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Is bipolar disorder curable

January 4, 2023

Is bipolar disorder curable
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Bipolar disorder, often called manic depression, is a mental health condition marked by abrupt shifts in a person’s energy and mood, from the ecstatic highs of mania to the depressed lows. All ages, genders, and races are affected by bipolar disorder, which typically manifests in late adolescence or early adulthood. As researchers have tracked the prevalence of bipolar disorder across generations of families, we know genetics may contribute to an individual’s vulnerability to the illness.

Even though the bipolar disease cannot be prevented, it’s critical to recognise the early indicators of a coming episode of bipolar depression prevented. Early detection of bipolar warning symptoms and regular visits to your doctor can allow you to manage your mood and medications, preventing the disease from worsening. Though managing the moods associated with bipolar disease is important, research supports the strong argument that the main objective should be to stop new mood episodes.

What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?

Symptoms of bipolar disorder can range between two extreme mood states:

  • Bipolar depression, which includes feelings of sadness, hopelessness, helplessness, and worthlessness
  • Bipolar mania, which includes emotions of elation and enthusiasm along with increased energy and activity and minimal need for sleep

Additionally, manic episodes and depressive symptoms may coexist in patients with bipolar disorder or vice versa. A manic or depressive episode is regarded as having “mixed features” when it also exhibits signs of opposing polarity.

The following are possible signs of bipolar disorder’s depressed phase:

  • Poor self-esteem and a depressed mood
  • Excessive crying episodes
  • Low energy and a negative outlook on life
  • Sadness, loneliness, helplessness, and guilt-related emotions
  • Weariness, slurred speech, and lack of coordination and focus
  • Excessive sleepiness or insomnia
  • Thoughts of death or suicide.
  • Changes in appetite (eating too much or too little)
  • Aches and pains in the body that are unexplainable
  • Lack of enjoyment or interest in routine activities

What are the symptoms of bipolar mania?

  • Either happiness or agitation
  • Excessive chatting and rushing ideas.
  • Inflated self-esteem.
  • Grandiose thoughts
  • Extraordinary energy; little need for sleep.
  • Impulsiveness, the careless pursuit of pleasure, includes binge shopping, rash travel, more frequent and occasionally promiscuous sex, risky business ventures, and fast driving.
  • Delusions or hallucinations (psychotic features like these may be involved in about one out of every two cases of bipolar mania).

What is the treatment for bipolar disorder?

Medication is used to treat bipolar disorder and to balance mood. Other medicines may be taken to help control the mania or lessen the depression if the mood stabilisers cannot completely manage the symptoms.

Psychotherapy is advised in addition to mood stabilisers to assist the individual in creating effective coping mechanisms to handle common stressors and to improve medication compliance.

Can people with bipolar disorder benefit from behavioural counselling?

To avoid or manage a mood episode, people with bipolar disorder have access to a variety of talk therapy treatments, including:

  • Individual counselling: In this type of therapy, the patient’s issues are discussed one-on-one with a qualified therapist with knowledge of bipolar disorders. The session may include assistance in accepting the diagnosis, information on bipolar moods, how to recognise warning signals, and stress management techniques.
  • Family counselling: Bipolar disorder affects the entire family and the patient. Families are commonly involved in outpatient therapy as they learn about the bipolar disease and practise early warning signs of an upcoming manic or depressed episode with the patient and therapist.
  • Group counselling: Group sessions allow for the expression of emotions and the creation of efficient coping mechanisms. The exchange of ideas in group sessions can be the most fruitful approach to alter your perspective on bipolar disease and enhance your ability to cope with the difficulties of daily life.

Is there a cure for bipolar disorder?

Most people with bipolar disorder may live normal, fulfilling lives and manage their illness with the help of behaviour therapy and the appropriate dosage of mood stabilisers and other bipolar medications. However, bipolar disorder is a chronic mental condition with a high chance of relapse. Therefore, self-management of bipolar disorder and avoiding major episodes depend heavily on taking prescribed medications and attending doctor appointments.

Additionally, support groups are available to patients and their loved ones to enable open communication and teach them how to assist someone with bipolar disorder. The National Association on Mental Illness (NAMI) is a commendable organisation. After someone begins treatment, encouragement and support are needed continuously. Research suggests that patients with bipolar disorder have higher employment opportunities than those without social support networks when those networks are available.

When to See a Doctor

Mental health issues affect everyone differently. For example, a person can speak with a doctor for more information if they believe they or a loved one may have bipolar disorder.

Any persistent symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues should be taken to the doctor.

Even if certain physical health illnesses are more obvious than others, mental health must also be taken care of.

If the present bipolar treatment has side effects, consult a doctor. The NIMH advises against abrupt medication discontinuation because it can worsen withdrawal symptoms.

Always talk to your doctor before changing your medication.

A psychiatrist should be in charge of care because numerous medications are available to treat bipolar illness and they are best equipped to determine which ones will be most effective for a given patient. Therefore, a doctor with specific training in mental health care is a psychiatrist.

People also ask:

 

Does Bipolar disorder go away?

Bipolar disorder typically requires lifelong therapy and does not go away independently, although symptoms may come and go. Suicide, job loss, impairment of functioning, and family strife can all be significantly influenced by bipolar disease. However, effective treatment can result in increased functionality and quality of life.

Is bipolar disorder a permanent health illness?

Although bipolar disorder is a lifelong diagnosis, by following a treatment plan, you can control your mood swings and other symptoms. Bipolar disorder is typically treated with medicines and psychological counselling (psychotherapy).

How serious is bipolar disorder?

  • Bipolar disorder is a severe mental condition that causes mood swings that are unusually high or low.
  • Bipolar disorder has significant side effects that can negatively impact every aspect of your life if it is not treated

Does bipolar disorder go away with age?

Age can worsen bipolar disorder if untreated, increasing the frequency and length of mood episodes.

Disclaimer: We recommend consulting a Doctor before taking any action based on the above shared information.


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