Known as manic-depressive disorder in the past, bipolar disorder is a type of affective disorder that involves extreme changes in mood. People with this condition can experience abnormally down moments (depression) to extraordinarily high moods (mania); hence, the former term “manic-depressive disorder”.
The depressive episode of bipolar disorder resembles the major presentations of classic depression, such as hopelessness, diminished interest in everyday activities, weight loss or weight gain, insomnia or hypersomnia, sensitivity, fatigue, feelings of guilt, agitation, and a lot more. And because people with any kind of depression are at an increased risk of committing suicide, bipolar depression help is particularly important for people with bipolar disorder.
Talk therapy is very common. If counseling alone does not suffice, however, mood stabilizers may be ordered. According to the American Psychiatric Association’s practice guidelines, the first-line medication therapy for bipolar depression is either lithium or lamotrigine. Whereas antidepressant medications are used in classic major depression, antidepressants are not used alone in bipolar depression. Monotherapy with antidepressant medications is not advised as this may cause a manic episode.
Unfortunately, many people with bipolar depression do not get the help they need because of the social stigma associated with the condition. Admitting and sharing that you have bipolar depression, however, can greatly reduce the feelings of being stigmatized and feelings of dread. Bipolar depression help and treatment can also remain a challenge because more often than not, patients with bipolar disorder remain unrecognized by health professionals. Bipolar disorder can, in many cases, be masked by other illnesses such as schizophrenia and obsessive-compulsive disorder. An individual can, therefore, suffer from the disorder and yet remain undiagnosed because the symptoms are easily masked by other conditions.
Another possibility is the lack of awareness about the availability of bipolar depression help that can aid them in managing the condition. Clinical experts can consist of psychologists and psychiatrists – people who possess the right knowledge and skills when it comes to giving counseling and psychotherapy.
A simple consultation with the experts may be all that’s needed in order to treat the condition. Do not feel afraid or embarrassed getting bipolar depression help because along with medications, patients may benefit from ongoing counseling with professionals.