Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder is a complex mental health condition characterised by extreme mood swings, including emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). These mood swings can significantly impact sleep, energy, behaviour, judgment, and daily functioning. Bipolar Disorder affects about 1-2% of the Australian population and can be managed effectively with appropriate treatment.

Recognising Bipolar Disorder: More Than Just Mood Swings

Bipolar Disorder symptoms can vary widely but generally fall into these categories:

• Mania/Hypomania: Elevated mood, increased activity, reduced need for sleep, grandiosity, talkativeness, racing thoughts, and risk-taking behaviours.
• Depression: Depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure, changes in appetite or weight, insomnia or excessive sleeping, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, and recurrent thoughts of death or suicide.

What are the Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder?

Symptoms of Mania:

• Feelings of elation or extreme irritability
• Decreased need for sleep
• Sense of euphoria or invincibility
• Talkativeness or faster speech
• Irrational thoughts
• Difficulty focusing
• Poor decision making (e.g., spending sprees, reckless driving)
• Risky or out-of-control behaviour

Symptoms of Hypomania:

• Milder than mania, may last fewer than 7 days
• Increased energy and motivation
• Friends and loved ones may notice changes in behaviour

Symptoms of Depression:

• Feeling very down, sad, or anxious
• Lack of interest or enjoyment in activities
• Low energy or fatigue
• Lack of focus or concentration, slowed behaviour
• Changes in appetite
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Excessive feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• Suicidal thoughts or frequent thoughts of death

Types of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar I Disorder:

• Characterised by manic episodes lasting at least seven days or requiring immediate hospital care.
• Depressive episodes typically lasting at least two weeks.
• Neutral periods may occur in between episodes.

Bipolar II Disorder:

• Characterised by a pattern of depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes.
• Does not include full-blown manic episodes.
• Neutral periods may occur in between episodes.

Cyclothymic Disorder (Cyclothymia):

• Milder form of bipolar disorder with periods of hypomanic symptoms and periods of depressive symptoms lasting at least two years.
• Symptoms do not meet the full criteria for hypomanic or depressive episodes.

What Causes Bipolar Disorder?

The exact cause of Bipolar Disorder is still unknown. Researchers believe there’s a strong genetic component—between 80 and 90% of people with bipolar disorder have a relative with depression or bipolar disorder. Additional risk factors for bipolar disorder include:

• Extreme Stress: Such as abuse, the loss of a close family member, or the end of a relationship.
• Drug or Alcohol Abuse: Substance abuse can trigger or exacerbate symptoms.
• Comorbidities: People with bipolar disorder may have other conditions, like substance use disorders, ADHD, or anxiety disorders.

How Does Wellvue Treat Bipolar Disorder: Treatment Approaches to Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder can be overwhelming, but effective treatment can significantly improve your symptoms. At Wellvue, we manage Bipolar Disorder with a combination of medication, psychology, and lifestyle adjustments. The first step in treating Bipolar Disorder is getting a clinical diagnosis from a qualified healthcare professional, such as a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist. With Wellvue, you can see a specialist from the comfort of your home and begin your journey to wellness quickly.

Here’s What to Expect at Your First Visit

Assessment: During your first visit with a Wellvue mental health professional, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss your current symptoms, personal history, medical history, and mental health goals. Your specialist will listen to what you’re experiencing and ensure that virtual care at Wellvue is the best fit for you.

Diagnosis: Based on the information you’ve shared, your specialist will be able to provide a diagnosis of your condition. Getting a diagnosis can be a relief, as it helps to put a name to what you’ve been experiencing. Your specialist will help you navigate any emotions that come up and work with you to develop a path forward.

Treatment Plan: You’ll collaborate with your specialist on the best way to manage your symptoms. If medication is appropriate, you’ll discuss your options, including the benefits and potential side effects of each medication. Your specialist will provide supportive therapy during your sessions and may also recommend working with one of our psychologists. Our psychologists partner with our psychiatrists to provide collaborative care.

Medication Management

The most common medications used to treat Bipolar Disorder are:

• Mood Stabilisers: These medications help control swings between depression and mania. Common mood stabilisers include lithium, valproate, and lamotrigine.
• Antipsychotics: These can help control manic or hypomanic episodes. Examples include olanzapine, quetiapine, and risperidone.
• Antidepressants: These may be used cautiously to treat depressive episodes but are often combined with a mood stabiliser to prevent triggering manic episodes.
• Other Medications: Depending on your specific symptoms and history, other medications may be prescribed. It’s important to work closely with your specialist to find the right medication and dosage for you. Ongoing treatment and taking your medication consistently, even when you feel well, is key to managing your condition and keeping your symptoms under control.

Psychology

Psychology is a crucial tool in managing Bipolar Disorder. Wellvue offers various psychological approaches to help you:

• Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT): CBT helps you identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts and behaviours. It’s one of the most effective treatments for Bipolar Disorder.
• Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT): This therapy focuses on improving interpersonal relationships and stabilising daily rhythms, such as sleep patterns.
• Psychoeducation: This involves learning about Bipolar Disorder, treatment options, and how to recognise early warning signs of mood episodes.
• Family-Focused Therapy: This involves working with family members to improve communication and problem-solving skills, which can be beneficial in managing Bipolar Disorder.

At Wellvue, we schedule 60 minutes for your initial visit and typically 30 minutes for follow-up visits, which allows us to incorporate supportive therapy into your appointments. If you and your specialist feel you’d benefit from additional psychology, you can work with one of Wellvue’s psychologists, or our specialist can provide a referral.

Lifestyle Changes

In addition to medication and psychology, certain lifestyle changes can help manage Bipolar Disorder:

• Exercise: Regular physical activity can reduce anxiety and improve mood.
• Healthy Diet: Eating a balanced diet can help maintain overall well-being.
• Sleep: Ensuring adequate, restful sleep is crucial for managing mood.
• Stress Management: Techniques such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises can help manage stress and anxiety.
• Avoiding Caffeine, Alcohol, and Drugs: Reducing or eliminating caffeine, alcohol, and recreational drugs can help decrease anxiety levels and improve overall mental health.

How to Get Started

If you think you might have Bipolar Disorder, Wellvue can help. Here’s how to get started:

1. Book an Appointment: Schedule an initial consultation with one of our mental health professionals.
2. Complete Your First Visit: During your first visit, you’ll share your experiences and symptoms. Our specialist will assess your condition and discuss the best treatment options for you.
3. Receive Your Personalised Treatment Plan: Based on your assessment, you’ll receive a tailored treatment plan that may include medication, therapy, or a combination of both.
4. Ongoing Care: We’ll provide continuous care and support, adjusting your treatment plan as needed to ensure the best outcomes.

Disclaimer:

The information in this article is for educational purposes only and should never be substituted for medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment. If you or someone you know may be in danger, call 000 right away.