Bipolar disorder in adults: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
Are you dealing with intense emotions? If yes then you might be suffering from bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is a brain disorder that adversely affects a person’s life. In addition, people with bipolar disorder experience sudden shifts in their moods. However, after reading this article, you will get familiar with the bipolar symptoms in adults. So what are you waiting for? Read this article thoroughly to get in-depth knowledge regarding bipolar disorder in adults.
What is Bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a common mental illness that has a strong association with behavior. As the name indicates, bipolar disorder involves two different emotional extremes. Individuals suffering from bipolar disorder experience sudden alterations in mood swings. At one time, they get excited to a great extent while on the other hand, they get depressed.
Biologically, this medical condition is known as manic and depressive episodes. Manic episodes of bipolar disorder involve extreme highs while depressive episodes involve the persistent stage of sadness. People suffering from both manic and depressive episodes can recover after getting effective treatment. Otherwise, the untreated bipolar disorder symptoms can last for several days.
Most individuals are unable to effectively judge that they are experiencing manic episodes. However, the identification of depressive episodes is comparatively easy. In addition, the number of episodes of bipolar disorder is also different for each individual. Some experience more episodes while some have reduced episodes with shorter duration.
Signs and symptoms of Bipolar disorder
The onset of bipolar disorder symptoms occurs in both males and females. However, some studies reported that females exhibit more symptoms as compared to males. Likewise, the onset of bipolar disorder symptoms occurs in females during their teenage years. Moreover, some females experience bipolar disorder symptoms during their pregnancy period or after childbirth. Furthermore, among the two types of bipolar disorder, females are more prone to type II bipolar disorder.
During both episodes of bipolar disorder, individuals exhibit different bipolar signs in adults. Moreover, the extent of symptoms also varies. Affected individuals prefer isolation and avoid engaging in social activities. Moreover, some studies have also indicated that if the manic and depressive episodes are left untreated then it can also result in psychotic symptoms which include hallucinations and delusions.
Some common symptoms of depressive episodes are as follows:
- Prolonged phase of sadness
- Sense of hopelessness
- Trouble in concentration
- Difficulty in the sleep-wake cycle
- Eating abnormalities
- Reduced energy levels
- Fatigue or tiredness
- Intrusive thoughts
- Sense of guilt or worthlessness
- Lack of interest or motivation
- Persistent feelings of emptiness
In addition, the manic episode of bipolar disorder involves the following symptoms:
- Intense excitement
- Excessive sleeping
- Talkative behavior
- Racing thought patterns
- Irritable behavior
- Extreme potential
- Easier distractions
- Sense of self-importance
What causes bipolar disorder?
Different studies have suggested the different causes of the onset of bipolar disorder. Some researchers have the opinion that a combination of different factors is responsible for the onset of bipolar disorder in adults. However, some common causes of bipolar disorder include:
Traumas
Any distressing event that occurred in the past can also cause the onset of bipolar disorder symptoms in adults. Some common stressful situations that can lead to trauma and the occurrence of bipolar disorder symptoms include:
- Personal loss
- Financial loss
- Feelings of worthlessness
- Childhood abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Neglection in society
- Lack of attention among loved ones
Chemical imbalance
Most of the mental disorders involve the dysregulation of neurotransmitters in the brain. However, when some neurotransmitters undergo some functional problems in neurotransmitters, then the onset of bipolar disorder symptoms occurs.
Substance abuse
Excessive use of medications, drugs, and alcohol is also linked with the onset of symptoms of bipolar disorder. If you are using the medications in excessive amounts, then it can also result in bipolar disorder.
Diagnosing bipolar disorder in adults
The effective diagnosis of bipolar disorder in adults is significant before taking any treatment process. The process of ADHD diagnosis comprises the following factors:
Physical examination
Experts physically analyze the symptoms of ADHD and the associated trigger factors that cause the development of this disorder.
Psychological evaluation
At Inland Empire Behavioral Group, our mental health experts perform psychiatric evaluations to better identify the disease symptoms. Different questions are asked of the individuals regarding their thoughts as well as behavioral patterns.
Types of Bipolar disorder
There are two different types of bipolar disorder in adults which includes:
Bipolar I disorder
The ratio of bipolar disorder I is higher as compared to type II. A large number of individuals experience bipolar disorder which specifically involves manic episodes that last for a week or more.
Bipolar II disorder
This type of bipolar disorder involves both depressive and manic episodes. However, both episodes of bipolar disorder differ in their extent. After passing through the manic episode, individuals experience a severe phase of depression that extends for a longer period.
Cyclothymic disorder
This phase of bipolar disorder involves the symptoms of both depressive and hypomanic episodes. Moreover, the duration of this phase is also great as compared to the other types.
Bipolar treatment in adults
Our mental health experts utilize different medications and therapies for the treatment of bipolar disorder in adults.
Medications
With the appropriate dosage of medications, you can regulate bipolar disorder symptoms. At Inland Empire Behavioral Group, different strategic plans are developed by our experts. Some experts only recommend the medications while some rely on the combination effects of medications and therapy.
Some common medications that are used to treat bipolar disorder symptoms are as follows:
- Anti-anxiety medications
- Antidepressants
- Mood stabilizers
Psychiatric medication management
Finding the right medication is crucial to reap the best results of each treatment process. At Inland Empire Behavioral Group, you can access highly skilled and devoted mental health experts who can completely guide you regarding the dosage and effectiveness of medications. Individuals with ADHD are involved in follow-up appointments to get completely indulged in the process. If you are taking any psychiatric medication, then make sure that you have absolute knowledge regarding that psychiatric medication. They can guide you on whether that medicine is effective for managing the symptoms or not. If any medication does not affect you, they guide you to switch the medications.
Psychotherapy
As the name indicates, therapies that are specifically used to treat psychiatric issues are referred to as psychotherapies. Different types of psychotherapy are used to treat a broad range of mental health issues including bipolar disorder. Some common types of psychotherapy or talk therapy include:
Learn more: Psychosis: Causes, Diagnosis, Symptoms and Treatment
Cognitive behavioral therapy
During the talk therapy sessions, individuals can directly communicate with the mental health therapist and share their disturbing thoughts and emotions. With their assistance, individuals can better identify their thought patterns and then alter their behavior accordingly. Individuals mostly suffer due to their undesired behavior patterns. Therefore talk therapists mostly focus on providing an effective guide on how to modify thought patterns and associated behavior. Individuals struggling with mental issues also gain confidence while directly interacting with the experts. Different studies have reported the effectiveness of talk therapies in gaining reduced self-esteem.
Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy
This therapy assists in overcoming different relationship conflicts. Moreover, you can also improve your daily life habits with the help of interpersonal therapy. Other cognitive-behavioral therapies focus on cognitive developmental issues, while interpersonal therapy specifically addresses relationship issues. Those individuals who face difficulty in strengthening their relationships can benefit from interpersonal therapy.
Bipolar test for adults
The effective evaluation and treatment of bipolar disorder involves the psychological assessment in which different questions are asked of the individuals.
Some common questions which are used for ideal determination are as follows:
- How often do you experience irritable behavior?
- What is the duration of your depressive episode?
- Have you ever felt any distraction during reproductive activities?
- How often do you feel sex drive?
- What is your previous family history?
Natural therapies for Bipolar disorder
By adopting some positive life strategies, you can also prevent the onset of bipolar disorder in adults. Absolute diet, adequate sleep, and physical workouts play a significant role in preventing bipolar disorder in adults. In addition, different food sources have also a strong correlation with the prevention of this disorder.
- Omega 3 fatty acids are a good source of nutrients that are useful in treating the symptoms of bipolar disorder.
- Various plant extracts are also used in regulating the symptoms of bipolar disorder. They can regulate depressive episodes to a greater extent.
Bipolar disorder and Schizophrenia
Undoubtedly, both are mental illnesses but exhibit some major differences. Bipolar disorder involves alterations in mood swings while schizophrenia comprises the common symptoms of hallucinations as well as delusions.
Different studies have reported that individuals struggling with bipolar disorder also experience few symptoms of psychosis. But in most cases, people with bipolar disorder are misdiagnosed as schizophrenic patients.
Last thoughts
Bipolar disorder is a mental disorder that can change a person’s mood from normal conditions. At one point, individuals experience extreme pleasure or excitement while on the other hand, they get depressed. Individuals struggling with bipolar disorder are unable to live a normal life due to the intensity of their emotions. However, at Inland Empire Behavioral Group, you can find the best therapies to treat this mental illness. Don’t wait for more and seek professional help to get rid of this mental disorder.
