Bipolar Disorder:
It formerly called manic depression, is a chronic Mood Disorder that causes intense shifts in mood, energy levels, activity levels, concentration, and behavior. Patients having particular types of bipolar disorder experience high emotional states throughout distinct periods of days to weeks or even years. Manic/hypomanic or depressive mood episodes are the two categories of this disorder.
Even those who do not have bipolar disorder go through mood swings but it usually lasts only a few hours. Additionally, these changes typically do not come with the high degree of behavioral change or difficulties adjusting to daily life activities and social interactions that individuals with bipolar disorder exhibit during mood episodes.
There are a few types of bipolar disorder, which are characterized by severe mood swings known as hypomanic/manic and depressed episodes. Here we will discuss different types of bipolar disorder briefly.
Manic Episodes:
Mania is a state in which you experience dramatic changes in your emotions, thoughts, energy, talkativeness, and level of activity. You also experience a period of excessive irritability. Others will note the shift in your regular conduct and the high level of energy in your physical and mental activity.
Hypomanic Episode:
A hypomanic episode is characterized by less intense manic symptoms that just need to last for four days straight as opposed to a week.
Three or more of the following symptoms are present in both manic and hypomanic episodes:
- Mood swings that are abrupt and intense,
- Excessive joy, hopefulness, and excitement
- Delusions and hallucinations
- Decreased need for sleep
- Activities that cause harm (physical, social, or financial)
- Increased or faster speech
- Uncontrollable racing thoughts
- Distractibility
- Increased activity
- Increased risky behavior
- Unusual talkativeness
- Poor decision-making
Depressive Episode.
A major depressive episode lasts at least two weeks and is characterized by persistent fatigue, a low or sad mood, and/or loss of interest in most activities and has at least five of the following symptoms
- Intense sadness or despair
- Loss of interest in activities the person once enjoyed
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Fatigue
- Increased or decreased sleep
- Increased or decreased appetite
- Restlessness
- Difficulty paying attention
- Recurring suicidal thoughts
What are the types of bipolar disorder?
- Bipolar I disorder: People who have bipolar I disorder will go through one or more manic episodes. Most people with bipolar I will have both mania and depression, but an episode of depression isn’t necessary for a diagnosis. If there are depressive episodes they will typically last for two weeks or longer.
- Bipolar II disorder: Depressive and hypomanic episodes are common in people with bipolar II disorder. A person must experience at least one major depressive episode and one hypomanic episode in order to be diagnosed with bipolar II disorder. However, they never go through a full manic episode, which is a sign of bipolar I disorder. Bipolar II disorder is frequently more incapacitating than bipolar I disorder because chronic depression is more frequent in bipolar II. When there are no new episodes, people resume their regular activities.
- Cyclothymic disorder (cyclothymia): Cyclothymic disorder is characterized by a persistently unstable mood. They go through mild sadness and hypomania for at least two years. People with cyclothymia may have brief periods of everyday mood (euthymia), but these periods last fewer than eight weeks. People with cyclothymia experience emotional ups and downs but with less severe symptoms than bipolar I or II disorder.
- Other specified and unspecified bipolar: Sometimes a person might experience symptoms of bipolar disorder that do not fall into the three categories listed above, and this is referred to as “other specified and unspecified bipolar.”
How is Bipolar Disorder Treated?
Many people, even those with the most severe types of bipolar disorder, can benefit from treatment. The following therapies are frequently combined in an efficient treatment plan:
Psychotherapy
- Talk therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Medications
- Mood stabilizers
- Antipsychotics
Other therapies
- Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
- Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
Helpful lifestyle habits
- Exercise
- Yoga
- Meditation
Self-management strategies
- Education
- Identifying the early symptoms
Novus Beginning Psychiatry: Your Path to Health and Wellness Starts Here!
We understand that navigating the complexities of mental health can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Novus Beginning Psychiatry, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re seeking therapy, medication, or a combination of both, our compassionate professionals are dedicated to helping you find the path to a happier, healthier life.
Our highly skilled psychiatrists are experienced in a wide range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, PTSD, ADHD, autism, different types of trauma, and more. We offer evidence-based therapies that have been proven effective in helping individuals overcome their challenges. From cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to couples/family therapy, we utilize the most up-to-date techniques to empower you on your healing journey.
We also recognize that medication is vital in managing certain psychological health conditions. Our team includes Dr. Nibras, who is a board-certified psychiatrist well-versed in medication management. He works closely with you to develop a comprehensive treatment plan, as we believe in the power of personalized care.
So, take the first step towards a brighter future. Contact us today to schedule an appointment. Our friendly staff is ready to assist you in finding a convenient time to meet with our dedicated professionals. Call (832)856-4718 and let us help you take charge of your mental well-being.
Medication Management For Psychiatric Wellness
At Novus Beginning Psychiatry, we’re dedicated to helping you unlock the power of effective medication management. Our team of psychiatrists has years of experience and understands the importance of finding the right balance for your mental health journey. We offer personalized and compassionate care, creating medication plans that are tailored to your unique needs. Our understanding of psychopharmacology allows us to provide the most advanced and evidence-based treatments available.
Our goal is to help you by providing the right medications to enhance your therapy outcomes, reduce your symptoms, and improve your overall well-being. We want to be your trusted partner on the path to a brighter future. Please don’t hesitate to contact us at Novus Beginning Psychiatry to experience the transformative effects of our comprehensive medication management approach.
Who is Dr. Nibras?
Dr. Sohail Nibras is a double board-certified psychiatrist in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry. He completed his education at Saint Louis University and the American University of Integrative Science. He excels in treatments based on psychiatric care and therapeutic sessions and has experience treating dual psychiatric and substance use disorders. He is an assistant professor at the Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. He serves as an attending psychiatrist at Texas Children’s Hospital. He trains future psychiatrists and engages in scholarly research projects.
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