Bipolar Disorder (Manic Depressive Illness)
Depressive symptoms as outlined under depression in addition to:
At least one episode of mania with symptoms that include some of the following:
At least one episode of mania with symptoms that include some of the following:
- Feeling so good or hyper that others think you are not your normal self
- Irritability to the point of shouting at people or starting arguments or fights
- Feeling much more self-confident than usual (even grandiose)
- Getting (and needing) less sleep than usual
- Being more energetic and active so that more things are done (perhaps not finished)
- Being much more talkative than usual and possibly speaking abnormally fast
- Racing thoughts that cannot be slowed down with effort
- Easily distracted so that it is difficult to concentrate or stay on track
- Being more outgoing than normal and possibly becoming intrusive
- Being more interested in sex
- Behaving in excessive, foolish or risky ways (showing poor judgment)
- Spending money that gets you into trouble
Treatment for Bipolar Disorder
Goal — Control the current symptoms without triggering symptoms from the opposite “pole” (manic or depressive episodes) and prevent future episodes as each subsequent episode can be harder to control and cause more damage
Steps for treating mania:
Steps for treating mania:
- Remove medications or other substances that may be triggering manic symptoms
- Control acute manic symptoms with mood stabilizing medications
- Calm down the environment if possible to prevent fueling symptoms further
- Incorporate the four cornerstones of health into everyday life (good diet, exercise, proper sleep, socialization)
- Establish routines and structure
- Teach skills for managing and preventing symptoms so that medication doses can be minimized as much as possible without allowing symptoms to return
- Address other life issues that could potentially impact the bipolar disorder