Bipolar Disorder Treatment
Ask Dr. Seth
At Milestones Ranch Malibu, we understand how devastating it can for be for those individuals suffering from a bipolar disorder as well as how it can affect those that love them. Our expert medical staff works closely with our experienced and caring clinicians to provide the best bipolar disorder treatment possible, as well as addressing any additional addiction or other mental health issue. For more information on bipolar disorder treatment please read on:
What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic-depressive
illness, is a brain disorder that causes
unusual shifts in a person's mood, energy,
and ability to function. It is different from the normal ups and downs we all experience. The
symptoms of bipolar disorder are severe,
and can result in damaged relationships,
poor job or school performance, even suicide.
Bipolar I Disorder involves recurrent episodes
of mania and depression. Some people never develop severe mania, but instead experience milder episodes of hypomania that alternate with depression, a form of the illness referred to as Bipolar II Disorder. Some
people experience multiple episodes within
a single week, or even within a single day.
Bipolar disorder may appear to be a problem
other than mental illness, i.e., alcohol or
drug abuse, poor school or work performance,
or strained interpersonal relationships. Such
problems in fact may be signs of an underlying
mood disorder.
Bipolar individuals may self-medicate with alcohol, marijuana, or hard drugs,
which can cause the condition to worsen. Too
much sleep can lead to depression while too
little sleep can lead to mixed states or mania. Caffeine can
cause destabilization of mood toward irritability,
low mood, and mania. Inadequate stress management and poor lifestyle choices can lead to a recurrence of bipolar symptoms.
What causes bipolar disorder?
Studies suggest that genetics, early environment, neurobiology, and psychological and social processes are important contributory factors. A clear organic cause has not yet been found. Most scientists agree that there is no single cause for bipolar disorder, rather many factors act together to produce the illness.
What are some common symptoms of bipolar disorder?
Mania
- Increased energy, activity, and restlessness
- Excessively high, overly good, euphoric mood
- Extreme irritability
- Racing thoughts and talking very fast, jumping from one idea to another
- Distractibility, poor concentration
- Little sleep needed
- Unrealistic beliefs in one's abilities and powers
- Poor judgment
- Spending sprees
- A lasting period of behavior that is different from usual
- Increased sexual drive
- Abuse of drugs, particularly cocaine, alcohol, and sleeping medications
- Provocative, intrusive, or aggressive behavior
- Denial that anything is wrong
Depression
- Sad, anxious, or empty mood
- Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
- Decreased energy, fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions
- Sleeping too much, or can't sleep
- Change in appetite and/or unintended weight loss or gain
- Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
Hypomania is a mild to moderate level of mania. It may feel good to the person who experiences it and may even be associated with good functioning and enhanced productivity. Without proper treatment, however, hypomania can become severe mania in some clients, or switch into depression.
Severe episodes of mania or depression may include symptoms of psychosis, such as hallucinations (hearing and seeing things that are not there) and delusions (false, strongly held beliefs).
Who is susceptible to bipolar disorder?
More than 2 million American adults, or about 1 percent of the population age 18 and older in any given year, have bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder typically develops in late adolescence or early adulthood. Some clients display their first symptoms during childhood while others develop them late in life.
Bipolar Disorder Treatment Methods:
Medication, combined with psychosocial treatment, is the current standard of care.
Mood stabilizers include Lithium, Depakote and Tegretol. Newer anticonvulsant medications may also be prescribed by the treating psychiatrist, e.g., Lamictal, Neurontin, Topamax.
Psychosocial interventions commonly used by Milestones clinical staff for the treatment of bipolar disorder include cognitive behavioral therapy, psycho-education, and family therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps bipolar clients learn to change inappropriate or negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with the illness.
Psycho-education involves teaching people with bipolar disorder about the illness and its treatment, and how to recognize signs of relapse so that early intervention can be sought before a full-blown illness episode occurs. Psycho-education may also be helpful for family members. Family therapy uses strategies to reduce the level of distress within the family that may either contribute to, or result from, the client’s symptoms.
Dr. Seth Kadish Psy.D., is the Clinical Director of Milestones Ranch Malibu and has extensive experience working with addictions and bipolar disorder. |
