Bipolar Disorders – Symptoms, Types And Medications

By MyHealthPharma

What is Bipolar Disorder?• Bipolar disorder, also known as Maniac depression, is a psychological disorder.

• This mental disorder is a chronic, disruptive condition that is classically characterized by mood swings.

• In many cases, bipolar disorder can be managed with oral medications and psychotherapy (psychological counseling).

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Bipolar Disorder Symptoms

Usually, the symptoms of this disorder are classified into maniac and depression symptoms.

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Maniac

• Excessive excitement

• Excessive happiness

• Increased energy

• Excessive irritability

• Restlessness

• Lack of sleep

• Racing thoughts

• High sexual drive

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Depression

• Extreme sadness

• Anxiety

• Irritability

• Loss of energy

• Change in appetite

• Change in weight

• Sleepiness or sleeplessness

• Uncontrollable crying

• Suicidal thoughtswww.myhealthpharma.com

Bipolar Disorder Types

1. Bipolar I – At least one maniac episode in his/her life

2. Bipolar II – High and low mood swings

3. Rapid cycling – Four or more episodes in a single year

4. Mixed bipolar – Both maniac and depressive symptoms occur simultaneously and rapidly

5. Cyclothymia – Mild type of bipolar disorderwww.myhealthpharma.com

Treatment of Bipolar Disorder•Mood stabilizers – Lithium (Lithobid), Depakote, Depakene, Carbamazepine, and Lamotrigine are few mood stabilizing medications.

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•Antidepressants – Antidepressants are prescribed to manage depressive symptoms.

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•Antipsychotics – Generic Zyprexa (Olanzapine) and Risperidone (Risperdal) are common antipsychotic drugs prescribed when maniac and depressive symptoms persist.

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•Anti-anxiety medication – This type of medicine is used to treat anxiety and induce sleep.

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The doctor gives a combination of drugs to improve the condition of patient.

The treatment may extend from weeks to months to see improvement.

At the same time, Psychological counseling or psychotherapy is necessary in bipolar disorder.

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Psychotherapy includes –

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) • CBT is to identify unhealthy behavior patterns of patient and replacing them with positive ones.

• Face-to-face counseling helps.

• Through CBT, patient can learn some effective and positive strategies to cope with bipolar disorder and manage stress. www.myhealthpharma.com

Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT)• This therapy stabilizes rhythms, moods and sleep.

Psycho-education • This helps in learning and understanding bipolar

disorder. It also helps in recognizing warning signs and symptoms.

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Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)• In this therapy, electrical current waves are passed across the brain.

• ECT affects the levels of certain neurotransmitters (brain chemicals), thereby providing relief from severe depression.

• ECT is actually prescribed for those who fail to overcome bipolar disorder even after using mental health medications. www.myhealthpharma.com

Trans-cranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)• This therapy is for those patients who fail to respond to antidepressants.

• A coil is placed on the head, which sends magnetic pulses to provoke neurons in the brain.

• This helps in mood regulation.

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