Know Your Condition: 8 Questions To Ask Your Psychiatrist Bipolar Specialist About Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder, like other mental illnesses, is viewed as a spectrum. No set of symptoms is alike, and it can vary from one person to another. Find out with your mental care provider which type of bipolar disorder you have. Knowing your category will guide you and your psychiatrist to formulate an appropriate treatment plan and what kind of adjustments you need in your lifestyle.

Bipolar disorder has subtypes – bipolar I and bipolar II. The symptoms of bipolar I can be more severe than those of bipolar II. The types of medications and other treatment approaches may also differ, which is why it’s important to distinguish them.

It’s important to understand what causes your bipolar disorder. Some causes are neurobiological, while others are caused by an underlying medical condition (e.g., hypo/hyperthyroidism). Bipolar disorder can also be medication-induced. Anti-depressants, for example, are known to cause hypomania. Another possible cause of the disorder is substance use (cannabis, stimulants). Identifying the possible causes of your condition will give you pointers on how to avoid the triggers and what you can do to avoid or treat them as well.

Some medications can trigger bipolar disorder, such as anti-depressants. If you are already taking medications for depression or anxiety disorder, ask your psychiatrist if these could be causing your mood episodes. Subsequently, ask if there is a better alternative that has fewer side effects, given that you have bipolar disorder.

If you have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and have been prescribed an anti-depressant, it’s important to know whether you need it long-term because some SSRIs can trigger hypomania. The function of anti-depressants is to increase the amount of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine — some of the feel-good neurotransmitters that drive up your mood, therefore suppressing depression. If used in treating bipolar symptoms, the chances of experiencing mania are high.

Many specialists nowadays would likely prescribe other medications that have more positive effects on your mental health, such as Lithium, Depakote, or Valproic. Lithium has been found to be an excellent treatment for bipolar disorder and many patients do well after taking it. However, regular monitoring is required during treatment to make sure you are taking the correct dosage and find out if there are side effects on your physical health. Patients taking Depakote and Valproic respond well, but monitoring is also required.

Whether your alcohol intake is mild, moderate, or heavy, ask your psychiatrist if this has any effect on your condition or how this affects you. The same goes if you have a history of substance abuse. Experts suggest that around 40% of individuals with bipolar disorder may develop alcohol and/or substance abuse. Alcohol has a sedating effect, which could intensify bipolar disorder.

Bipolar disorder subjects a person to swing back and forth between feelings of intense happiness and extreme sadness. During these times, they view alcohol or illegal substances as numbing solutions to mood struggles. The calming effects of these may suspend the symptoms of bipolar for a short period. Once sedation is over, you may find your symptoms to be a lot worse.

Medications for bipolar disorder must be taken regularly and on time. But there are instances when you miss a dose. One slip may not impact your condition negatively. You can just take the next dose, catch up, and make sure you don’t forget them again. However, missing two or more doses can lead to a relapse. Knowing what to do if this happens will help prevent any adverse effects and keep you on track.

First, check if you really missed a dose. Sometimes, too many things are going on, and you may not remember whether you did take a pill or not. Set an alarm for each dose or place your meds in a pill box. If you did miss one, take it as soon as you remember, but pass if it’s close to the next dose. Do not double up.

If you experience something out of the ordinary, call or visit your psychiatrist right away.

Recognizing the early warning signs of mania is critical. It will help you get immediate treatment before it turns into a full-blown mania. If things get worse, hospitalization may be needed, disrupting your daily life.

The early warning signs of mania include:

• Rapid speech
• Irritability
• Restlessness
• Difficulty falling asleep
• Easily distracted
• Disorganization
• Delusions
• Displaying risky behaviors
• Lack of energy

Recognizing these early warning signs before going into a full-blown mania can help you seek advanced intervention. Failure to detect mania immediately can cause a lot of trouble in terms of your relationships, finances, and life in general. There might be instances when you could act or communicate aggressively toward family members, friends, or colleagues, leaving some emotional damage. There might also be times when you would splurge on needless things.

Having a prevention action plan when these signs arise can go a long way. Be prepared so you know what to do next. Your next course of action could include a visit to your psychiatrist or calling a friend or a family member for assistance.