Living with bipolar disorder is a challenge for anyone. Trying to cope with this mental illness without receiving proper help complicates it even more. When you make the brave decision to seek help from bipolar disorder treatment centers, you can begin to start living a happier and healthier life. Neuroscience Research Institute has bipolar treatment centers in Florida that allow you to manage your symptoms and focus on more important things in your life.
The onset of bipolar disorder usually occurs in early adulthood, though children and teenagers can exhibit symptoms. While symptoms are varied, the disorder has three primary diagnostic indicators: mania, hypomania, and depression.
When a person has manic episodes they may experience intense feelings of euphoria, impulsivity, and excitement. It is not uncommon for people in a manic cycle to go without sleep for multiple days, talk a mile a minute, and be hyperactive. During manic episodes, people commonly experience racing thoughts, being easily distracted, an exaggerated sense of self-confidence, and feeling jumpy or wired. Also, mania may cause episodes of psychosis.
Hypomanic episodes are similar to manic episodes but tend to be less severe. Often, someone in a hypomanic cycle will be the life of the party, taking an intense interest in people, places, and ideas. Specifically, the person may feel a boost in energy, self-confidence, and creativity. Hypomania is more manageable than mania, allowing individuals to continue with their normal day-to-day lives.
Depressive episodes are the down cycle of bipolar disorder. In fact, symptoms are severe enough to cause noticeable disruptions to an individual’s daily activities, such as work, school, relationships, or social activities. Depressive episodes include five or more of the following symptoms:
Bipolar disorder is a complex mental illness and its symptoms can be unpredictable. The severity of the illness can vary from person to person and, as such, individuals with the disorder are usually diagnosed with one of four types:
Bipolar I is diagnosed when an individual experiences at least one manic episode that is either preceded or followed by a depressive episode. Often the symptoms are more intense and can result in periods of psychosis.
Cyclothymia is diagnosed when an individual experiences both manic and depressive symptoms. For the most part, cyclothymia symptoms tend to be less severe than bipolar I or II. People with cyclothymia can go several months without noticeable symptoms.
Bipolar II is diagnosed when an individual experiences at least one depressive episode lasting two or more weeks. Generally, bipolar II disorder sufferers will exhibit short-term hypomania symptoms rather than manic symptoms after a depressive episode. It is thought that this disorder affects women more often than men.
Other types of bipolar disorder are defined by an individual experiencing symptoms as a result of drug use, co-occurring mental health issues, certain diseases, or other environmental factors.
Like many mental illnesses, there isn’t just one exact cause of bipolar disorder. For example, genetics can play a significant role in developing it, because many individuals who have it also having a relative with bipolar disorder or depression. Also, environmental factors can contribute to its onset, including stress, sleep disturbances, and abusing drugs or alcohol. Additionally, other risk factors include an imbalance of brain chemicals, physical illness, and exposure to a traumatic event.
Oftentimes, individuals suffering from bipolar disorder have at least one other diagnosable mental illness, such as an anxiety disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Because of the prevalence of several mental illnesses in one person, many bipolar disorder treatment centers treat multiple conditions. In addition, many also treat substance use disorders, which co-exist with mental illnesses in many cases.
When left untreated, bipolar disorder can lead to unfortunate outcomes. As with other mental illnesses, individuals with bipolar disorder are likely to seek ways to numb their pain with harmful substances, like alcohol and drugs. In particular, those without a solid support network or suitable management of their illness may self-medicate as a temporary escape route. Commonly, this leads to addiction, which significantly worsens the problem. Additional complications that can result from bipolar disorder include:
Everyone who develops bipolar disorder is impacted in a unique way, and every person responds differently to treatment. Because of this, it is important to find a bipolar disorder treatment center that can identify your needs and develop an individualized treatment plan specifically for you. While bipolar disorder is not curable, you can learn to manage your symptoms in a way that greatly improves your quality of life.
Depending on a variety of individual factors, your treatment plan may include:
Bipolar disorder is a lifelong mental health condition that requires effective and individualized treatment from a qualified treatment center. If you or someone you love is struggling with this condition, we can help. Our caring and compassionate multidisciplinary team will work with you to find the right treatment plan to help you or your loved one pursue a more hopeful future. Then, we will accept UHC insurance for those who qualify. To find out more about bipolar treatment centers in Florida, give Neuroscience Institute in West Palm Beach a call or visit our admissions page today.