Bipolar Disorder
Everyday more individuals are diagnosed with Bipolar disorder.
There are four types of bipolar disorder:
- Bipolar 1
- Bipolar 2
- Cyclothymia
- Other specified/unspecified related disorders (Cleveland Clinic, 2022)
When it comes to bipolar we tend to forget about the other types.
You are probably wondering how are they different?
The Ashley Addiction Treatment website differentiates bipolar disorder based on type, listed below is chart the explains each type:
| Bipolar 1 | Most common, involves 1 or more manic episodes, with/without depressive episodes. Mania must be severe for hospitalization.
Lasts for a week or longer. |
| Bipolar 2 | Shifting from less severe hypomanic episodes and depressive episodes. |
| Cyclothymic Disorder | Repeated mood shifts are depressive and hypomanic. Lasts for more than 2 years. There are periods of normal mood but only lasts less than 8 weeks |
| Unspecified | Does not fit in other 3 criterias however the individual suffers an unusual episodes of manic mood. |
| Source: (Ashley Addiction Treatment, 2023)
https://www.ashleytreatment.org/rehab-blog/4-types-of-bipolar-disorder/
Ashley Addiction Treatment. (2023, March 13). Do you know the four types of bipolar disorder?. Ashley Addiction Treatment. https://www.ashleytreatment.org/rehab-blog/4-types-of-bipolar-disorder/ |
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Bipolar disorder is very unique to each individual and it takes time to develop a treatment plan that works for you
When you feel out of place or experiencing any behavioral changes, note them all in a notebook or on your phone. Make an appointment with your healthcare provider and discuss your concerns.
In order to be diagnosed with bipolar disorder there are a series of assessments that your provider must run.
Mayo Clinic states that an evaluation would include a physical, psychiatric assessment, mood charting and comparison with the criteria of bipolar disorder (Mayo Clinic, 2022b).
Treatment
Fortunately, there are numerous treatment modalities available to treat this disorder.
Like most disorders there are medications that your healthcare provider can prescribe you.
Psychotherapy is also a viable treatment option.
Most providers recommend a combination of both modalities.
Don’t be afraid to do your own research on reliable medical websites. Psychoeducation plays a vital role in raising awareness and advocating for patients.
You may be wondering what happens during this process?
The GoodTherapy (2016) website declares that psychoeducation would look something like this:
- A therapist would explain to patients about their new mental health diagnosis and can impact daily function.
- A psychiatrist describes how prescribed medications can impact symptoms of a disorder.
- A psychiatric hospital providing support and education to families.
- Formal classes designed to educate the population about both specific mental health conditions and mental health in general
- Behavior management assistance for patients diagnosed with behavioral concerns
- Self-help and support groups designed to share strategies and information with one another.
Bipolar disorder can display differently within adults and children
Bipolar disorder tends to appear in adolescence or young adulthood. However, it does not mean that a child cannot be diagnosed with this disorder.
The symptoms they exhibit can overlap with other diagnoses. Most diagnose them with other disorders like ADHD.
In order for a child to be diagnosed with bipolar, you have to make the duration of behavioral changes.
Individuals with ADHD tend to experience mood changes all the time.
While bipolar symptoms come and go after weeks or months. So don’t hesitate to talk to your medical provider today.
This post was written by Jasmine P., and published by Convenient Counseling Services.
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References
Ashley Addiction Treatment. (2023, March 13). Do you know the four types of bipolar disorder?. Ashley Addiction Treatment. https://www.ashleytreatment.org/rehab-blog/4-types-of-bipolar-disorder/
GoodTherapy, LLC. (2016, September 9). Psychoeducation. GoodTherapy. https://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychpedia/psychoeducation
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022b, December 13). Bipolar disorder. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bipolar-disorder/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355961
Cleveland Clinic. (2022, April 12). Bipolar disorder. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9294-bipolar-disorder
