Bipolar Disorder

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Mental Health Self-Care Tips:

Living with a mental illness doesn’t have to miserable. It is a great idea to create a self-care plan that keeps your mental health at the forefront of your life. Here are some ideas:

About Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a brain disorder that impacts the patient’s mood in an extreme way. The average age for a person to receive a diagnosis of bipolar disorder is typically around 25 years old. Research has shown that bipolar disorder affects men and women pretty equally.

Bipolar Disorder Symptoms

Bipolar disorder, which is also known as manic-depressive disorder, has four different types that are based on the severeness, frequency, and duration of the episodes. Episodes are categorized by manic, hypomanic, or depression. The four types are Type I, Type II, cyclothymic, and NOS (not otherwise specified). Each of these types of bipolar disorder involves shifts in mood, behavior that is abnormal for most people.

Bipolar Type I Disorder

Approximately 2.5% (about 6 million people) of the population is affected by Type I Bipolar. This condition has the following symptoms:

At least one Manic or Mixed Episode, which is:

At least one Depressive Episode, which is:

Bipolar Type II Disorder

Bipolar type II disorder involves very similar features to bipolar type I, however; the patient is more likely to experience hypomanic episodes than manic. The biggest difference is that manic episodes have the capacity for psychosis, while hypomanic is a less severe episode.

At least one Hypomanic Episode, which is:

At least one Depressive Episode, which is:

Cyclothymic Bipolar Disorder

Cyclothymic bipolar disorder is categorized with symptoms similar to that of bipolar type II, however, the depression is less severe and there are periods of stability in between. People with cyclothymic bipolar disorder appear normal to others, but they often appear more difficult or moody than others. This type of bipolar disorder has remissions in episodes, unlike type I or II, but still requires careful treatment and monitoring.

Bipolar NOS Disorder

Not otherwise specified bipolar disorder is a clinical catchall for mood disorders. Often, hypomanic and less severe depression are key features, but the person doesn't meet the criteria for another type of bipolar disorder. Often the episodes of a NOS type bipolar disorder patient involves shorter episodes within days of each other. Treatment and monitoring are highly recommended, but controversial, in the psychiatric community.

How can The Serenity Center help with Bipolar Disorder?

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above, The Serenity Center is here to help. Our team is trained to understand bipolar disorder and the individual needs of the patient. If you need help managing your bipolar symptoms, The Serenity Center provides:

You do not have to do this alone. Bipolar disorder is a serious condition, but it doesn’t have to ruin your life. A solid treatment plan does take time to accomplish, but you are worth it. Set up an appointment today, and our team will give your case the individual care and support you need to enjoy life again.

Schedule an Appointment

Contact us today to schedule your appointment.