{"id":16366,"date":"2023-08-10T17:26:00","date_gmt":"2023-08-10T17:26:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/agilusdiagnostics.com\/blogs\/bipolar-disorder-symptoms-and-treatment\/"},"modified":"2026-02-05T07:15:22","modified_gmt":"2026-02-05T07:15:22","slug":"bipolar-disorder-symptoms-and-treatment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/agilusdiagnostics.com\/blogs\/bipolar-disorder-symptoms-and-treatment\/","title":{"rendered":"Bipolar Disorder: Symptoms and Treatment"},"content":{"rendered":"<p style=\"color: #2e2e2e;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In Bipolar disorder, two poles of moods are experienced, so it is called bipolar disorder. Its other name is Manic depression. <\/span><strong>Bipolar disorder<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a mental condition where the patient gets mood swings and experiences two extreme emotions. The patient gets episodes of depression and mania.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"color: #2e2e2e;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">During the depression episode, one feels very lethargic and sad. They lose interest in all activities and feel too low. In contrast, the manic phase is almost the opposite of depression. At this time, one feels very much energetic, impulsive, euphoric, unusual irritation, overactive, have delusions or hallucinations. These episodic changes in mood affect one&apos;s sleep, level of energy, behavior, activity, thinking capacity, and decision-making capability. In the phase between these two extreme moods, the patient feels normal. In bipolar disorder, patients have more depressive episodes compared to manic episodes.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Types of Bipolar Disorder<\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"color: #2e2e2e;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The different types of bipolar disorder are as follows:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><strong>Bipolar I disorder: <\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this type of bipolar disorder, a patient has experienced a minimum of one manic period that either preexists or follows the severe depressive or hypomanic episode. A hypomanic episode is a milder form of mania. In certain events, mania may even cause psychosis (disintegration from reality).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><strong>Bipolar II disorder:<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> In this case, the patient experiences a minimum of one hypomanic episode and a minimum of one severe depression episode, but there is no episode of mania<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><strong>Cyclothymic disorder: <\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this type of<\/span><strong> bipolar disorder<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, the patient experiences multiple episodes of hypomanic symptoms and multiple episodes of depressive symptoms for a minimum of two years for adults and one year for teenagers and children. Here the depressive symptoms are not very severe.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><strong>Other types: <\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The disorders that are included here are the ones that are related to bipolar disorder, which usually occurs due to certain drugs, some medical conditions, or alcohol, for example, multiple sclerosis, Cushing&apos;s disorder, stroke, etc.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reasons for Bipolar Disorder<\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"color: #2e2e2e;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are multiple reasons for the occurrence of bipolar disorder, and the definite cause is yet to be found. However, some factors that are responsible are as follows:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><strong>Genetics: <\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is usually an inheritable disease. The chances of bipolar disorder increase when any of your first-degree relatives, like your parents or siblings, are diagnosed with this disorder. However, the gene responsible for the disorder is not confirmed, so researchers are working on finding the causative gene.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><strong>Biological differences: <\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is found that some changes are seen in the brain of the patient suffering from bipolar disorder, and the significant role of these changes is yet not confirmed, but it will be helpful to find out the cause.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder<\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"color: #2e2e2e;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A similar pattern of manic and depressive episodes is not observed in all patients. It differs from person to person. The changes in the episodes may take weeks, months, or even years. The severity of the disorder also varies with time and person.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"color: #2e2e2e;\"><strong>Bipolar disorder symptoms <\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">of Depressive episodes, &#8220;the lows,&#8221; are as follows:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lack of concentration<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Talking slowly<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Disliking the things that were once liked<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Feeling lethargic<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Feeling sad<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Absentmindedness&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Less sexual drive<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Irritability<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not being able to feel pleasure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Feeling more sleepy<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Decision-making capacity decreases<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Insomnia&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Suicidal thoughts and may even attempt suicide<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gain or loss in weight due to a change in appetite&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unmanageable crying<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"color: #2e2e2e;\"><strong>Bipolar Symptoms<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> faced by patients during mania episodes are as follows:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Poor concentration<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Feeling more energetic<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Need for sleep decreases<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Feeling over-excited and happy<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drive for sex increases unusually<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A drastic change from being happy to being angry and irritated<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Speech becomes rapid<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Making big and unrealistic plans<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Restlessness&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Being more impulsive&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Loss of appetite&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Decrease in concentration level<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Self-confidence increases<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alcohol and drug abuse<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hyperactive&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Poor decision-making capability&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Also Read:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/srlworld.com\/blogs\/depression-stages-types-symptoms-causes-treatment\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Depression &#8211; Stages, Types, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Treatment for Bipolar Disorder<\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"color: #2e2e2e;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The best <\/span><strong>bipolar treatment<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> advice is given by the doctor expert in treating bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is a lifetime disorder, so good care and expert advice will help you to manage the problem. You may also look for a team of personnel that includes a social worker, psychiatric nurse, and psychologist, as there are various treatment options that can be opted for based on your symptoms which will be helpful in managing the disorder. Based on your requirements, multiple treatments are as follows:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><strong>Medications: <\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">it is the prime treatment that will help you to stabilize your mood swings.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><strong>Consistent treatment: <\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">bipolar disorder is a longstanding disorder; it is important that you should maintain the continuity of the medications without skipping a dose, so it should not be discontinued even during normal episodes. Discontinuation of the medication results in a relapse of the condition, starting with minor symptoms and eventually developing into a fully-fledged disorder.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><strong>Day treatment plans: <\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">this can be considered a maintenance program. It includes counseling and support that will be provided when the symptoms are mild and manageable.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><strong>Substance abuse treatment: <\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">this will be helpful when the patient has an addiction to any drug or alcohol.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><strong>Admission to hospital: <\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">doctors usually recommend getting admitted to the hospital when the behavior of the patient is out of control and gets suicidal thoughts or attempts suicide.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Medications&nbsp;<\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"color: #2e2e2e;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Medication is the prime treatment for <\/span><strong>bipolar disorder<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Medicines include<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Antidepressants&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anti-anxiety medicines or sedatives like benzodiazepines help with getting sound sleep.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mood stabilizers like lamotrigine, valproate, or carbamazepine.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Antipsychotic drugs like lurasidone, cariprazine, lumateperon, olanzapine, and quetiapine.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A combination of drugs is also advisable. The combination includes mood stabilizers and antidepressant drugs.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Psychotherapy&nbsp;<\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"color: #2e2e2e;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is also called talk therapy. It is one of the most recommended<\/span><strong> bipolar treatment <\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">options. The types of psychotherapy include the following:&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><strong>Cognitive behavior therapy:<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> In this, all the negative and bad behaviors of the patient are identified and trained to replace them with positive behaviors. Here the patients are also taught to handle their stress and all negativity.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><strong>Family-focused therapy: <\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When patients get the support of their family and can even have healthy communication with their loved ones, then it will help them to a greater extent in fighting their mood swings. This way, even the loved ones of the patient will be able to recognize the early bipolar symptoms of the patient, which can then be easily worked on.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><strong>Interpersonal and socio-rhythm therapy: <\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This therapy focuses on maintaining the routine of the patient consistently as it will be beneficial in balancing the mood of the patient.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><strong>Psychoeducation: <\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here, the family has the main role. Family should learn about and be aware of bipolar disorder. By doing this family will be able to provide the needed support to the patient when the episodes occur.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other Treatments<\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"color: #2e2e2e;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other treatment options for bipolar disorder are as follows:&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><strong>Acupuncture: <\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is useful in treating depression during bipolar disorder.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><strong>Electroconvulsive therapy: <\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The patient is given doses of electric shock which will help to balance the chemical changes in the brain. However, this is the last option for treatment.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><strong>Supplements:<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Few vitamin supplements also help in treating the symptoms of bipolar disorder.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Certain changes in the lifestyle of the patient are also advisable.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Conclusion&nbsp;<\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"color: #2e2e2e;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consequently, it can be concluded that though<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">bipolar disorder is a long-lasting disorder getting it diagnosed early with the help of a<\/span><strong> bipolar online test <\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">and being aware of its symptoms, and selecting the right treatment can help the patient to manage their symptoms. It is not alone the patient who needs to work, but even the near and dear ones should be active and support the patient in fighting the disorder. The support of the family will be of great help to the patient.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"color: #2e2e2e;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Agilus Diagnostics, a subsidiary of Fortis Healthcare Limited<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In Bipolar disorder, two poles of moods are experienced, so it is called bipolar disorder. Its other name is Manic depression.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":16932,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[204],"tags":[664,665],"class_list":["post-16366","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-diseases","tag-bipolar-disorder","tag-bipolar-disorder-symptoms"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/agilusdiagnostics.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16366","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/agilusdiagnostics.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/agilusdiagnostics.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/agilusdiagnostics.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/agilusdiagnostics.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=16366"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/agilusdiagnostics.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16366\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":16931,"href":"https:\/\/agilusdiagnostics.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16366\/revisions\/16931"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/agilusdiagnostics.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/16932"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/agilusdiagnostics.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=16366"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/agilusdiagnostics.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=16366"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/agilusdiagnostics.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=16366"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}