Bipolar Disorder, Symptoms & Treatment - The Priory Group
What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a psychiatric diagnosis describing a variety of mood disorders defined by mood swings, from excessive energetic highs to depressive and extreme lows. Bipolar disorder episodes, whether high or low, will usually last several weeks or months.
What are the symptoms?
Bipolar symptoms vary in line with the varying spectrum of the condition, however, certain behavioural patterns are evident.
Mania or hypomania
Mania is a heightened sense of well-being, offset with extreme energy and optimism, which can be so intense it affects a person's judgement and decision-making. Mania can make it almost impossible to deal with life effectively, and it can affect relationships and work. Periods which are not as extreme are called hypomania.
During manic or depressive episodes, many people with bipolar disorder develop psychotic symptoms; in a manic state you will have extreme confidence in your abilities while in a depressive state you believe you're worse than anyone else or even that you don't exist.
Symptoms include:
• Elevated mood
• Irritability
• Increased self-confidence
• Talkative
• Easily distracted
• Poor judgement
• Lack of sleep
Depression
Depression, one of the common bipolar symptoms, is a feeling that everyone will experience throughout their life, however, for sufferers of bipolar disorder, that depression is much worse. The feelings, possibly combine with other signs of bipolar, will persist for much longer and will make everyday occurrences in life much harder to deal with.
Symptoms include:
• Lack of confidence
• Inability to make decisions
• Lack of sleep
• Negative thoughts about life
• Lack of interest in friends and family
• Isolation from friends
• Suicidal thoughts
Who does it affect?
It is estimated that approximately one in every 100 adults has bipolar disorder at some stage in their life and it is usually onset during or after the teenage years. There do not appear to be any gender differences, affecting men and women equally.
Bipolar I is categorised in people who have at least one manic episode which lasts for longer than one week - usually between three to six months. People who suffer from bipolar I will be more prone to manic episodes, although many will also suffer from bouts of depression.
Bipolar II will be diagnosed when there has been more than one episode of severe depression but only mild manic periods, which are defined as hypomania.
Why does it occur?
The causes of bipolar disorder are still relatively unknown, but research indicates a genetic link in association with a physical problem with the systems in our brain which controls our moods as well as a knock on effect from stressful experiences or physical illness.
How Priory can help
Priory has been helping to treat bipolar disorder and providing bipolar support for over 25 years. We know that everyone's situation is different, which is why we ensure that everyone has a unique treatment plan tailored to their needs.
The type and length of bipolar treatment is dependent on the individual's circumstances and the severity of the condition. Some patients are treated as outpatients, which means they come to Priory for hourly sessions with their consultant, psychologist or therapist. Others require a more structured treatment approach which can include staying at one of the Priory hospitals for the duration of their treatment where they take part in the psychological group programme as well as regular sessions with their consultant.
For more information or to request an initial assessment, please call 0845 2 PRIORY (0845 2 774679) or email info@priorygroup.com. View a list of the Priory hospitals that can help with bipolar disorder.
For more support
If you feel you may be affected by bipolar disorder and would like help or more information, you can ask your GP or contact any of the following organisations:
MDF The Bipolar Organisation
www.mdf.org.uk
0845 6 340 540
The Samaritans
www.samaritans.co.uk
08457 909090
If you are interested in receiving treatment from us, your GP will be able to refer you.
For more information on Bipolar Disorder please download our self-help leaflet by clicking here
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