Bipolar disorder is a chronic psychological disorder characterized by alternating episodes of mania and depression. Around 6.9% of the population in India suffers from bipolar disorder. Without timely treatment, bipolar disorder can have a severe impact on the functioning of the individual and can also cause distress to their family members and loved ones. Due to the nature of the disorder, it is important to seek immediate bipolar disorder treatment to manage symptoms appropriately for long-term recovery.

Cadabams, India’s largest and most trusted mental health institution offers a wide range of psychotherapeutic, medical, and psychosocial interventions to treat all types of bipolar disorder. With over 28+ years of experience, our diverse team of psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors offer solution-oriented treatment to ensure that you and your loved one get the help you need and deserve. 

Talk to our psychiatrists and psychologists to draw up a treatment plan that works best for you. 

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Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

Individuals with bipolar disorder experience frequent variations in mood, ranging from manic highs to depressive lows. They show sudden shifts in behavior, and the intensity of symptoms may vary based on the type of bipolar disorder the individual is diagnosed with. Bipolar disorder symptoms can be severe enough to cause disturbances in the life of the individual, and thus, has to be treated immediately.

Symptoms of Depressive Mood Episodes:

• Loss of interest in activities that they were previously interested in
• Feelings of worthlessness
• Fatigue and lack of energy
• Lack of appetite and significant weight loss
• Problems with concentration, and memory, and a decrease in problem-solving skills
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Restlessness and Irritability
• Suicidal thoughts 

Symptoms of Manic Mood Episodes:

• Intense feelings of euphoria
• Extreme agitation and energy
• Restlessness, getting easily distracted
• Racing thoughts
• Feeling the need to continuously work or stay busy
• Overconfidence, unrealistic expectations about their abilities
• Impulsive and reckless activities

Symptoms of Hypomania:

Hypomania is a milder form of mania observed in Bipolar II Disorder. Its symptoms include:

• Easily getting distracted
• Increase in impulsive behaviors
• Behavior that is focused on attaining goals
• Restlessness and Irritability
• Reduced need for sleep
• Unusual talkativeness and excitability

Causes of Bipolar Disorder

Though the exact causes of bipolar disorder are not known, certain risk factors could increase the vulnerability of an individual to develop bipolar disorder. 

• Biological Risk Factors - It has been noticed that individuals with bipolar disorder show differences in brain structure. The exact differences and why they cause bipolar disorder have not been found out yet. 
• Psychological Risk Factors - Certain disorders like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) have been shown to increase the risk of an individual developing bipolar disorder. 
• Genetic Risk Factors - A person with a family history of bipolar disorder has a greater risk of developing the disorder. Researchers think that there might be a specific gene associated with bipolar disorder though it has not yet been discovered.

‍Types of Bipolar Disorder

Based on the intensity of symptoms, bipolar disorder can be classified into different types:

1. ‍Bipolar I Disorder - This type of bipolar disorder is characterized by at least one manic episode. It is a manic-depressive disorder that may sometimes be accompanied by symptoms of psychosis, like delusions.
2. ‍Bipolar II Disorder - Bipolar II Disorder is characterized by the occurrence of at least one depressive mood episode and one hypomanic episode. It is important to note that individuals with Bipolar II Disorder do not experience manic episodes. The depressive episodes last longer than in Bipolar I disorder.
3. ‍Cyclothymic Disorder - Cyclothymia is a less severe mood disorder than Bipolar I and Bipolar II Disorder with less severe symptoms than in a full mania or depressive episode. Individuals with cyclothymia experience shorter periods of depressive and manic episodes.
4. ‍Rapid Cycling Bipolar Disorder - People who have had at least four episodes of major depression, mania, and hypomania within only one year can be said to have rapid-cycling bipolar disorder.
   

Diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder symptoms usually start showing by the age of 25 years. However, it is also possible for individuals to show symptoms in adolescence or even childhood. It is important to identify these early-onset symptoms as fast as possible as the symptoms tend to worsen over time. 

It may be difficult to diagnose bipolar disorder due to the sudden shifts in depressive and manic episodes. To diagnose Bipolar Disorder, the mental health professional will first conduct a full diagnostic test of the symptoms to rule out any other mental health disorders such as depression. Further, the clinician asks questions about the medical history of the individual and their family, alcohol, and substance use habits and previous occurrences of psychiatric illnesses in the family if any. This helps to get a full diagnostic picture of the individual’s symptoms and reach a bipolar disorder diagnosis. 

If the professional feels that the person suffers from bipolar disorder, they refer the individual to a psychiatrist who can create an appropriate bipolar disorder treatment plan

Diagnostic Procedure at Cadabams. 

At Cadabams, our multispecialty team is involved in the diagnostic process. With the use of assessments and evaluations, our professionals work towards determining the severity of the symptoms as well as possible causes of the disorder. Our team of psychiatrists then works towards creating a personalized treatment plan best catered to bipolar disorder treatment.

Treatment of Bipolar Disorder

At Cadabams, our diverse team of mental health professionals stays with you every step of the way to give you the best possible care and treatment. Since Bipolar Disorder is a chronic disorder that cannot be cured, treatment aims at reducing or helping to manage the symptoms. Some of the treatment options for Bipolar Disorder include:

1. Medication:

Bipolar Disorder medication needs to be properly regulated due to the continuous changes in moods. Thus, it is important to be in touch with your psychiatrist to find the dosage that works best for your symptoms. In case there are any side effects experienced due to the bipolar disorder medication, consult your psychiatrist immediately to change the dosage or the medication itself. 

Several types of medicines can be used to manage bipolar disorder. These include mood stabilizers, antipsychotic medications, antidepressants, and anti-anxiety medication. 

2. Psychotherapy

Counseling and therapy are important parts of bipolar disorder treatment alongside medication. Therapy can happen in an individual or group setting. It may also involve family members. Some of the most common therapeutic interventions for Bipolar Disorder include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps an individual to identify unhealthy, negative thought patterns that cause distress to the individual. These thoughts are then reframed into more healthy and positive ones. This helps the individual to create strategies to manage symptoms and triggers on a long-term basis.
• Family Therapy: Family involvement and support are important parts of recovery. Family therapy educates family members about the condition of their loved ones and how to manage their symptoms while maintaining their emotional well-being. 
• Group Therapy and Support Groups: Group therapy emphasizes the importance of building empathy and learning from others in the therapeutic process. Through group therapy, individuals with bipolar disorder can motivate and support each other through their journeys toward recovery. 

Some other psychotherapeutic interventions include Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, and Occupational Therapy.