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Bipolar Disorder Test: Understanding Bipolar Disorder
Experiencing emotional highs and lows can be more than just the ups and downs of everyday life. Did you know that nearly 7 million people in the US have bipolar disorder?
If you've ever found yourself wondering why your moods fluctuate more dramatically than others, our Bipolar Disorder Test might offer some insights.
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Take control of your mental health today! If you suspect that you or someone you love might be experiencing symptoms of bipolar disorder, this quick and confidential test is the first step towards clarity.
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What Is a Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a medical condition known by various names, such as manic depression, bipolar affective disorder (BPAD), circular insanity, and manic-depressive psychosis. It is a mental disorder where a person experiences suddenly altered mood and energy levels. This affects their ability to function in both personal and professional settings. They fluctuate between high-intensity highs and lows. This period is known as mood episodes. Such fluctuating moods are categorized under manic or hypomanic and depressive episodes. Manic or hypomanic episodes are characterized by an individual feeling elated and irritated, and depressive episodes are filled with sadness.
These episodes do not indicate that a bipolar person does not experience a normal or neutral mood phase. They have a mood of neutrality, and many people with this disorder lead an active, fulfilling life. This is because even people without this condition experience mood swings. The only difference is bipolar mood swings can last for days rather than hours. This can lead to difficulty interacting and communicating during those episodes.
Various factors and reasons lead to the development of bipolar disorder. We will discuss more on this in the below section. Bipolar disorder has a delayed onset period and can start at 25. Bipolar disorders can have about three subtypes: Bipolar I, Bipolar II, and Cyclothymia. We will detail each of them in detail in a few sections below.
What Causes Bipolar Disorder?
Medical professionals and researchers are still studying the causes and risk factors of developing bipolar disorder. Millions of people in our country suffer from this condition, one of the most common mental health illnesses. However, the reasons for them can vary. For instance, brain structure is an important factor. Irregularities, imbalance in brain chemistry, and altered structure and function of the brain can lead to bipolar disorder. It is noticed that people with bipolar disorder have different brain structures than others.
Similarly, there are genetics in the play, too. Direct relative and blood relation with bipolar disorder can pass down the condition through genes. Most mental health disorders are hereditary in nature. Lastly, environmental factors can also increase the risk of bipolar disorder. If a person has experienced extreme stress and trauma while growing up, they can have bipolar disorder. Physical illness and injuries can also affect the mental health of an individual.
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Types of Bipolar Disorder
As mentioned before, bipolar disorder can be categorized into three categories: Bipolar I, Bipolar II, and cyclothymic disorder. Those suffering from Bipolar I disorder also have other mental health problems like ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder), depression, anxiety, and drug addiction. It is also noticed that people with this category of bipolar disorder have a risk of self-harm and suicidal tendencies. Let’s learn about each of them in detail.
Bipolar I Disorder:
Regardless of whatever gender one belongs, Bipolar I disorder affects everyone. It is a condition where the person experiences manic or hypomanic episodes at least once. It is a possibility that the severity of hypomanic episodes is less intense than manic or depressive episodes. A person with this subtype can go without any mood fluctuation but will suddenly experience one of such episodes.
Bipolar II Disorder:
Unlike Bipolar I disorder, people with this second subtype get one depressive episode. This episode can last for at least two weeks. Some can experience one hypomanic episode, too. Hypomanic episodes can last for around four days. These people can also be diagnosed with other mental conditions that can worsen the symptoms of hypomanic or depressive episodes. It is more common among women.
Cyclothymic Disorder:
Cyclothymic disorder is a milder form of bipolar disorder. Here, the diagnosed person experiences less intensity of depressive and hypomanic episodes. They can have mood swings and go from emotionally high to low. The cyclothymic disorder does not have major mood symptoms for almost one to two months.
What Are Some Bipolar Disorder Symptoms?
There are various symptoms of bipolar disorder. These symptoms vary from one subtype to another. Almost all symptoms indeed resemble each other. It is the intensity that sets them apart. To be diagnosed with bipolar disorder, one has to experience at least one instance of mania or hypomania. A manic episode would include high excitement and energy with impulsive tendencies. On the other hand, hypomanic episodes are a little less intense than manic episodes.
Manic episode symptoms include increased speech, activity, talkativeness, and decreased sleep. A person experiences rapid and uncontrollable thoughts with risky behavior and a tendency to easily get distracted.
Hypomanic episodes have similar symptoms but of less severe intensity. They last for about four days and do not impair daily life.
Depressive episodes have symptoms like fatigue, guilt, despair, decreased need for sleep, lower appetite, difficulty in concentrating on things, increased restlessness, and thoughts of self-harm and suicide.
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Bipolar Disorder Treatments
Can bipolar be treated? Is it completely treatable? Can it be managed? All these questions are often asked by people who have or who are close to someone with bipolar disorder. First of all, let‘s make it clear that bipolar disorder is a treatable mental health condition. Even the most severe form of this disorder can be treated with adequate services and programs. An effective treatment of bipolar disorder includes a combination of medications and psychotherapies. Since everyone has varying degrees of symptoms, the treatment will differ. Each individual will have a different combination and intensity of treatment program.
Bipolar disorder is a complex and lifelong condition where an individual can suffer from manic and depressive episodes. An effective and prolonged treatment is the only comprehensive solution for managing the lingering symptoms of bipolar disorder. Let's first discuss bipolar disorder medication. The healthcare provider prescribes mood stabilizers to manage the symptoms. Valproate or lithium is the typical mood stabilizer to reduce mood-related episodes' intensity. Lithium helps with reducing suicidal thoughts and self-harm. The aim is to improve sleep and lower anxiety and depression. It's important to note antidepressants without taking mood stabilizers can trigger manic episodes. So, both should be taken.
Do not discontinue the medications abruptly without informing your healthcare provider. That can trigger withdrawal symptoms like cravings, vomiting, rashes, diarrhea, and more. Besides medication, psychotherapies are highly effective for people with bipolar disorder. Talk therapy is a type of therapy where the counselor helps the patient identify troubling thoughts and behavior. After identifying, they are carefully replaced by positive emotions. Talk therapy is useful for the patient and a helpful guide for their family and friends. Family-focused therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT) are also used to tackle this disorder.
There are some alternative treatment options. These include Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), light therapy, and Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). ECT is only considered when a patient has not responded to other types of treatment. It can help in reducing the severe intensity of bipolar symptoms. ECT elicits rapid response from patients with catatonia or suicide risk. Light therapy has worked effectively on patients suffering from seasonal affective disorder experienced by bipolar-diagnosed people. Light therapy helps with reducing bipolar depression. Lastly, rTMS is a brain-stimulating treatment that involves magnetic waves for managing bipolar depression.
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Consider The Edge Treatment Center
It is seen that many individuals struggling with addiction are also diagnosed with co-occurring mental health disorders like anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. In fact, 61 percent of bipolar-diagnosed people have some history of substance or alcohol abuse. Why? There are many reasons for that. Some people with bipolar disorder take addictive substances to cope with the symptoms. They gain temporary relief and satisfaction from using them. Others develop bipolar disorder after prolonged use of drugs. In both cases, the individual suffers and becomes susceptible to developing drug addiction. Also, drug use can offer short-term relief but is seriously detrimental to health. It further deteriorates the side effects and symptoms of bipolar disorder and worsens them. Suppose you or someone you care about has troubling bipolar disorder and drug addiction. In that case, seeking medical treatment as soon as possible is imperative.
The Edge Treatment Center is an excellent Orange County, California, treatment facility. We are a team of highly experienced and qualified medical professionals. Our team includes addiction experts, doctors, counselors, psychiatric professionals, and physicians. Our medical services include formal medical detox, behavioral therapies, rehabilitation programs, and aftercare plans. We believe every patient is unique, so their journey toward recovery will also be unique. So, we evaluate each and every patient and provide treatment in an individualized manner. If you have any questions please reach out to us, we're happy to help you 24/7. Join The Edge Treatment Center and start today!
What Our Clients Are Saying
Our programs have helped our clients and their families achieve many positive changes in their lives. Here are a few of our many 5-star Google reviews:
My experience here has been incredible. the staff goes above and beyond making sure everyone is comfortable. If you ever need support during any part of day staff will be there for you. with very unique groups and amazing staff 10/10
Catherine
I would like to say That the edge treatment center has some of the most amazing employees that go above and beyond for individual, seeking and looking for the help that they need as my daughter got the most amazing help by their staff I want to thank you again
Casey
The Edge is the best place to get the help you need. I came in broken and helpless and found myself in a very welcoming environment full of support. The staff are the absolute greatest people, listen to you, and help you figure out the right way to go. Will forever be grateful for this place.
Corissa
If you want better I suggest starting here. The staff is awesome very caring and helpful with anything you ask.
Adonis
The Edge! - this was my first time doing PHP/IOP in recovery… it was a game changer. My experience at the Edge was great… the staff is amazing.
Mark
The Edge has the most amazing and welcoming staff and fellow clients. I came here from NJ, spent 4 months working with the therapists, case managers, and other staff. Now i’m living my best sober life, starting my career. I highly recommend going here if you’re seeking help!
Amber
This place was truly amazing. They welcomed me with open arms. I felt at home, they help me accomplish many of things. I’m grateful for this opportunity, it’s a once in a lifetime.
Trapper
The Edge has made me a better person and I would recommend this facility to anyone a place of love and understanding and decency its the best,the staff here are amazing and treat you with so much respect.love everyone here.
Lance
I spent about a year in this program and i can honestly say this place changed my life for the absolute best. the team there is unlike any other. treatment is taken seriously and the people you meet will be some of the most interesting people you’ll come across. I love the Edge!
Theodore
Edge. I’ve never been to an outpatient program that cared this much about their clients. I highly recommend this program for anyone looking for an outpatient program that will teach and support you from the second you get here to the minute you leave as a strong sober individual.
Theresa
This program and especially the people literally saved my son's life and our family. Very transparent treatment and so easy to get in touch with the staff. Rory was so amazing. He was quick to reply to our questions and was so personable.
Betsey
I am a client here and have been for 2 years, this place is really helping me to change my life and is setting me up for success. I am grateful I came here, don't waste this great opportunity!
Evan
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