Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar Affective Disorder (BPAD), commonly known as Bipolar Disorder, is a complex mental health condition that involves extreme mood swings, from emotional highs (mania) to devastating lows (depression). These shifts can be unpredictable, disruptive, and impact every aspect of life. At “Thriving Minds,” we offer specialized treatments designed to help individuals manage their condition and lead a more stable, fulfilling life.
Why Is Bipolar Disorder Called Bipolar?
The term bipolar refers to the two extreme “poles” of mood that individuals with this disorder experience: the highs of mania or hypomania (less intense mania) and the lows of depression. These alternating mood states are the hallmark of the disorder, making it distinct from unipolar depression, which involves only depressive episodes. These mood swings can last for days, weeks, or even months, and the shifts can be severe enough to affect relationships, work, and everyday functioning.
Types of Bipolar Disorder
There are different types of bipolar disorder, each defined by specific mood patterns and severity. Understanding the type of bipolar disorder helps clinicians create a targeted treatment plan that supports long-term stability and relapse prevention.
- Bipolar I Disorder: Characterized by episodes of severe mania lasting at least seven days or requiring hospitalization, often followed by periods of major depression.
- Bipolar II Disorder: Involves less intense manic episodes known as hypomania, along with episodes of major depression. Although the manic phase is milder, the depressive episodes can be just as debilitating.
- Cyclothymic Disorder: A milder form of bipolar disorder where individuals experience chronic mood swings that include periods of hypomania and mild depression over at least two years.
- Rapid-Cycling Bipolar Disorder: Defined by having four or more mood episodes (mania, hypomania, or depression) in a single year. This form is particularly challenging to manage.
Signs and Symptoms
Manic or Hypomanic Episodes:
- Increased energy, restlessness, or feeling overly euphoric
- Racing thoughts, rapid speech, or difficulty focusing
- Engaging in risky behaviors (e.g., spending sprees, reckless driving)
- Decreased need for sleep without feeling tired
- Irritability, agitation, or aggressive behaviour
- Inflated self-esteem or grandiose ideas
Depressive Episodes:
- Persistent sadness, hopelessness, or feelings of emptiness
- Fatigue, low energy, and difficulty completing tasks
- Loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed
- Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Thoughts of death or suicide
The severity and frequency of these episodes vary from person to person. If you or a loved one is experiencing these symptoms, it’s crucial to seek help. Bipolar Disorder is treatable, and with the right support, individuals can achieve stability and lead productive lives.
Comprehensive Treatments at Thriving Minds
At Thriving Minds, we offer comprehensive bipolar disorder treatment that combines medication management, therapy for bipolar disorder, and advanced interventions. Our approach focuses on managing symptoms, preventing relapse, and helping individuals achieve consistent emotional stability.
A. Mood Stabilizers & Medications:
Medications play a critical role in the treatment of Bipolar Disorder. Mood stabilizers like lithium or anticonvulsants help prevent the intense mood swings associated with the condition. Antidepressants may be prescribed during depressive episodes, but are carefully managed to avoid triggering mania. Antipsychotic medications may also be recommended to control severe mood episodes.
B. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):
Therapy is an essential part of managing bipolar disorder. CBT helps individuals understand the patterns of their thoughts and behaviors, equipping them with strategies to manage mood swings, cope with stress, and avoid relapse. It’s especially effective in helping individuals stick to their treatment plan and recognize early warning signs of mood episodes.
C.Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT):
ECT is highly effective for individuals with severe episodes of mania or depression in Bipolar Disorder, especially when medication has not been successful. During ECT, controlled electrical currents are applied to the brain while the patient is under anesthesia, inducing a brief seizure that can help reset brain chemistry. ECT is particularly beneficial for treatment-resistant bipolar disorder or individuals experiencing extreme mood episodes, offering rapid relief and improving long-term outcomes.
D. Ketamine Therapy:
For individuals with severe depressive episodes or those who have not responded to traditional antidepressants, ketamine therapy can offer rapid relief. Ketamine helps restore neural connections in the brain, improving mood and reducing suicidal thoughts in as little as a few sessions.
- E. Neurostimulation Treatments:
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS):
This therapy uses low electrical currents to stimulate brain regions involved in mood regulation. It’s a safe and effective option for reducing depressive symptoms without the side effects associated with medications.
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS):
rTMS uses magnetic pulses to stimulate specific parts of the brain, improving mood and reducing both depressive and manic symptoms. It’s particularly effective for those who haven’t found relief with other treatments.
Why Choose Our Clinic?
At Thriving Minds, we understand that living with bipolar disorder is more than just managing mood swings—it’s about regaining control, balance, and long-term emotional well-being. We believe in personalized therapy for bipolar disorder because no two individuals experience the condition the same way. Our dedicated team of mental health professionals works closely with each person to create a tailored treatment approach, combining psychotherapy, medication management, and evidence-based interventions to help manage symptoms, reduce the impact of manic and depressive episodes, and support lasting stability. You don’t have to let bipolar disorder define your life. At Thriving Minds, we are committed to helping you find balance, improve mental well-being, and move forward with a treatment plan designed just for you.
Take the first step. Schedule your consultation at Thriving Minds today and start your journey toward emotional stability and a brighter future.
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“Dr Ankita has helped me to live this life what I m living today. She is an amazing psychiatrist who will treat you without you even realising that you have being treated. I never hesitated to share anything with her during my therapy as I was very comfortable with her. Please feel free to consult her for your problem. I will always be thankful to her for whole of my life.”
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Different forms of treatments are used by psychiatrists as per the patient’s needs. It may be talk therapy or psychosocial intervention or medications. Talk therapy or psychotherapy will usually involve the therapist and the patient talking between themselves. The aim is to limit the symptoms for the patient to feel better. The therapy can continue over some time depending on the patient’s symptoms. It can involve either the individual patient or even a group of people. Talk therapy can be in many forms; such as helping the patient with a behavioral change; overcoming the effects of difficult relationships; etc. Psychiatrists diagnose mental disorders and other emotional troubles, use various types of medications to treat the symptoms. The process of it is not fully known but it may alter the brain’s chemical signalling. This will help control the symptoms. Patients undergoing long-term treatment will need to visit at regular intervals to monitor the changes. Psychiatrists also perform various interventional procedures like ECT, rTMS, tDCS, Ketamine Infusion etc. to alleviate symptoms and hasten recovery.
Mental disorder treatments depend upon the severity of the issue; such as the intensity of the problems faced; the pros and cons associated with a treatment; etc. The treatment is done by making a personalized and careful plan for the patient. This includes a collaboration between the patient and the physician. Most treatments include having psychotherapy sessions; medications; etc. Also; a good support system is paramount to the recovery of the person. Changes in lifestyle; such as daily exercise; adequate sleep; proper balanced diet can help the person recover quickly. The individualized treatment plan will involve all these steps to make a quick recovery. Doctors and therapists help out the person and their families in understanding their metal disorder and the ways to battle it out.
According to scientific studies; psychotherapy relieves the person from distress and helps them in living a better life. Approximately 75% of people who have undergone psychotherapy have felt better. It has been associated with influencing positive changes within the body and has shown significant progress in emotional and mental wellness. Psychotherapy also shows that people undergoing it take fewer sick leaves; experience fewer medical problems and report a satisfaction in their life and work. Today; techniques like brain imaging have shown that psychotherapy induces a change in the brain. This altered brain images are similar to changes that happen as a result of medications. It is important to know that to benefit from psychotherapy; one needs to be honest and insistent upon following their treatment plans. Sometimes; practices such as; journal writing may also be of help.
Telepsychiatry is a convenient option for many to seek easier to access and affordable options. It helps the patients by- Making health care accessible in regions where it is not easily provided. Taking the care facility to the patient’s home virtually. Limiting the needs to visit a doctor over long distance. Timely health care options. Continuous improvement in health care with virtual follow ups. Reducing the need to take leave from work or other services. Removing the obstacles to stigma associated with mental health. Allowing privacy and safety to many. Many people are comfortable in virtual set-ups rather than real time meetings. This will allow them to open up more and feel relaxed. Telepsychiatry has been a major way of seeking help; especially during Covid-19 pandemic.
