Bipolar Disorder Treatment
1–2%
Global population affected by Bipolar Disorder (WHO estimate)
1 in 40
ndians currently living with Bipolar Disorder
70–80%
Patients improve significantly with structured treatment
50–60%
Treatment Gap in India: Patients do not receive consistent or adequate care
Introduction
Bipolar Disorder significantly affects a patient’s overall well-being. Patients suffer from severe mood swings that create an unstable daily life. During manic phases, patients experience unusually elevated mood and high energy. Their reduced need for sleep and impulsive behaviour hampers their functioning.
Bipolar disorder treatments start with recognising early symptoms. The sooner the bipolar disorder treatment gets easier it gets for the patient to effectively manage the situation. With timely medical intervention, symptoms can be controlled to lead a more comfortable life.
Read on to learn more about bipolar disorder and what all makes Calida Rehab Centre one of the best treatment centres for bipolar disorder.
Understanding Bipolar Disorder
Mania is a key feature of Bipolar Disorder which, if left untreated, can lead to harmful consequences. Hypomania is a milder form of this heightened state. These highs contrast sharply with the depressive lows that follow. Here are the 4 main types of Bipolar Disorder:
1. Bipolar I Disorder
Type I Bipolar Disorder involves at least one manic episode. Patients require hospitalisation as the episode lasts a week. They may suffer from depression, however, it is not necessary for diagnosis.
2. Bipolar II Disorder
Type II involves recurring depressive and hypomanic episodes without a proper onset of Mania. This creates alternating mood shifts that are less severe but could still impair a person.
3. Cyclothymic Disorder
A chronic pattern of fluctuating hypomanic and mild depressive symptoms. The symptoms of the disorder last for at least 2 years, with brief periods of normal mood.
4. Unspecified Bipolar Disorder
Unspecified bipolar disorder is characterised by significant mood elevation symptoms. Patients do not fully exhibit symptoms of bipolar I and II or even cyclothymia. However, noticeable distress is caused.
What Causes Bipolar Disorder?
Whether it is Bipolar disorder treatment without medication or one with medication, identifying the cause is a must. Although there is no particular cause that leads to development of the problem, here are the 2 most common ones:
1. Biological Differences
Patients with bipolar disorder show observable psychological changes. While their significance is unclear, research has yet to prove why these structural or functional differences occur.
2. Genetic Predispositions
Bipolar disorder occurs more frequently in those who have an affected sibling or a parent. Researchers continue studying specific genes that may increase the susceptibility of a patient to this condition.
What Are Bipolar Disorder Symptoms?
Here are certain potent signs and symptoms exhibited by patients suffering from bipolar disorder:
1. Disoriented or Racing Thoughts
Bipolar disorder causes fragmentation of thoughts. A patient thinks rapidly and shifts between multiple thought processes. A patient tends to appear creative or insightful but is not able to process information. Understanding or following a person who is suffering from bipolar disorder cannot match the normal speed of thinking of a normal person.
2. Delusions and Hallucinations
Psychosis during mania or depression leads to false beliefs. Patients are detached from reality, often requiring immediate medical attention. They suffer from impaired judgement and dangerous or irrational behaviour.
3. Reckless and Impulsive Actions
Impaired judgement causes impulsive behaviour. Patients indulge in risky activities like overspending, gambling or even hypersexuality. Some patients might indulge in appropriate behaviour and lick themselves ending up becoming antisocial. These symptoms may seem exciting but can lead to serious emotional, financial and intellectual degradation.
4. Sudden Bursts of Energy
Patients may suffer from intense and prolonged surges of energy. They experience sudden bursts of anger that switch unpredictably. These bursts of energy can be dangerous creating emotional instability and interpersonal difficulties. Human relationships suffer greatly in such cases.
5. Rapid and Incoherent Speech
During mania, speech becomes extremely fast-paced and difficult to understand. Patients feel pressured and end up talking too fast. They then include nonsensical elements in their conversations. This makes communication confusing for others which could lead to low self-esteem in them.
6. Sleeplessness
Manic energy reduces the need for sleep. Patients may feel like staying awake for long periods. They do not feel tired and are driven constantly by heightened activity. Patients end up feeling restless and cannot perform properly.
What Is The Most Effective Treatment for Bipolar Disorder?
Diagnosing Bipolar Disorder
To diagnose bipolar disorder, mental health experts perform a physical examination of the patients and conduct interviews. Bipolar disorder cannot be diagnosed through blood tests, but help rule out various other causes.
A diagnosis requires at least one manic or hypomanic episode. Using DSM, mental health professionals determine the type of Bipolar Disorder a patient is suffering from. Typical manic-depressive patterns guide diagnosis, followed by differential tests to rule out other causes.
Family history and genetics are important factors for diagnosing bipolar disorder. Early characteristics of bipolar disorder are easier to trace.
Treatment and Care
Psychotherapies are essential for patients to recover from the disorder. The following bipolar disorder treatment without medication helps patients accept the situation and cope with it:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT helps in the identification of negative thoughts and behaviours linked to depression. Psychologists teach skills to challenge unhelpful thinking. They aim to develop healthy coping mechanisms to support long-term emotional stability. CBT is also a part of bipolar 2 disorder treatment.
Family-Focused Therapy
Family-focused therapy educates patients and families about bipolar disorder. The aim is to address the taboo, if any, and strengthen communication between the patients and their loved ones. Mental health experts at Calida Rehab Centre help to reduce the conflict between the patient and their families and make symptom management easier.
Self-Care Psychotherapy
For patients to live a normal life independently, mental health experts also opt for self-care psychotherapy. Patients are encouraged to include self-care habits in their routine and manage stress independently without reacting. The aim is to help maintain and manage emotional balance and lower the frequency of episodes.
Bipolar Disorder Treatment at Home
To manage bipolar disorder treatment without medication, a patient needs immense willpower. Here are a few ways mental health experts help a patient follow bipolar disorder treatment at home:
Identify Triggers and Stressors
Patients are trained to note when stress increases. They are counselled to identify people, places or things that affect a patient’s mood. Early awareness of depression or mania presents an escalation of the problem. The aim is to manage disruptive behaviour and lead a normal life.
Avoid Drugs and Alcohol
Consumption of drugs and alcohol causes irregularization of emotional balance. Substance abuse worsens symptoms and interferes with the effectiveness of medications. Drugs and alcohol provide a quick exit from reality and increase the chances of making wrong decisions.
Form a Routine
A disciplined routine stabilises mood and introduces consistency in routine. With such a bipolar disorder natural treatment, the circadian rhythm gets restored. Being the most effective treatment for bipolar disorder, it keeps a patient active throughout the day. Aerobic exercises support body rhythms and make deep breathing easier. Vulnerability to depression goes down and manic shifts get less erratic.
Learn From Previous Episodes
Recognising patterns and symptoms from previous episodes helps identify early warning signs. Patients recognise minor sleep changes and repeated phrases can signal the onset. However, trusted supporters can help monitor symptoms.
Form Healthy Relationships
Supportive relationships help maintain emotional stability. Socially active friends can uplift mood during depressive phases whereas call ones can reduce manic tendencies. At Calida Rehab, patients can speak with their friends and family. These are essential healing activities under bipolar disorder treatment in homoeopathy and ayurvedic treatment for bipolar disorder.
Call our 24-hour free confidential helpline.
Treatments
Got Questions About Our Treatment Programs?
Find answers to common questions about our treatment programs, admission process, and what to expect during your recovery journey
What are the symptoms of Bipolar Disorder?
How is bipolar disorder treated?
What is the difference between depression and bipolar disorder?
Can you live a normal life with bipolar?
How can I manage bipolar disorder?
Experts Who Will Guide Your Recovery
Dr. Prashant Dasud
Designation: Consultant Psychiatrist
Experience: 15+
Illnesses:
SLD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Dementia, Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, OCD, Drug Addiction
Dr. Santosh Pawar
Designation: Consultant Psychiatrist
Experience: 15+
Illnesses:
SLD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Dementia, Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, OCD, Drug Addiction
Dr. Neha Shetty
Designation: Psychiatrist
Experience: 7+
Illnesses:
SLD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Dementia, Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, OCD, Drug Addiction
