Here's how these conditions are similar and different. Discover six diagnostic features of bipolar disorder, a mental condition where a person fluctuates between periods of mania and depression. Bipolar 1 disorder and bipolar 2 disorder cause your feelings to hit unusual highs and lows.
These emotional peaks and valleys can last for weeks or…. Siblings separated at birth must feel this way when meeting as adults: seeing part of yourself in someone else. Use these tips to help choose the right mental health professional for you.
Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Could It Be Bipolar Disorder? Medically reviewed by Timothy J. Legg, Ph. Bipolar disorder can be hard to diagnose, but there are signs or symptoms that you can look for.
What are the signs of bipolar disorder? Bipolar disorder types and symptoms. What bipolar disorder feels like. Bipolar diagnosis and treatment. Talk with your doctor. Read this next. How to Deal with the Uncertainty of Bipolar Episodes. Is Bipolar Disorder Hereditary? Planning ahead for how to handle such behavior can help. When your loved one is well, negotiate a treatment contract that gives you advance approval for protecting them when symptoms flare up.
Know what to do in a crisis. Having a crisis plan can help. Make sure to include a list of emergency contact information for doctors, therapists, and other friends or family members who will help. Call for an ambulance and stay with your loved one until it arrives.
Focus on your own life. Seek support. It can also help to get your own therapy or join a support group. Set boundaries. Manage stress. Stress takes a toll on the body and mind, so find ways to keep it in check. You can also keep stress under control by practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation. Ask for help. If your friend or family member needs more assistance than you can give, ask for help from others. Turn to other relatives or close friends, or contact a bipolar disorder support organization.
Authors: Jeanne Segal, Ph. DSM Library. American Psychiatric Association, Bobo, William V. Galynker, and Katherine N. Lam, Dominic H. Watkins, Kim Wright, and Pak Sham. Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance. Family Self-Care and Recovery from Mental Illness — Looking after your own wellbeing while caring for a mentally ill family member. How to help Someone in Crisis — Handling a bipolar disorder crisis. In the U. A generous donor will match all contributions made before December 31 — doubling your gift and your impact!
Cookie Policy. This guide will help you navigate the challenges and support your friend or family member. How can you help someone with bipolar disorder? Other ways to help someone with bipolar disorder You can also support your loved one by: Learning about bipolar disorder.
The importance of support in bipolar disorder recovery People with bipolar disorder do better when they have support from family members and friends.
Your life is important to me. Find qualified doctors and therapists. Set up appointments and go along. Offer your insights to the doctor.
Learn about their medications. Track treatment progress. Such as practical support and emergency support. You can also search for groups on the Carers Trust website:. You might find it easier to support someone with bipolar disorder if you understand their symptoms, treatment and self-management skills.
You should be aware of what you can do if you are worried about their mental state. It can be helpful to know contact information for their mental health team or GP.
You could find out from your relative if they have a crisis plan. As a carer you should be involved in decisions about care planning. The medical team should encourage the person that you care for to allow information to be shared with you. You can use a WRAP to get well, stay well and make your life your own. It was developed in by a group of people who were searching for ways to overcome their own mental health issues and move on to fulfilling their life dreams and goals.
Website : www. Bipolar UK This is a user led charity working to enable people affected by bipolar disorder to take control of their lives. You can email or leave a voicemail to arrange a call back with a staff member. The Hearing Voices Network This service gives support and understanding for those who hear voices or experience other types of hallucination. Donate Search Menu. About us About us. See our contacts page Looking to contact us?
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Bipolar disorder This section explains the symptoms of bipolar disorder , treatments, and ways to manage the condition. If you would like more advice or information you can contact our Advice and Information Service by clicking here.
Download Bipolar disorder factsheet. Share: Contact us:. Overview Bipolar disorder, also known as bipolar affective disorder, is a mood disorder. It used to be called manic depression. Bipolar disorder can cause your mood to swing from an extreme high to an extreme low. Manic symptoms can include increased energy, excitement, impulsive behaviour, and agitation.
Depressive symptoms can include lack of energy, feeling worthless, low self-esteem and suicidal thoughts. You can also have psychotic symptoms. There are different types of bipolar disorder. But it is thought to be a combination of genetic and environmental causes.
Bipolar disorder is treated with medication or talking therapies. Need more advice? If you need more advice or information you can contact our Advice and Information Service. Contact us Contact us. You can experience episodes of: mania, and depression. Bipolar disorder used to be called manic depression. What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?
Such as: spending a lot of money, having casual sex with different people, using drugs or alcohol, gambling, or making unwise decisions. Hypomania Hypomania is like mania but you will have milder symptoms. Psychosis Sometimes you can have psychotic symptoms during a severe episode of mania or depression.
Symptoms of psychosis can be: hallucinations. This means that you may hear, see, or feel things that are not there, and delusions. Other people will usually find your beliefs unusual. You can find more information about: Depression by clicking here. Psychosis by clicking here. What is bipolar disorder I disorder? What is bipolar II disorder? What is bipolar I or II disorder with mixed features?
What is bipolar I or II disorder with rapid cycling? What is bipolar I or II with seasonal pattern? What is cyclothymia? What causes bipolar disorder? Brain chemical imbalance Different chemicals in your brain affect your mood and behaviour. Environmental factors Stressful life events can trigger symptoms of bipolar disorder. Getting help How do I get help if I think I have bipolar disorder? The usual first step to getting help is to speak to your GP. Your GP may arrange an appointment with a psychiatrist if you have: depression, and ever felt very excited or not in control of your mood or behaviour for at least 4 days in a row.
Treatment and management What is the treatment for mania, hypomania and depression? What medications are recommended? Mood stabilisers are usually used to manage mania, hypomania and depressive symptoms.
The mood stabilisers we talk about in this factsheet are: Lithium Certain antipsychotic medication Certain anticonvulsive medication Certain benzodiazepine medication Mania and hypomania You should be offered a mood stabiliser to help manage your mania or hypomania.
If you are taking antidepressants your doctor may advise you to withdraw from taking them. Your doctor should think about giving you benzodiazepine medication short term. You may be offered the following medication: Fluoxetine with Olanzapine Quetiapine Olanzapine or Lamotrigine Fluoxetine is an antidepressant. Lamotrigine is an anticonvulsant medication.
Your doctor can prescribe the above medication alongside: Lithium, and Sodium valproate. You can find more information about: Mood stabilisers by clicking here. Antipsychotics by clicking here. Antidepressants by clicking here. Benzodiazepines by clicking here. Medication — choice and managing problems by clicking here.
What psychological treatments are recommended? If you have an episode of depression you should be offered medication and a high intensity talking therapy, such as: cognitive behavioural therapy CBT , or interpersonal therapy.
What are the long-term treatments for bipolar disorder? What medication options are there? If lithium doesn't work well enough or causes you problems, you may be offered: Valproate, Olanzapine, or Quetiapine. These checks will include: measuring your weight, blood and urine tests, checking your liver and heart, and checking your pulse and blood pressure.
Is there any other support? Your mental health team should give you advice about exercise and healthy eating. What is the Care Programme Approach? CPA aims to support your mental health recovery by helping you to understand your: strengths, goals, support needs, and difficulties.
You can find more information about: Care Programme Approach by clicking here. Planning your care. Advance statements and advance decisions by clicking here. Mood stabilisers by clicking here. Choice and managing problems by clicking here. Talking therapies by clicking here. There is more information about these options below. How can I speak to my doctor about my treatment options? What is advocacy? You can search online to search for a local advocacy service.
How can I complain? You can find out more about: Medication. Second opinions by clicking here.
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