Holistic Healing and Comprehensive Care for Bipolar Disorder

The American Psychiatric Association defines bipolar disorder as a brain disorder that causes changes in a person’s mood, energy, and ability to function. Individuals struggling with the condition experience intense emotional states, called mood episodes, that typically occur during distinct periods of days to weeks. Their mood episodes alternate between mania or hypomania and depression.

Manic episodes are characterized by elevated mood, increased energy, and impulsive behavior, while depressive episodes involve persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities.

While the typical person also experiences mood fluctuations, these usually only last for hours. With bipolar disorder, these mood changes can last for days or weeks. They are also accompanied by significant (sometimes extreme) changes in behavior and challenges with everyday tasks and social interactions.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health , bipolar disorder can be chronic (persistent or constantly reoccurring) or episodic (occurring occasionally and at irregular intervals). People sometimes use the older terms manic-depressive disorder and manic depression to refer to bipolar disorder.

Typically manifesting during late adolescence and early adulthood, bipolar disorder symptoms can vary from one person to the next. An individual with the condition may have manic episodes, depressive episodes, or mixed episodes (having both manic and depressive symptoms). Here are the common signs and symptoms of the disorder:

• Mood Swings. Individuals may experience extreme shifts in mood, ranging from periods of elevated or irritable mood (mania or hypomania) to episodes of depression.
• Manic Episodes. During manic episodes, individuals may exhibit symptoms such as increased energy, racing thoughts, decreased need for sleep, inflated self-esteem or grandiosity, impulsivity, and engaging in risky behaviors.
• Hypomanic Episodes. Similar to manic episodes but less severe, hypomanic episodes involve elevated mood, increased energy, and impulsive behavior, often without significant impairment in daily functioning.
• Depressive Episodes. Symptoms of depression include persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness, loss of interest or pleasure in activities, changes in appetite or weight, sleep disturbances, fatigue or loss of energy, feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt, difficulty concentrating, and thoughts of death or suicide.
• Changes in Activity Levels. Individuals may experience changes in activity levels, ranging from increased energy and hyperactivity during manic or hypomanic episodes to fatigue and lethargy during depressive episodes.
• Impaired Judgment and Decision-Making. During manic or hypomanic episodes, individuals may exhibit poor judgment, engage in risky behaviors, and have difficulty making sound decisions.
• Disrupted Sleep Patterns. Changes in sleep patterns, such as a decreased need for sleep during manic episodes or insomnia during depressive episodes, are common in bipolar disorder.
• Irritability. Individuals with bipolar disorder may experience irritability or agitation, especially during manic or mixed episodes.
• Difficulty with Daily Functioning. Bipolar disorder can impair various aspects of daily functioning, including work, school, relationships, and self-care.
• Suicidal Thoughts or Behaviors. In severe cases, individuals with bipolar disorder may experience suicidal thoughts or engage in suicidal behaviors, particularly during depressive episodes. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or behaviors, seek help from mental health professionals or psychiatric care providers immediately.

The exact cause of bipolar disorder is unknown, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic, biological, and environmental factors. Family history of the disorder, brain structure and functioning, neurotransmitter imbalances, and stressful life events may contribute to its development.

Bipolar disorder is classified into several types, each characterized by distinct patterns of mood episodes. The primary types of bipolar disorder include:

• Bipolar I disorder .involves manic episodes that last at least seven days (most of the day, nearly every day) or are severe enough to require immediate hospitalization. Depressive episodes may also occur, typically lasting at least two weeks. Some individuals may experience mixed episodes, which are characterized by both manic and depressive symptoms simultaneously. The experience of four or more episodes of mania or depression within a year is called rapid cycling.
• Bipolar II disorder.involves hypomanic episodes, which are less severe than manic episodes and do not cause significant impairment in functioning. Individuals with Bipolar II disorder experience depressive episodes similar to those with Bipolar I disorder.
• Cyclothymic disorder or cyclothymia.is characterized by numerous periods of hypomanic symptoms and depressive symptoms that do not meet the criteria for manic or depressive episodes. These symptoms occur for at least two years (one year in children and adolescents) with no symptom-free periods lasting longer than two months.
• Other specified and unspecified bipolar and related disorders.are categories that encompass bipolar-like conditions but do not fit neatly into the criteria for bipolar I, bipolar II, or cyclothymia. They may include instances where symptoms do not meet the full criteria for a specific bipolar disorder or where symptoms are present but do not clearly align with any defined subtype

Each type of bipolar disorder presents unique challenges and may require treatment approaches specifically tailored for the patient.

Any individual experiencing symptoms of bipolar disorder must seek evaluation and treatment from a qualified mental health professional to receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate care. If you’re unsure where to start, our team of psychiatric NPs is here to help! Schedule an appointment with an experienced psychiatry care provider today!

Diagnosing bipolar disorder involves a comprehensive bipolar disorder assessment and evaluation by a qualified mental health professional. The process generally includes the following steps:

1. Clinical Assessment.The psychiatric care provider conducts a thorough clinical assessment, which may involve interviewing the individual and their family members or loved ones to gather information about symptoms, medical history, and family history of mental health conditions. The assessment may also include a review of the individual's current and past functioning, mood episodes, and any related psychiatric or medical issues.
2. Diagnostic Criteria.The provider utilizes diagnostic criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to determine if the individual meets the criteria for bipolar disorder. This involves assessing the presence, duration, and severity of manic, hypomanic, and depressive symptoms, as well as any associated impairment in functioning.
3. Rule Out Other Conditions.The provider may conduct additional bipolar disorder assessments, such as laboratory tests and imaging studies, to rule out other medical conditions or psychiatric disorders that could mimic symptoms of bipolar disorder.

It's essential to differentiate bipolar disorder from other mood disorders, as well as medical conditions that can cause mood disturbances.

Often, individuals with bipolar disorder are mistakenly diagnosed with unipolar depression, especially when episodes of depression outnumber episodes of mania. It also happens because patients are most likely to seek treatment during their depressive state and not during their manic state.

When you are misdiagnosed and take the wrong medication, the consequences can be serious. Your time for recovery may take longer, and your condition may become more severe.

According to the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, a study reveals that 55% of bipolar individuals who took anti-depressants suffered episodes of mania afterward, and 23% became rapid cyclers.

To avoid such dire repercussions to bipolar depression treatment, you need to partner with a trusted bipolar psychiatrist who performs thorough assessments, uses data to formulate an individualized and holistic treatment strategy, and provides continuous care throughout your journey.

As a patient, you must cooperate and be truthful about your condition and experiences. Bipolar disorder can be a scary diagnosis, but facing this reality is key to recovery.

While medication can help stabilize mood, manage symptoms, and prevent mood episodes, it may not address all aspects of the condition on its own. So, the treatment for bipolar disorder typically involves a combination of medication, psychotherapy, lifestyle modifications, and support services.

• Medication. is not the only treatment for bipolar disorder, but it is often a crucial component of a comprehensive and holistic treatment plan. Certain medications can help control the symptoms of bipolar disorder. The most common ones doctors prescribe include mood stabilizers and atypical antipsychotics. However, you may need to try several different medications before finding those that work best for you.

Always consult with your psychiatric care provider to understand the risks and benefits of each medication. Never start or stop medications without talking to them first. Report any concerns, questions, or side effects to them right away.

• Psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), or interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT), can help individuals learn coping skills, improve interpersonal relationships, and manage stress effectively.
• Lifestyle modifications, including maintaining a regular sleep schedule, engaging in regular exercise, practicing stress-reduction techniques, and avoiding drugs and alcohol, can also play a significant role in managing symptoms and promoting overall well-being.
• Support services such as support groups, peer support, and education about bipolar disorder can provide valuable support and resources for individuals and their families.

Ultimately, the most effective treatment for bipolar disorder is a holistic and personalized approach that addresses the individual's unique needs and preferences.

Our team believes it's essential for individuals with bipolar disorder to partner with a seasoned psychiatric care provider to:

• Develop a treatment plan tailored to their unique needs, lifestyle, and preferences
• Receive ongoing monitoring and support to manage symptoms effectively and promote stability
• Access a comprehensive range of treatment options to address all aspects of the condition and support overall well-being

We will help you get through the hard times and guide you through continuous recovery and healing. Schedule an appointment with us today!