Bipolar Disorder
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Formerly called manic depression, bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that greatly impacts an individual’s life and is commonly found in conjunction with addiction of many kinds. At PCP – The Perry Clayman Project, we provide treatment that addresses the symptoms of bipolar disorder. Our treatment helps clients struggle with these symptoms to regain wellness in their lives, finding healthy and effective methods of managing symptoms without falling into addictive behaviours.
What Is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mental health disorder that causes unusual and dramatic shifts in a person’s mood, energy, and activity level. The abrupt changes make it challenging for individuals to complete daily tasks and maintain relationships. About 2.4% of individuals worldwide struggle with bipolar disorder.
The exact cause of bipolar disorder is still being researched. However, there are risk factors that increase an individual’s likelihood of developing it. These include genetics and environmental factors. Specific genes have been established and linked to bipolar disorder, including up to 30 DNA markers. In terms of environmental factors, maltreatment or abuse in an individual’s childhood increases their risk.
Symptoms
Individuals with bipolar disorder experience two distinct types of symptoms. These include those that are found during a manic period and others during a depressive period. Manic symptoms include:
- High irritability
- Jumpy or wired
- More active than usual
- Sleeping significantly less than usual due to less need
- Speaking quickly
- Racing thoughts
- Lack of fatigue after high activity
- Increased appetite for food, sex, and pleasure
- The sensation of being very important
During periods of depression, individuals experience significantly different symptoms. Symptoms of a depressive episode include:
- Feeling sad, down, or anxious
- Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- Feeling the need for more sleep
- Sense of being slowed down
- Speaking slowly
- Difficulty concentrating
- Lack of interest in almost anything
- Difficult completing most tasks
- Feeling hopeless or worthless
While these symptoms generally stay within an episode of either depression or mania, this is not always the case. Some individuals can go through episodes where they experience a combination of both, called an episode with mixed features. In addition, not every person experiences all symptoms in a category. Every individual’s experience of a manic or depressive episode is unique and may change from one episode to the next.
Types of Bipolar Disorder
While all types of bipolar disorder show changes in mood, energy levels, and focus, there are three distinct kinds. These include bipolar I, bipolar II, and cyclothymic disorder. Each has specific parameters. However, an individual’s experience of any type can be different within the structure of the type.
Bipolar I
The first type of bipolar disorder is bipolar I. It is defined by the amount of type and severity that a person experiences both manic and depressive episodes. Individuals with bipolar I experience manic episodes that last at least seven days. Every day during these seven days, a person experiences mania during the majority of the day. Manic episodes for individuals with bipolar I can also be identified as they are so severe that the individual requires hospitalisation.
Depressive episodes in bipolar I last for two weeks generally. A mix of depressive and manic symptoms is common during depressive episodes.
Bipolar II
In terms of severity, bipolar II is a type of bipolar disorder that is significantly less intense than bipolar I. Bipolar II includes a pattern of depressive and manic episodes. Depressive episodes are similar for bipolar I and bipolar II. However, the manic episodes are called hypomania. This means that a person experiences changes in mood, energy, sleep patterns, and more. However, these shifts are not significant enough for the episode to be categorised as mania.
Cyclothymic Disorder
Compared to bipolar I and bipolar II, cyclothymic disorder is even less intense or severe. Individuals with cyclothymic disorder also experience hypomania, symptoms that are not significant enough to call it a manic episode. They also experience depressive symptoms that are not severe enough or do not last long enough to be considered a depressive episode.
Bipolar Disorder Treatment
Regardless of the type, bipolar disorder is a mental health disorder that makes daily life difficult for individuals. At PCP – The Perry Clayman Project, we understand how much it can impact a person’s life. Therefore, we offer treatment that helps individuals manage their symptoms and regain their lives.
Treatment for bipolar disorder often includes medication. Many different medications are available. These help individuals stabilise their mood and energy, which improves their quality of life on a daily basis. In addition, medications commonly also target sleep and anxiety, as these two pieces play a role in many symptoms associated with bipolar disorder.
Due to the severity of symptoms, many individuals with bipolar disorder attempt to self-medicate. This often leads to addiction to substances or behaviours. As a result, at PCP – The Perry Clayman Project, we offer treatment that includes healing from drug, alcohol, or behavioural addictions. This often begins with detox and transitions into a treatment programme that helps individuals stay on track long-term. In addition, we offer aftercare as part of our programme as a way for individuals to continue to have support as they transition back into their lives.
At PCP – The Perry Clayman Project, we know that when an individual struggles with bipolar disorder, their whole life is often disrupted and changed for the worse. If you are interested in learning more about our treatment programmes for mental health disorders and addiction, call us today at 08000 380 480.