Bipolar disorder is a kind of neurobiological disorder of the brain that can affect about 1 percent of the entire population. Those who are diagnosed with this health issue often have mood swings that can alter between severe high periods to extreme low.
Suicide is one of the main causes of untimely death among people suffering from bipolar disorder. Statistics reveal that 15 to 17 person patients kill themselves as a result of untreated disease.
Although this health problem usually starts in early adulthood or adolescence, it can also start at the time of early childhood or the time of late age like 40 or 50. So, let’s talk about the diagnosis and treatment of bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
To determine if an individual has bipolar disorder, the proper evaluation is needed. This process of proper evaluation includes:
- Physical exam
Your doctor will do a complete physical exam and lab tests to find out if there is any problem.
Mood charting: Your doctor may ask you to keep a record of your moods, sleep patterns, and other important factors daily, as this could help find out the right treatment procedure.
- Psychiatric treatment
Your doctor or medical instructor may suggest you consult a psychiatrist. As he /she will talk with you about your feelings, thoughts, and also behavioral changes or patterns.
They may also request you to fill out a psychological questionnaire or assessment paper. With your consent, your family members may be requested to provide some important information about your symptoms.
- Criteria for the problem bipolar disorder
Your psychiatrist will then compare your symptoms with the specific criteria of bipolar disorder, and try to know more clearly.
The treatment process of bipolar disorder
The treatment of bipolar disorder is a lengthy process, as the process may vary as per your needs and symptoms. The treatment process may consist of:
- Proper medications
Your doctor may prescribe several medications to balance your mood.
- Day treatment
Your doctor may suggest a day treatment program; this will offer you counseling to get your symptoms under control.
- Continuous treatment
The problem of bipolar disorder needs long-term treatment, along with medications. People, who neglect the maintenance treatment, sometimes may face the risk of having mood swings or a relapse that may turn into a fully grown problem.
- Substance abuse treatment
If a patient has an addiction to drugs or alcohol, the person needs to undergo substance abuse treatment, to manage the problem.
- Hospitalization
In some cases, the doctor may suggest their patients get hospitalized if they feel suicidal or feel detached from reality. Getting psychiatric treatment at a medical center can help them to stabilize their mood and remain calm.
Medicines of bipolar treatment
The treatment of bipolar disorder can be successful if the medications are taken seriously along with the other medical treatments. Some medications for this problem are:
- Antipsychotics
If the problem of mania or depression persists, the patient may need several antipsychotic drugs.
- Mood stabilizers
Mood-stabilizing drugs are used for controlling manic or hypomanic problems.
- Antidepressant
Sometimes the doctor may prescribe an antidepressant to help in managing the issues of depression.
- Anti-anxiety medicine
These can improve sleep and reduce anxiety, but these are mainly used on a short-term basis.
Therefore, the treatment of bipolar disorder can be successful if proper methods and medications are followed seriously.
