The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), is used by mental health providers to diagnose mental health disorders and lists criteria for such conditions:
Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive disorder, is a mental illness that causes extreme shifts in mood, behavior, and energy levels. These shifts consist of incredibly energetic and manic highs and depressive lows. For many people, the condition is unmanageable without proper bipolar disorder treatment.
Patients with bipolar disorder will have periods where they feel unusually excited and energetic and other times, they will feel severely depressed and fatigued. There are periods of time in between where they will appear to be acting normal.
The word “manic” refers to the times when patients with bipolar disorder feel overly energetic and confident. During these periods of mania, they may also feel highly irritable and impulsive and make reckless decisions. About half of the people who struggle with bipolar disorder have delusions or hallucinations during manic episodes.
The word “depressive” describes the times where these people feel very depressed and low in energy. These symptoms are identical to those of major depression, a depressive disorder where someone never has the manic highs of bipolar disorder.
Some patients even experience “hypomania”, which technically means “less than mania” and refers to episodes that are similar to mania, but not as severe. These are typically marked by feelings of excitement, impaired judgment and hyperactivity.
SYMPTOMS OF BIPOLAR DISORDER
The dramatic highs and lows of bipolar disorder don’t follow a specific pattern. Somebody may be in the same mood (manic or depressed) many times before they switch over to the opposite mood. These episodes can occur over a period of a few weeks, all the way up to a few years at a time. Some common symptoms of bipolar disorder include:
MANIC EPISODES
- Grandiosity
- Lack of sleep or need for sleep
- Talking very fast
- Easily distracted
- Increasing engagement in risky behavior
- Racing thoughts
- Extreme impulsivity
- Seeming overly elated or “high”
- Delusions and hallucinations (in severe cases)
DEPRESSIVE EPISODES
- Feelings of severe sadness or hopelessness
- Withdrawal from family and friends
- Lack of interest in activities that once appealed to them
- Significant loss of appetite
- Problem concentrating
- Suicidal ideation
- Fatigue
- Insomnia or sleeping excessively
- Feelings of guilt
COMMON TYPES OF BIPOLAR DISORDER
- Bipolar I Disorder – Person has had at least one manic episode. It may be followed or preceded by hypomanic or depressive episodes. Symptoms of mania cause a severe impairment in the patient’s life and may even trigger psychosis (break from reality).
- Bipolar II Disorder – Person has had at least one severe depressive episode lasting at least two weeks long and at least one hypomanic episode that lasts at least 4 days, but they have never had a manic episode.
BIPOLAR DISORDER TREATMENT
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 5.7 million American adults struggle with Bipolar Disorder. It is more common than many people think and can wreak havoc on one’s life if it is left untreated. The only way to truly identify and address this disorder is through professional bipolar disorder treatment.
Many addicts struggle with co-occurring mental disorders like bipolar disorder and it is vital that they receive treatment for their condition after being taken off of drugs and alcohol. Numerous symptoms of bipolar disorder can be spotted in addicts throughout their addiction, but in order to get a truly accurate diagnosis, they must receive psychiatric treatment while they are sober.
TREATING BIPOLAR DISORDER AND ADDICTION ORANGE COUNTY RESIDENTS SUFFER FROM
It can be difficult for residents of Orange County to find treatment for both mental health disorders and addiction. Luckily, treatment for the bipolar disorder and addiction that Orange County residents struggle with isn’t out of reach. Morningside Recovery offers professional rehab and addiction therapy services designed to help clients return to a life of health and sobriety. In addition to bipolar disorder, Morningside treats other mental health disorders such as:
If you’re ready to take the next step and begin living the life you want to live, call Morningside Recovery today at 855-416-8202. One of our caring staff members will speak with you about options for addiction and bipolar disorder treatment programs. We’re ready to walk with you on the path to recovery, so contact us today.