Mental Health
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder’s fluctuating moods can strain relationships and disrupt daily life. However, you’re not helpless. Through treatment, support, and effective coping strategies, you can manage your condition and maintain a better quality of life.
Understand Bipolar Disorder
Symptoms & Diagnosis
Hypomania vs Mania: Complexities of Bipolar Episodes
Bipolar disorder is a complex mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings. At the heart of this disorder lie two distinct yet related states: hypomania vs mania. While both involve elevated mood and...
Labile Affect: When Emotions Seem Out of Control
Emotions are a fundamental part of the human experience, shaping our interactions and responses to the world around us. But what happens when these emotions seem to have a mind of their own? Enter labile affect, a...
Bipolar Disorder and Narcissistic Personality Disorder: Overlaps and Treatment Options
Understanding Bipolar Disorder and Narcissistic Personality Disorder Bipolar disorder and narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) are two distinct mental health conditions that require lifelong treatment. Bipolar...
Treatment
TMS and ECT: Advanced Treatments for Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a complex mental health condition characterized by alternating periods of mania and depression. While many individuals find relief through traditional treatments like psychotherapy and medication,...
Ketamine for Bipolar Disorder Treatment
Bipolar disorder is a complex mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Characterized by extreme mood swings between manic highs and depressive lows, this disorder can be challenging to treat...
Can You Manage Bipolar Disorder Without Medication?
An estimated 4.4% of adult Americans experience bipolar disorder at some point in their lives. If you have bipolar disorder, you may feel as though you’re riding an emotional roller coaster, with intense highs and lows...
Living With Bipolar Disorder
Manic Episodes: Duration of Bipolar Mood Swings
Bipolar disorder is a complex mental health condition characterized by dramatic shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels. These shifts, known as manic and depressive episodes, can significantly impact an...
Bipolar Disorder and Parenting: Raising a Happy, Healthy Family
Parenting is a rewarding yet challenging journey for anyone, but for those living with bipolar disorder, it can present unique obstacles. Balancing the responsibilities of raising children with managing a complex...
Coping with Bipolar Disorder: Managing Emotional and Social Challenges
Coping with bipolar disorder presents unique emotional, practical, and social challenges. However, with the right strategies and support, managing daily life becomes more achievable. Connecting with your healthcare...
Recommend Help in the Field
Dr Anthony Keller
Dr. Koller offers Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, helping patients analyze and manage their thoughts and behaviors at their own pace. He also specializes in ADHD-specific therapy.
Johann Krynauw
Dr. Krynauw is a clinical psychologist based in Tyger Valley Clinic in Cape Town, Western Cape. He offers individual psychotherapy to adults and adolescents.
Papillon Recovery Center
The team of experts at Papillon Recovery Center offers a holistic approach to mental illness treatment, encompassing psychiatry, neuroscience, spiritual practices, science-based nutrition, and cutting-edge psychological approaches.
Bipolar Disorder FAQ's
What are the signs of Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder symptoms can vary in frequency and severity. Some individuals experience more manic episodes, while others predominantly suffer from depression. Symptoms of mania include elevated energy, creativity, euphoria, rapid speech, reduced sleep, and grandiose plans. However, mania can also lead to recklessness, aggression, irritability, or delusions. Bipolar depression is characterized by feelings of hopelessness, guilt, physical and mental fatigue, slowed speech and movement, changes in appetite, and difficulty getting out of bed.
What is the testing for Bipolar Disorder?
There’s no definitive test for bipolar disorder. A diagnosis often involves a comprehensive review of your medical history, a physical examination, and a psychological evaluation. This helps your doctor rule out other potential causes and determine if medications or underlying conditions are contributing to your symptoms.
Is Bipolar Disorder genetic?
A 2021 study revealed that certain genes can elevate the risk of developing bipolar disorder. Having a first-degree relative with the disorder increases your likelihood. Nevertheless, genetic inheritance isn’t guaranteed. Environmental factors, like substance abuse or childhood trauma, can also contribute to the development of bipolar disorder.
What is Bipolar 2?
Bipolar 2 disorder was officially recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders in 1994. It’s a subtype of bipolar disorder characterized by alternating between depressive episodes and hypomania, a milder form of mania. While hypomania is less intense than mania, individuals with bipolar 2 often grapple with chronic depression, which can be equally debilitating. Research suggests that bipolar 2 may be as common as bipolar 1.
What is the difference between Bipolar 1 and 2?
Bipolar 2 is characterized by hypomania instead of full-blown mania, and depression is a more prominent feature. It often has a later onset age. Those with bipolar 1 experience both mania and depression and are more likely to experience psychosis. Research suggests that bipolar 2 individuals may have a higher risk of suicidal ideation, while bipolar 1 individuals might be more prone to suicidal acts. Bipolar 2 seems to have a stronger genetic similarity to major depression, while bipolar 1 is more genetically linked to schizophrenia.