Bipolar Disorder - Types, Symptoms & Treatment
Have you ever felt super happy one day, then extremely low the next? These mood swings might seem normal, but when they’re strong and happen often, they could be a sign of bipolar disorder. This mental health condition affects how people feel, think, and act. A major characteristic feature of bipolar disorder is the presence of recurrent manic episodes or hypomanic episodes and depressive episodes. . In this blog, we’ll explain the different types of bipolar disorder, the symptoms, and best bipolar disorder treatment options to help people live better lives. If you or anyone you know is experiencing signs of mental distress, then it is pivotal to seek help from bipolar disorder specialists near you in India for proper diagnosis, and treatment plan.
3 Common Types of Bipolar Disorder
Understanding the different types of bipolar disorder can help you or your loved ones get the right care. Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes intense mood changes, including emotional highs (mania) and lows (depression). There are three common types:
Bipolar I Disorder
Bipolar I Disorder is majorly characterised based upon the presence of a manic episode that an individual experiences for at least 7 days and almost every day for most duration of the day. Along with a manic episode, there can also be the presence of a depressive episode. The duration of depressive episodes can usually be about 2 weeks. The depressive episode may not be experienced by everyone; however, the psychiatrist and clinical psychologist can help in proper assessment for an individual’s specific concerns.
Bipolar II Disorder
Bipolar 2 disorder is a type of bipolar disorder that causes extreme mood changes, but the highs (called hypomania) are less severe than full mania seen in Bipolar I. People with bipolar 2 disorder experience episodes of deep depression and milder highs, which can still affect their energy, sleep, and daily life.
Cyclothymic Disorder
An individual might experience recurring depressive and hypomanic symptoms; however, these are not as intense to fulfil the criteria of Bipolar I or Bipolar II Disorder. The individual might have been experiencing these recurring symptoms for two years or even more than that. This is also known as cyclothymia, and here the criteria for hypomanic episodes, manic episodes, and depressive episodes are not completely met.
Other Specified Bipolar
Other specified bipolar disorder often refers to the bipolar spectrum phenomenon that does not meet the criteria for cyclothymic disorder, Bipolar I Disorder, or Bipolar II Disorder.
Other Unspecified Bipolar
If an individual is experiencing symptoms of bipolar spectrum and the facets of life are significantly impacted, such as social functioning, occupational functioning, and other areas of life, then the qualified mental health professional may characterise the concerns as unspecified bipolar disorder. Trained mental health professionals do the assessment and diagnosis of the specific type of bipolar disorder through a thorough evaluation and suggest best treatment for bipolar disorder disease.
If you notice extreme mood changes that affect your daily life, don’t wait. It’s important to talk to a professional. You can search for bipolar doctors near me in India to find expert help and book Your Therapy Session!
Common signs of bipolar disorder
During bipolar episodes, an individual may experience the impact of symptoms on the cognitive processes, emotions, and behavioural processes. The signs of bipolar disorder experienced may vary based on manic episodes, hypomanic episodes, and depressive episodes. To properly understand the type of bipolar disorder, the duration and intensity of these symptoms would also be crucial. A brief overview of the symptoms of manic episodes and depressive episodes is mentioned below:
Manic Episodes Probable Symptoms:
- Extremely irritable
- Increased activity level Racing thoughts
- Minimised need for sleep
- Increased appetite for food, drinking, and other activities
- Speaking quickly about a lot of diverse things
- Feeling energised to be able to do many things all at once
- One may start considering themselves unusually important, powerful, or extraordinarily talented
Depressive Episodes Probable Symptoms
- Feeling very low
- Difficulty concentrating
- Difficulty making decisions
- Increased need for sleep
- Unable to engage in activities of daily living
- Feeling of disinterest in diverse life activities
- Feeling of hopelessness and worthlessness
- Suicidal ideation and self-harm behaviour
It is crucial to be mindful that the above-mentioned symptoms are to give a brief overview. The subjective experience of these symptoms may vary, and therefore seeking support from qualified psychiatrists for bipolar disorder and psychologists for bipolar disorder becomes pivotal.
Bipolar Disorder Diagnosis Process for Identifying Types of Bipolar Disorder
The diagnostic process for specifying the possible type of bipolar disorder along with understanding the presence of any comorbid mental health issue may incorporate the following steps:
- Physical examination
- Psychological evaluation
- Psychiatric history
As a part of these processes, a detailed understanding of the client’s concerns is achieved through psychological assessments, observation, and self-reporting. The activities of daily living are also understood to better identify the severity of concerns and develop a treatment plan accordingly.
Treatment Process for Bipolar Disorder
Medications, psychotherapy, and group therapy sessions are a few commonly used ways as part of the treatment process for different types of bipolar disorder. The goal is to help the individual achieve their optimal health and regulate emotions successfully. The personalised treatment plan for each individual may be developed based on their symptoms, severity of concerns, and presence of any comorbid mental health disorder. At times, family counselling sessions may also be conducted to improve communication within the family and work on family dynamics.
There is a plethora of psychotherapeutic techniques that may be used such as cognitive behaviour therapy, expressive arts therapy, and dialectical behavioural therapy. One can collaboratively work with the psychologist to develop short-term and long-term goals and achieve their healthier optimal mental health.
Reach Out for Professional Help at Athena Behavioral Health
If you or your loved one are experiencing any signs of mental distress, then reach out to Athena Behavioral Health for timely treatment intervention and personalised treatment plans. We have specialised experts who can help with the types of bipolar disorder. An early diagnosis can prevent the concerns from worsening and promote effective management.
Begin your journey towards a healthier mental wellness with Athena Behavioral Health today with a single step – Reaching Out! You are not alone and our team will walk every step with you on this recovery journey – from diagnosis to treatment planning, charting the progress, and celebrating milestones, we are here for you.
