is over, they may be shocked at their behaviour. But at the time, they may believe other people are being negative or unhelpful.

Some people with bipolar disorder have more frequent and severe episodes than others. 

The extreme nature of the condition means staying in a job may be difficult and relationships may become strained. There's also an increased risk of suicide.

During episodes of mania and depression, someone with bipolar disorder may experience strange sensations, such as seeing, hearing or smelling things that are not there (hallucinations).

They may also believe things that seem irrational to other people (delusions). These types of symptoms are known as psychosis or a psychotic episode.

Find out more about living with bipolar disorder

Page last reviewed: 3 January 2023
Next review due: 3 January 2026

Symptoms and Warning Signs of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is marked by mood highs and lows. However, the condition can be difficult to diagnose, as symptoms vary, and can often be caused by other conditions

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that involves significantly high and low moods. Highs are periods of mania or hypomania, while lows are periods of depression. The changes in mood may also become mixed, so you might feel elated and depressed at the same time.

The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that around 4.4% of adults in the United States experience bipolar disorder at some time. The symptoms usually appear between the ages of 18 to 29 years, but they can occur at any age, including childhood and the teenage years.

Bipolar disorder can be hard to diagnose, but there are signs or symptoms that you can look for.

The signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder are varied. Many of these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, making this condition hard to diagnose. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5) lays out the criteria for diagnosing bipolar disorder.

Types and symptoms

There are four common types of bipolar disorder. Bipolar I and II are the most common types.

Bipolar I

To have bipolar I, a person must experience manic episodes. In order for an event to be considered a manic episode, it must:

  • include shifts in mood or behaviors that are unlike the person’s usual behavior
  • be present most of the day, nearly every day during the episode
  • last at least 1 week, or be so extreme that the person needs immediate hospital care

People with bipolar I typically have depressive episodes as well, but a depressive episode isn’t required to make the bipolar I diagnosis. For a diagnosis of bipolar I, the person should not have another condition that could explain the symptoms.

Bipolar II

Bipolar II also involves high and low moods, but depressive symptoms are more likely to dominate, and its manic symptoms are less severe. This less severe type of mania is known as hypomania.

For a diagnosis of bipolar II disorder, a person must:

  • have experienced at least one episode of major depression
  • have had at least one episode of hypomania
  • not have another condition that could explain the symptoms

Cyclothymic disorder

Cyclothymic disorder involves changes in mood and shifts similar to bipolar I and II, but the shifts may be less dramatic. A person with cyclothymic disorder will have had symptoms of hypomania and episodes of depression for at least 2 years, or 1 year for children and teens.

Bipolar disorder not otherwise specified

Bipolar disorder not otherwise specified is a general category for a person who only has symptoms of bipolar disorder that don’t match the three other categories. The symptoms are not enough to make a diagnosis of one of the other three types.

The signs of bipolar disorder can generally be divided into those for mania and those for depression.

10 signs of mania

Mania can cause other symptoms as well, but 10 of the key signs of this phase of bipolar disorder are:

  • feeling overly happy or “high” for long periods of time
  • feeling jumpy or “wired”
  • having a reduced need for sleep
  • talking very fast, often with racing thoughts and rapid changes of topic
  • feeling extremely restless or impulsive
  • becoming easily distracted
  • feelings of grandiosity, which is when you feel you’re very important or have important connections
  • feeling as if you can do anything
  • engaging in risky behavior, like having impulsive sex, gambling with life savings, or going on big spending sprees
  • having a low appetite

10 signs of depression

Like mania, depression can cause other symptoms as well, but here are 10 of the key signs of depression from bipolar disorder:

  • feeling sad or hopeless for long periods of time
  • withdrawing from friends and family
  • losing interest in activities that you once enjoyed
  • having a significant change in appetite
  • feeling severe fatigue or lack of energy
  • feeling slowed down and unable to carry out simple tasks
  • talking slowly
  • sleeping too much or too little
  • having problems with memory, concentration, and decision making
  • thinking about death or suicide or attempting suicide

An extremely high or low mood can sometimes involve hallucinations or delusions, known as psychosis. During a manic period the person may have delusions of grandeur. For example, they may believe they’re very important or have special powers.

A person with depressive psychosis might believe they’ve committed a crime or are financially ruined. The person may also see, hear, or smell things that are not there.

Substance use

Substance use disorder involves the use of substances like drugs or alcohol in a way that’s harmful for the person’s mental and physical health.

Studies suggest that substance use disorder may be three to six times higher among people with bipolar disorder than in the general population.

Having bipolar disorder alongside a substance use disorder can make it harder to treat either condition. It can also affect the outcome of each disorder. People with both disorders are more likely to have a lower quality of life, a less stable progression through treatment, and are more likely to consider suicide.

Having a substance use disorder can also make it harder to get an accurate diagnosis. A doctor may have difficulty identifying which symptoms are due to bipolar disorder and which stem from substance use.

Learn about the link between bipolar disorder and alcohol use disorder.

Bipolar disorder or depression?

Doctors sometimes find it hard to distinguish between bipolar disorder and depression. This can lead to misdiagnosis.

People with bipolar disorder are more likely to seek help during a low mood because depression is more likely to have a negative impact on their health and well-being. During a high mood, they may feel exceptionally well.

Factors that increase the chance of misdiagnosis include the following:

  • Depression is the dominant mood.
  • Depression is the first episode you have.
  • You have experienced mania or hypomania but not realized it could be significant.

It’s essential to get an accurate diagnosis in order to work out a treatment plan. Antidepressants may not be effective in treating bipolar disorder.

In addition, some antidepressant medications can trigger a first manic or hypomanic episode if you’re susceptible to them. This could complicate both treatment and outcomes.

If you go to see your doctor with depression, be sure to tell them about any of the following, as these can help get an accurate diagnosis:

  • a family history of bipolar disorder or other mental health conditions
  • any other conditions that affect your mental or physical well-being
  • any medications, drugs, or other substances you’re taking or have used in the past
  • if you’ve already tried antidepressants and they didn’t help

Learn how bipolar disorder is diagnosed.

Symptoms in children and teens

Symptoms of bipolar disorder usually emerge in early adulthood, though they can occur at any age. Sometimes, they can appear in children.

Signs that a child may have bipolar disorder include:

  • getting much more excited or irritable than other children
  • having high and low moods that seem extreme compared with other children
  • having mood changes that affect their behavior at school or home

Children or teens who are experiencing a high mood may:

  • appear excessively happy or silly for long periods
  • have a short temper
  • talk rapidly about many different things
  • have difficulty sleeping but not be sleepy
  • have difficulty focusing on an activity
  • have racing thoughts
  • seem excessively interested in risky activities or take unusual risks

Those with a low mood may:

  • often feel sad for no apparent reason
  • have a short temper or show hostility or anger
  • complain about aches and pains
  • sleep more than usual
  • eat more or less than usual
  • have difficulty focusing
  • feel hopeless or worthless
  • have difficulty maintaining relationships
  • have little energy
  • lose interests in things they used to enjoy
  • think about death or suicide

There are many reasons why children and teens can experience mood changes or moods that seem extreme. The hormonal changes in puberty can lead to fluctuations in mood. The symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other conditions can resemble those of bipolar disorder.

If you’re concerned about yourself or a young person, seek medical help early. Whatever the reason for mood changes in a young person, getting a correct diagnosis can help manage the symptoms and prevent long-term complications.

Suicide prevention

If you or someone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:

  • Dial 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
  • Text “HOME” to the Crisis Textline at 741-741.
  • Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
  • Call 911 or your local emergency number if you feel it’s an emergency.

While you wait for help to arrive, stay with someone if you can. Remove any weapons or substances that can cause harm. Remember, you are not alone.

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Healthline connected with people living with bipolar disorder to hear a little bit about their experiences and feelings. Here’s what they shared:

“I have found my bipolar disorder to be exhilarating, dark, and painful. I found that one of the benefits of this disorder was the creativity, energy, and euphoria that came with the mania. For the longest time, I didn’t realize that this was mania.”

Melissa

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Bipolar disorder can affect many different aspects of day-to-day life, including energy levels and sleep.

“It can be difficult to physically move. I tend to sleep 10, or even 12 hours a day.”

Erin

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Intense feelings — from feeling like you can do anything to feeling hopeless — are among the most common experiences shared by many people living with bipolar disorder.

“Everyone’s self-esteem fluctuates somewhat. But [with bipolar disorder] you are feeling on top of the world, like you can do no wrong and are the ‘best’ at everything one minute, and completely hopeless and self-flagellating the next.

Sue

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If you think that you or a loved one has signs or symptoms of bipolar disorder, your first step should be to talk with your doctor. Only a trained medical professional can diagnose this disorder, and diagnosis is key to getting proper treatment.

Medication, therapy, or other treatment options can help you or your loved one manage symptoms and maximize quality of life.

Learn more about treatments for bipolar disorder.

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that involves high and low moods. There are different types of bipolar disorder. Depending on the type, signs and symptoms can range from mania to depression.

Symptoms of bipolar disorder can be similar to those of other conditions, including depression, substance use disorder, or ADHD. Getting a correct diagnosis can be challenging but is essential for getting the right treatment.

Primary care doctors can diagnose bipolar disorder or refer you to a mental health professional for diagnosis and treatment. Because bipolar disorder is linked to a greater risk of other health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease, your primary care doctor can also monitor for these conditions and prescribe treatment.

Psychiatrists and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners can diagnose and treat bipolar disorder. They may prescribe antipsychotics, antidepressants, mood stabilizers, or other medications. They may also provide or recommend psychotherapy or electroconvulsive therapy.

A psychologist, licensed clinical social worker, or licensed professional counselor can evaluate and treat mental health conditions with talk therapy. They can help you cope with challenging thoughts and feelings, engage in healthy behaviors and routines to help manage your mood, and learn effective ways to manage daily stress that may impact your mood.

People with bipolar disorder are at increased risk of developing alcohol and drug dependencies, which can make the symptoms of bipolar disorder worse. A substance use counselor or mental health professional can help you manage your substance use by prescribing medication or counseling.

Tell a mental health professional if you’re having suicidal thoughts or call 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If you’re at immediate risk of harming yourself or others, contact emergency medical services. You may need inpatient care at a hospital or residential treatment center.

In a mental health crisis, you might not be able to direct your own care. A psychiatric advance directive (PAD) is a legal document that outlines your treatment instructions. A lawyer can help you set up a PAD.

A case manager or licensed clinical social worker can help you develop strategies and find resources to manage work or school, finances, housing, healthcare, and other aspects of daily life. Licensed clinical social workers can also diagnose bipolar disorder and provide psychotherapy.

Bipolar Disorder | Symptoms, complications, diagnosis and treatment

Bipolar disorder, formerly called manic depression, is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). Episodes of mood swings may occur infrequently or several times a year.

When you become depressed, you may feel sad or hopeless and lose interest or pleasure in most activities. When the mood shifts to mania or hypomania (less extreme than mania), you may feel euphoric, full of energy or unusually irritable. These mood swings can affect sleep, energy, alertness, judgment, behavior, and the ability to think clearly.

Although bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, you can manage your mood swings and other symptoms by following a treatment plan. In most cases, bipolar disorder is treated with medication and psychological counseling (psychotherapy).

Symptoms

There are several types of bipolar and related disorders. They may include mania, hypomania, and depression. The symptoms can lead to unpredictable changes in mood and behavior, leading to significant stress and difficulty in life.

  • Bipolar disorder I. You have had at least one manic episode, which may be preceded or accompanied by hypomanic or major depressive episodes. In some cases, mania can cause a break with reality (psychosis).
  • Bipolar disorder II. You have had at least one major depressive episode and at least one hypomanic episode, but never had a manic episode.
  • Cyclothymic disorder. You have had at least two years - or one year in children and adolescents - many periods of hypomanic symptoms and periods of depressive symptoms (though less severe than major depression).
  • Other types. These include, for example, bipolar and related disorders caused by certain drugs or alcohol, or due to health conditions such as Cushing's disease, multiple sclerosis, or stroke.

Bipolar II is not a milder form of Bipolar I but is a separate diagnosis. Although bipolar I manic episodes can be severe and dangerous, people with bipolar II can be depressed for longer periods of time, which can cause significant impairment.

Although bipolar disorder can occur at any age, it is usually diagnosed in adolescence or early twenties. Symptoms can vary from person to person, and symptoms can change over time.

Mania and hypomania

Mania and hypomania are two different types of episodes, but they share the same symptoms. Mania is more pronounced than hypomania and causes more noticeable problems at work, school, and social activities, as well as relationship difficulties. Mania can also cause a break with reality (psychosis) and require hospitalization.

Both a manic episode and a hypomanic episode include three or more of these symptoms:

  • Abnormally optimistic or nervous
  • Increased activity, energy or excitement
  • Exaggerated sense of well-being and self-confidence (euphoria)
  • Reduced need for sleep
  • Unusual talkativeness
  • Distractibility
  • Poor decision-making - for example, in speculation, in sexual encounters or in irrational investments

Major depressive episode

Major depressive episode includes symptoms that are severe enough to cause noticeable difficulty in daily activities such as work, school, social activities, or relationships. Episode includes five or more of these symptoms:

  • Depressed mood, such as feeling sad, empty, hopeless, or tearful (in children and adolescents, depressed mood may manifest as irritability)
  • Marked loss of interest or feeling of displeasure in all (or nearly all) activities
  • Significant weight loss with no diet, weight gain, or decreased or increased appetite (in children, failure to gain weight as expected may be a sign of depression)
  • Either insomnia or sleeping too much
  • Either anxiety or slow behavior
  • Fatigue or loss of energy
  • Feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt
  • Decreased ability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness
  • Thinking, planning or attempting suicide

Other features of bipolar disorder

Signs and symptoms of bipolar I and bipolar II disorder may include other signs such as anxiety disorder, melancholia, psychosis, or others. The timing of symptoms may include diagnostic markers such as mixed or fast cycling. In addition, bipolar symptoms may occur during pregnancy or with the change of seasons.

When to see a doctor

Despite extreme moods, people with bipolar disorder often do not realize how much their emotional instability disrupts their lives and the lives of their loved ones and do not receive the necessary treatment.

And if you are like people with bipolar disorder, you can enjoy feelings of euphoria and be more productive. However, this euphoria is always accompanied by an emotional disaster that can leave you depressed and possibly in financial, legal, or other bad relationships.

If you have symptoms of depression or mania, see your doctor or mental health professional. Bipolar disorder does not improve on its own. Getting mental health treatment with a history of bipolar disorder can help control your symptoms.

Bipolar affective disorder (BAD), its signs, types and methods of treatment

Manifestations of various emotions, a change in a person's mood, manifestations of both sadness and joy are normal and depend on many factors - from temperament and character to ongoing events that influence from the outside. However, when these changes are excessive, often unexpected and for no apparent reason, emotions get out of control, or a person remains in a radically positive or negative mood for a long time, it is very likely that bipolar disorder can be diagnosed. This disease was first described at the end of 19century, the famous German psychiatrist Emil Kripelin, calling it manic-depressive psychosis. Many world famous personalities such as Vincent van Gogh, Isaac Newton, Ludwig van Beethoven, Abraham Lincoln suffered from this disease. The pronounced form of this disease, which in the international classification of diseases is called bipolar affective disorder (BAD), is detected in 3% of the world's population.

CONTENT OF THE ARTICLE

  • 1. Bipolar Personality Disorder - Overview
  • 2. Symptoms and signs
  • 3. Types of Bipolar Disorder
  • 4. Phases of Bipolar Disorder
  • 5. Bipolar disorder in women
  • 6. Treatment of Bipolar Personality Disorder

It is not uncommon for women to be treated with a combination of drug therapy and cognitive behavioral or interpersonal therapy with a psychotherapist.

Bipolar personality disorder - general information

According to statistics, bipolar disorder affects people from 14 to 44 years old. Unlike adults, children and adolescents experience more frequent mood swings from mania to depression, sometimes several times a day. 90% of young people make their debut precisely from the phase of depression or melancholy. Another feature of bipolar disorder is that, due to the low level of diagnosis, the patient can live with this disease for 5-10 years without knowing the cause of the painful symptoms.

Most often, bipolar disorder is diagnosed in people whose immediate family members have had a similar problem. The causes of this disease are unknown, but stress, overstrain, and various diseases can provoke the manifestation of its symptoms. However, having fenced off a person from the influence of these factors, it is impossible to get rid of the problem, you need to seek help from a psychotherapist.

Bipolar disorder is a disease that cannot be completely cured. But with properly selected medication and psychotherapy, the quality of life is significantly improved and the periods between phases are lengthened. The person remains socialized and able to work.

Symptoms and signs

From the name it is clear that we are talking about two different poles of affective manifestations, that is, mood manifestations. One of these conditions is depression. Depression in bipolar disorder is pronounced, with vivid symptoms. It can last up to a year and is manifested not only by low mood, lack of ability to enjoy and interest in ongoing events, but also by psychosis, when ideas of self-accusation arise, the patient feels inferior, unnecessary, poisoning the life of others. There are also nihilistic thoughts about suffering from some kind of severe illness, despite medical evidence to the contrary. There may be delusional thoughts, as well as suicidal thoughts and even attempts.

The other pole of bipolar disorder is a hypomanic state or hypomania, the characteristic features of which are an increased euphoric emotional background, the patient is constantly on the move, hyperactive, and is distinguished by very fast, associative speech. The patient is constantly cheerful, often hypersexual, almost always awake or sleeping 2-3 hours a day.

Hypomania is often followed by a manic bipolar state with psychotic manifestations. The patient develops convictions in his own greatness, he believes that he is capable of anything, feels that he has a special calling in this world or that he is a descendant of great people. In extended manic episodes of mania with psychotic manifestations, anger, irritability, and direct aggression often occur. This condition leads the patient into extremely unpleasant and sometimes dangerous situations.

In addition to the typical symptoms of the disease, there are a large number of comorbid mental disorders. Comorbid mental disorders are those that accompany the underlying disease. The most common disorder of this kind is anxiety, which is manifested, among other things, by nonspecific autonomic symptoms, including sweating, palpitations, tremors of the limbs, various disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, dizziness, headaches, suffocation, and many others. In the case when these symptoms occur suddenly, mainly in public places, they are called panic attacks.

Types of bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder can be of Ι and ΙΙ types.

Bipolar I disorder is a condition in which the patient has persistent manias, i.e. overexcitation, enthusiastic inappropriate behavior, manic psychosis, as well as severe depressions. Symptoms of this type are more severe, so hospitalization is indicated in most cases.

Bipolar I disorder is characterized by short periods of hypomania followed by periods of deep depression. Hypomania is a pre-manic state with less active manifestations. Hypomania lasts a very short period of time - from several days to several hours, so sometimes patients do not even notice them and do not inform the doctor about it. Only careful, painstaking work with the patient makes it possible to identify hypomania, make the correct diagnosis and prescribe treatment.

Phases of bipolar disorder

There are several phases of bipolar personality disorder:

  1. Depressive (unipolar depression). People experience a depressed mood, despair and despondency, complain of a lack of energy and mental concentration, they can either eat too much or too little and sleep.

Depersonalization and derealization may occur at the peak of bipolar depressive disorder. The boundaries of their own "I" and the world around them become blurred, patients experience difficulties in perceiving what is happening. Familiar places seem new, the colors of the surrounding world change, the patient constantly experiences a feeling of "déjà vu". Sounds become muffled, even if someone is talking very close, it seems to the patient that the voice is coming from afar.

  1. Manic (hypomanic). In this state, patients are full of energy, overly happy or optimistic, euphoric, and have extremely high self-esteem. At first glance, these are positive signs, but when a person experiences large-scale manic episodes, these symptoms and such an emotional state can reach dangerous extremes. A patient in this phase may indiscriminately spend huge amounts of money or behave carelessly, not realizing the full danger. In conversation, people may choke on words, speak at a high speed, or jump from one thought to another. These episodes may also be accompanied by delusions of grandeur or the adoption of serious decisions without thinking about the further consequences.

In the development of the manic phase, the following stages of development can be distinguished:

  • Hypomania - increased excitement, emotional upsurge.
  • Mania - all signs are more pronounced, aggression, irritability, irascibility and rage are possible.
  • Phase peak. The patient constantly experiences nervous excitement, he cannot relax. All his emotions are "heated" to the limit, coordination of movements is disturbed, thoughts are illogical and abrupt, in speech he constantly jumps from one sentence to another.
  • Relief of symptoms. The patient gradually calms down. Movement disorders are on the decline. The speed of thinking and increased emotional mood remain unchanged.
  • Return to normal.
  1. Mixed. Sometimes people have complaints that are characteristic of both depression and mania at the same time. They may also experience frequent phasing—4 or more episodes in one year.

In the intervals between depressive and manic phases in bipolar disorder, there is a light period during which the general background of mood becomes relatively stable, the person continues to adequately respond to certain events, the emotional sphere is under his control. This is the main criterion for remission of bipolar disease.

Bipolar disorder in women

According to statistics, bipolar Ι disorder occurs with the same frequency in men and women, and type ΙΙ disease is more often diagnosed in women. It is also known that the female course of the disease is characterized by rapid cycles and mixed episodes. Comorbidities often include eating disorders, borderline personality disorder, alcohol or drug addiction, and psychotropic drug abuse. Women are more susceptible to such somatic diseases as migraine (intense headaches), thyroid pathologies, diabetes, and obesity.

For women, a special technique is being developed to alleviate this disorder, since from adolescence to menopause there are specific changes in hormonal levels that must be taken into account. In addition, psychotropic substances, which are supposed to stabilize the condition, can adversely affect the intrauterine development of the fetus if the woman is in position. It is noted that in the first trimester of pregnancy this disorder is milder, but after childbirth they often have to deal with postpartum depression. Thus, at each stage of the development of the female body, a competent doctor must review and adjust the treatment regimen. Often in the treatment of women, a complex method is used that combines drug therapy and cognitive-behavioral or interpersonal therapy with a psychotherapist. This approach gives the fastest results.

Treatment for bipolar disorder

Attempts to get rid of bipolar disorder on your own do not bring the desired result and, ultimately, lead to an aggravation of the situation, including the development of drug or alcohol dependence. In the diagnosis of the disease, keeping a mood diary can help, where the patient records all his thoughts, emotions, feelings, changes in mood. Such records will help the doctor to assess the mental state in detail and make the correct diagnosis. If you suspect bipolar disorder, you should consult a doctor, and the sooner a person realizes that he has a disease and comes to the clinic for help, the sooner professional help will be provided to him and painful symptoms will be replaced by a stable condition. It is impossible to get rid of the disease on your own, since a person cannot fully adequately assess not only his actions, but also the alternation of the phases of the disease.

Bipolar disorder is one of the few mental disorders in which medication is indicated in 100% of cases, and psychotherapy is an auxiliary tool. This disease is incurable, but its diagnosis and treatment is extremely important. Treatment can reduce the number of episodes, their severity and intensity, as well as prevent negative life events, help prevent relationship breakups, job loss, and even suicidal attempts. Thus, the quality of life of a patient with bipolar disorder who is undergoing treatment will be several times higher than that of a person who neglects treatment. If the patient loses touch with reality and harms himself and others, he is subject to hospitalization, outpatient treatment in this case is not permissible.

If you have a disease, it is recommended to exclude coffee, strong tea, alcoholic and energy drinks from your diet in order not to provoke an overexcited state. If possible, you should stop smoking and in no case should you take even soft drugs. It is also very important to establish a sleep pattern, sleep at least 8 hours a day and try to go to bed at about the same time. You should learn to recognize mood swings and notice the early manifestations of new episodes.


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