Bipolar Disorder, commonly referred to as ‘Manic Depression’ is a psychiatric illness defined by the presence of one or more episodes of severe mood swings accompanied by changes in behaviour, thoughts, emotions and physical health. Mood swings are more extreme than everyday ‘ups and downs’ and individuals who suffer from manic episodes often experience bouts of depression or similar symptoms. These mixed emotions may vary from a feeling of hopelessness and depression through to feeling overly elated or irritable. Extreme manic episodes can sometimes lead to psychotic symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations.
Bipolar disorders are usually divided into the following categories:
Bipolar I Disorder
Bipolar I Disorder is where an individual has experienced one or more manic episodes with or without major depressive occurrences. It is not the most common form of the illness, and although individuals can have recurrent episodes, they often experience long periods of stability.
Bipolar II Disorder
Bipolar II Disorder is characterised by hypomanic rather than actual manic episodes (elations are not as severe with hypomania), and at least one major depressive episode will also occur. As the elations do not necessarily cause severe social or occupational impairment, it can make Bipolar II more difficult to diagnose. The individual may appear to be highly productive whilst avoiding serious trouble and so the condition is less frequently reported.
Bipolar III Disorder or Cyclothymia
Bipolar III Disorder, commonly known as Cyclothymia is a chronic condition consisting of short periods of mild depression and hypomania (lasting just a few days to a few weeks), separated by short periods of normal mood. Individuals with Cyclothymia are never free of symptoms of either depression or hypomania for more than two months at a time, and as such, the disorder can completely disrupt their lives and create personal chaos.
Rapid Cycling
Rapid cycling is found in a significant number of individuals with Bipolar Disorder, largely amongst females, and is defined as having four or more manic, hypomanic, major depressive or mixed episodes in one year, coupled with feelings that are ‘out of control’. It is difficult to medicate for Rapid Cycling and patients will usually undergo periods of hospitalisation.
It is important that when seeking a diagnosis that it is not confused with other psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, particularly as psychotic symptoms and anxiety often occur during the course of Bipolar Disorder. Individuals with Bipolar Disorder frequently suffer from psychiatric disorders that are ‘co-morbid’; a combination of psychiatric and physical illnesses such as substance abuse disorders, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Panic Disorder.
Treatment is undertaken in two stages:
- Acute Phase
Treatment is aimed at ending the current manic, hypomanic, depressive or mixed episode.
- Preventative Phase
Treatment is continued on a long-term basis in order to prevent future episodes.
Treatment in the form of psychotherapy on either a group or one-to-one basis can be beneficial to both the individual and their families. It gives them the opportunity to discuss the impact the disorder has made on their lives and can help them come to terms with the problems they are experiencing. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Family Therapy are particularly helpful as is Social Rhythms Therapy which focuses on restoring and manipulating personal and social daily routines to stabilise body rhythms, especially the 24-hour sleep-wake cycle.
For further information or advice on the treatment of Bipolar Disorder,
please feel free to call us on 0844 344 1494 or 07845 308267 for further advice. Alternatively, email us direct at advice@aquariushealthcare.com |
