You’ve probably heard the phrase “those two are polar opposites” when describing two people who are very different from each other—one an extrovert, the other an introvert; one energetic, the other quiet. Living with Bipolar Disorder is like having both those people living inside you, and they both show themselves at different times. That’s where the name ‘Bipolar Disorder’ comes from.
Bipolar Disorder is a mental health condition characterised by extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (Depression). These mood swings can be severe and interfere with your daily life. Needless to say, Bipolar Disorder can be a very difficult condition to live with.
Bipolar is characterised by two major types of symptoms:
Manic Symptoms
Depressive Symptoms
Bipolar I Disorder
Defined by extreme mood swings with severe manic episodes and possible depressive episodes. These episodes could require the person to be hospitalised, and the episodes last at least seven days or are severe enough to require immediate hospital care.
Bipolar II Disorder
Characterised by alternating periods of milder hypomanic episodes and major depressive episodes. Hypomanic episodes are less severe than full-blown mania and do not typically require hospitalisation. These episodes last at least four days and are followed by depressive episodes.
Cyclothymic Disorder
Defined by chronic mood disorder with frequent, less severe mood swings. Symptoms are less severe than in Bipolar I or II Disorder but are chronic and long-lasting. Symptoms persist for at least two years, with periods of stable mood lasting less than two months.
Rapid Cycling Bipolar Disorder
It is a type of Bipolar Disorder where a person experiences at least four episodes of mania, hypomania, Depression, or mixed state within a single year. You may experience multiple “highs” and “lows” and have multiple mood shifts in a single day.
Mixed Features Bipolar Disorder
Mixed Feature Bipolar Disorder occurs when a person experiences both, depressive and manic episodes at the same time. Such a condition can be difficult to manage and even pose a challenge during diagnosis.
Brain Chemistry
Imbalances in neurotransmitters (chemical messengers in the brain) such as dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine are thought to play a role in Bipolar Disorder. Structural and functional changes in the brain may also contribute to the development of the disorder.
Genetics
More than two-thirds of people with Bipolar Disorder have at least one close relative who also has the illness, suggesting a genetic component. However, having a family history of Bipolar Disorder doesn’t guarantee that you will develop the condition. Instead, it increases the likelihood of developing it.
Environmental Triggers
Stressful life events, such as trauma, loss, or major life changes, can trigger the onset of Bipolar Disorder in susceptible people. Additionally, substance abuse, particularly drugs such as cocaine, ecstasy, or amphetamines, can worsen or trigger episodes of mania or Depression.
Hormonal Changes
Imbalances in hormones can trigger or cause Bipolar Disorder. Dysregulation in hormones such as cortisol (stress hormone) has been linked to mood swings and emotional instability. Additionally, fluctuations in thyroid hormones are linked to spikes in energy and mood. It is crucial to balance hormones and neurotransmitters in the brain for an effective, long-lasting treatment.
At Betterplace, Bipolar Disorder is diagnosed through psychiatric evaluations, clinical assessments, and medical history reviews. These tests help our psychiatrists and psychologists gain insight into your condition and the symptoms that you might be experiencing. Both the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition) and ICD-10 (International Classification of Diseases, 10th Edition) provide criteria used by medical professionals to diagnose Bipolar Disorder.
Medication Management
Medication can be a game-changer when it comes to managing Bipolar Disorder. Mood stabilisers, antidepressants, antipsychotics, and other medications can help balance out your moods and reduce the intensity of your symptoms. It might take some time to find the right combination of medications that works best for you but don’t give up hope.
With the guidance of your healthcare provider, you’ll find a treatment plan that helps you feel more stable and in control of your life. Remember, taking your medication as prescribed and communicating openly with your doctor is key to getting the most out of your treatment.
Psychotherapy
Different forms of psychotherapy can be used to help manage Bipolar Disorder. The goal is to identify which ones work best in your case and then stick to those religiously.
Family-Focused therapy (FFT) includes both the individual with Bipolar Disorder and their family members. Together, they learn how to communicate better, solve problems, and support each other through the challenges of Bipolar Disorder.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps you understand how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are connected. You work with a therapist to identify negative thought patterns and develop strategies to change them.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) teaches you skills that you can use to cope with the intense emotions arising due to Bipolar Disorder. DBT will also help you improve relationships, navigate mood swings, and reduce impulsive behaviour.
Lifestyle Changes
At BetterPlace, we have a strong focus on following a holistic care approach. We lean heavily on the right psychometric assessments to build a deep understanding of your history, your problem, your overall personality, and your coping methods. Based on the findings, we build a multimodal care plan most suited to your unique needs.
Support Groups
Peer support offers understanding and brings people with Bipolar Disorder together to share experiences, support each other, and talk about challenges and successes. By building a sense of community, we can reduce feelings of isolation and create a safe space for everyone.
The cost of treatment for Bipolar Disorder at BetterPlace is INR 2,000 per session, offering you the best available treatment at the most affordable prices. In your first 90-minute session, you meet both our clinical psychologist and psychiatrist to get an accurate understanding of your mental health. Our expert team works together to make sure your recovery is on track, and our senior team with over 40+ years of experience guides every case with a keen eye. This approach makes sure that we not only treat your symptoms but completely treat YOU as a person.
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At BetterPlace, our experts have helped over 50,000 people navigate Bipolar Disorder and other mental health challenges.
Whether you need support for yourself, your family, or your partner, we provide a variety of therapeutic services tailored to your unique needs, guiding you through challenging times with compassionate care.
During your initial screening, our doctors will assess wether you need the assessments or not. Not everyone needs one, but if we prescribe one to you, it’s your call if you want to take it or not.
Whether you're seeking brief, solution-focused counselling or long-term support, we offer flexible counselling options to ensure you receive a level of care that best suits your needs.
Our counsellors conduct a psychoeducation session to educate you about your condition, and teach you practical skills and tools to help you navigate through life’s challenges.
A 45-minute introductory session with a clinical psychologist so we can get to know you better
A 15-minute break while your psychologist discusses your case history with our in-house psychiatrist
Speak to a Psychiatrist or Psychologist - depending on what works for you - to get your personalised treatment plan
Your care at BetterPlace begins with regular progress tracking and continuous support
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Bipolar Disorder is more likely to affect children whose parents also have the disorder. If one parent has Bipolar Disorder, the risk of the child getting it is 15-30%. If both parents have it, that number shoots up to 50-75%. Understanding your family history and discussing your concerns with a mental health professional can help determine your risk and develop a proactive approach to managing Bipolar Disorder.
The average onset age for Bipolar Disorder is about 25 years. That said, it can occur in teens as well. It has also been observed in children, but that is not as common.
While Bipolar Disorder cannot be completely cured, it can be effectively managed with treatment and support. With the right combination of therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes, many people with this disorder can lead fulfilling lives.
You should seek immediate help if you are experiencing multiple mood swings in a day, or having manic and depressive episodes at least 2 weeks from one another. These mood swings can be hard to deal with and will negatively impact your daily functioning.
Lifestyle changes such as maintaining a regular sleep schedule, engaging in regular exercise, and avoiding alcohol and drugs can help manage Bipolar Disorder symptoms. Incorporating healthy habits into your daily routine can complement other treatment approaches.
With proper management and support, people dealing with Bipolar Disorder can have children and be loving, capable parents. It’s important to work closely with healthcare providers to develop a plan for managing symptoms during pregnancy and postpartum.