With proper management, people with bipolar disorder can live healthy and productive lives. If you are not taking medication for bipolar disorder, it is important to seek professional help so that you can develop a treatment plan that is right for you. National Institute of Mental Health. Bipolar Disorder.
“Around half of people with bipolar disorder don't take their medication which can lead to a relapse of symptoms. And this can have a knock-on impact with problems at work, strained relationships with family and friends, hospitalisation, and an increased risk of suicide.
Bipolar disorder requires lifelong treatment with medications, even during periods when you feel better. People who skip maintenance treatment are at high risk of a relapse of symptoms or having minor mood changes turn into full-blown mania or depression.
Some people find psychological treatment helpful when used alongside medicine in between episodes of mania or depression. This may include: psychoeducation – to find out more about bipolar disorder. cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) – this is most useful when treating depression.
With proper treatment, along with support and self-care, people with bipolar disorder can live healthy, fulfilling lives.
With effective treatment, people with bipolar illness can be productive, happy people. In some cases, people with bipolar disorder may be uniquely qualified for certain situations because of their lived experience and perspective.
Genes. Bipolar disorder often runs in families, and research suggests this is mostly explained by heredity—people with certain genes are more likely to develop bipolar disorder than others. Many genes are involved, and no one gene can cause the disorder. But genes are not the only factor.
Although lifestyle changes won't treat bipolar disorder, certain changes may enhance your treatment and help to stabilize your mood. These changes include: regular exercise. adequate sleep.
Coping with your symptoms of bipolar disorder on your own is possible — even if it can feel really challenging at times. Self-care is key in managing symptoms of bipolar disorder. You can do many things on a daily basis to cope with your condition and minimize any challenges that come up.
In many cases, it can help reduce symptoms of bipolar disorder, as well as lessen the increased risk of certain health conditions associated with bipolar disorder. For people with bipolar disorder, the Anxiety and Depression Association of America recommends working out for 30 minutes, 3 to 5 days per week.
The reasons include unpleasant side effects, difficulty in remembering to take the medications, fear of addiction, and preference for an alternative treatment.
"Bipolar disorder can worsen if left undiagnosed and untreated. Episodes may become more frequent or more severe over time without treatment. Also, delays in getting the correct diagnosis and treatment can contribute to personal, social and work-related problems.
Antipsychotic medications improve the quality of life for most, but not all, patients with chronic schizophrenia, and most of them will require medications for many years-even for life.
Research shows bipolar disorder may damage the brain over time. Experts think it's because you slowly lose amino acids. They help build the proteins that make up the insulation around your neurons.
The most common reason that people with bipolar disorder refuse treatment is that they don't believe they have a problem in the first place. This lack of awareness regarding their mental condition is known as anosognosia.
Bipolar may worsen with age or over time if this condition is left untreated. As time goes on, a person may experience episodes that are more severe and more frequent than when symptoms first appeared.
Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga, and guided imagery can be very effective at reducing stress and keeping you on an even keel. A daily relaxation practice can improve your mood and keep depression at bay. Make leisure time a priority.
One preliminary study found that patients with bipolar disorder who eat a higher quality diet abundant in anti-inflammatory foods (including fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, grains, and seafood) respond better to supplemental treatments than those who eat a diet that is high in sugar, unhealthy unsaturated ...
The exact cause of bipolar disorder is unknown. Experts believe there are a number of factors that work together to make a person more likely to develop it. These are thought to be a complex mix of physical, environmental and social factors.
Risk factors
Factors that may increase the risk of developing bipolar disorder or act as a trigger for the first episode include: Having a first-degree relative, such as a parent or sibling, with bipolar disorder. Periods of high stress, such as the death of a loved one or other traumatic event. Drug or alcohol abuse.
Experts believe bipolar disorder is partly caused by an underlying problem with specific brain circuits and the functioning of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. Three brain chemicals -- norepinephrine (noradrenaline), serotonin, and dopamine -- are involved in both brain and bodily functions.
Positive psychological traits of spirituality, empathy, creativity, realism, and resilience are frequently observed in bipolar individuals [239].