Bipolar Disorder
"At this point in my existence, I cannot imagine leading a normal life without both taking Lithium and having had the benefits of psychotherapy. Lithium prevents my seductive but disastrous highs, diminishes my depressions, clears out the wool and webbing from my disordered thinking, slows me down, gentles me out, keeps me from ruining my career and relationships, keeps me out of the hospital, alive, and makes psychotherapy possible. But, ineffably, psychotherapy heals. It makes some sense of the confusion, reins in the terrifying thoughts and feelings, returns some control and hope and possibility of learning from it all. Pills cannot, do not, ease one back to reality: they only bring on back headlong, careening, and faster than can be endure d at times. Psychotherapy is a sanctuary; it is a battleground; it is a place I have been psychotic, neurotic, elated, confused, and despairing beyond belief. But, always, it is where I have believed-or have learned to believe-that I might someday be able to contend with all of this."
From: An Unquiet Mind A Memoir of Moods and Madness by Kay Redfield Jamison, Professor of Psychiatry at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
What is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar Disorder (BP) is one of two types of mood disorders which are: unipolar depressive disorders, in which all abnormal mood changes involve a lowering of mood, and bipolar disorders, in which at least some of the mood changes involve abnormal elevation of mood. The term "polar" refers to the idea that a person's mood will swing from one extreme or "pole" (ie: depression) to the other extreme (ie: mania) over time.
Bipolar disorder is a brain disorder is characterized by changes in a person’s mood that occur in cycles. There are 4 different kinds of mood episodes that may occur in bipolar disorder:
- Mania: the person may feel unusually high, or irritable, need little sleep yet have great amounts of energy, speak rapidly, have racing thoughts, have an inflated feeling of power or importance, be easily distracted, or do reckless things without concern about possible consequences.
- Hypomania: the person may have an elevated mood, feel better than usual, and be more productive. This state cannot be maintained for long periods of time, and is often followed by mania or depression.
- Depression: the person may feel sad, or lose interest in things normally found enjoyable, have difficulty sleeping or sleep too much, lose their appetite or eat too much, have problems concentrating or making decisions, feel slowed down or highly agitated, feel worthless or guilty or have very low self-esteem, or have thoughts of suicide or death.
- Mixed Episode: the person may experience symptoms of both mania and depression occurring simultaneously or alternating frequently during the day.
Causes of Bipolar Disorder
There is no single, proven cause of bipolar disorder, but research suggests that it is the result of abnormalities in the way some nerve cells in the brain function or communicate. Whatever the nature of the biochemical problem underlying BP, it makes people with the disorder more vulnerable to emotional and physical stresses. As a result, upsetting life experiences, substance use, lack of sleep, or other stresses can trigger episodes of illness, though these stresses do not actually cause the disorder.
BP tends to run in families. Researchers have identified a number of genes that may be linked to the disorder. Like other inherited disorders, bipolar disorder only occurs in a fraction of the individuals at genetic risk.
How do I know if I have Bipolar Disorder?
It is important that you see a professional clinician who is experienced in working with mood disorders in order to get an accurate diagnosis. Bipolar disorder is sometimes a difficult diagnosis to make because the symptoms of BP may overlap with symptoms and presentation of a variety of other mental health conditions (such as depression, Schizoaffective Disorder, and Borderline Personality Disorder). In addition, it is common for people with BP to also have substance abuse disorders, anxiety disorders, obsessive compulsive disorders, and Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder. The symptoms may seem like separate problems and may not immediately be recognized as symptoms of bipolar disorder.
Some people suffer for years before they are properly diagnosed and treated. Like diabetes or heart disease, bipolar disorder is a long-term illness that must be carefully managed throughout a person's life.
How is Bipolar Disorder treated?
The good news about a diagnosis of bipolar disorder is that treatment can be successful in reducing or eliminating the symptoms of the disorder, and greatly improve the quality of a person’s life. Medications are often effective in decreasing the cyclical mood changes that occur with BP and can help improve sleep, decrease impulsive behaviors, and improve a person's ability to think clearly and rationally. At Tidelands Counseling we actively collaborate with treating psychiatrists and other doctors to help our clients take control of their mental health through participation in a coordinated, effective long-term treatment plan.
Therapy is a powerful and necessary tool in the management of the symptoms of bipolar disorder. At Tidelands Counseling we offer individual counseling, family and relationship counseling, and a 12 week Bipolar Support Group. Therapy for bipolar disorder typically includes education, support, guidance, and helping our clients develop coping strategies, tools and skills to recognize and manage the symptoms of bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is a life-long mental health condition with symptoms that change frequently. We believe that successful treatment involves clients and their family taking a pro-active role in caring for their mental health.
