Treatment for Bipolar Disorder in California
Morningside Bipolar Disorder Treatment.
We all experience mood changes in our daily undertakings. A driver cutting us off on the freeway during our morning commute can ruin our whole day if we allow it. But some people suffer from an illness called bipolar disorder. Also known as manic depression, it is a mental disease that can prompt severe shifts in a sufferer’s mood. These mood swings are much more complex than the ups and downs experienced by most of us. And these extremes can result in the disruption of a person’s ability to function on a normal basis. Bipolar disorder most often develops in the teen years or in early adulthood and, unfortunately, it might go undiagnosed for years. In bipolar disorder, changes in mood can bring on severe changes in attitude and behavior. A person with a bipolar disorder will experience periods of highs – called manic episodes – and lows – termed depressive episodes.
Symptoms of mania can include increased energy, extreme levels of joy and excitement, or unrealistic beliefs in one’s abilities and powers. Depressive symptoms can include feelings of worthlessness, sadness, hopelessness, or even thoughts of death or suicide.
Severe episodes of mania or depression can include psychotic symptoms. These symptoms may include hearing voices, seeing things that are not there, or strongly believing false concepts. People that have a bipolar disorder are sometimes incorrectly diagnosed as having other severe mental illnesses, including schizophrenia.
Most scientists agree that there is no single cause for bipolar disorder. It has been suggested that bipolar disorders are hereditary, passed down from family member to family member. Other research suggests a combination of factors – including a person’s environment – to be the cause of the disease. Whatever the cause, a bipolar disorder can be treated and the person can lead a productive life.
While there is no cure for bipolar disorder, proper treatment can help reduce the manic and depressive episodes experienced by its sufferers. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) says that bipolar disorder is a lifetime illness requiring long-term treatment. A combination of psychotherapy and medication management has proved to be an effective form of treatment for a bipolar disorder.
Medication management is a crucial component in the treatment of a bipolar disorder. Medications known as “mood stabilizers” can be prescribed to help control the extreme levels of highs and lows. Popular medications for treating a bipolar disorder include, Lithium, Depakote, or Neurontin.
Side effects from medications may include drowsiness, dizziness, nausea or anxiety.
Working closely with a doctor and therapist can improve daily symptoms experienced by a person with a bipolar disorder. A therapist can provide education and insight to a person with a bipolar disorder and their families. The most common forms of therapy used with a bipolar disorder are cognitive behavioral therapy and family therapy.
Because it is a lifelong mental illness, those with bipolar disorder must continue treatment – even when they’re feeling good. The mania and depression episodes can occur at any time. Again, there is no cure for bipolar disorder, but with the proper diagnosis and monitored treatment, sufferers can lead a full life.
At Morningside, Quality, Caring Bipolar Treatment is Affordable.
