Are All Types of Bipolar Disorder Treated the Same Way?
You can’t take a cookie-cutter approach to treating bipolar disorderbecause no two conditions are alike, and no two people experience it the same way.
No one knows this better than Dr. Joy Kwakuyi at Faith Integrated Psychiatryin Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona. He has decades of experience helping people manage their bipolar symptoms by providing them with a personalized treatment plan that fits their individual needs. Here’s a look at the possible treatments for the various types of bipolar disorder.
Know the bipolar terminology
People with bipolar disorder swing between two extreme moods: mania and depression.
Mania
During the manic phase, you feel elated and on top of the world, also called hypermania. Your energy is high, and you can’t seem to slow down. You talk faster than usual, your mind races, you feel distracted and restless, and you may even engage in risky behavior. These behaviors may disrupt work and relationships.
Hypomania
Hypomania is a watered-down version of hypermania; the symptoms are less severe, and they don’t last as long.
Depression
Intense sadness that won’t go away, loss of interest in once-loved activities, fatigue, and even despair characterize the depressive phase of bipolar disorder. You might have trouble sleeping or staying awake, you talk more slowly, and struggle to find the energy needed to make it through the day. You might even have thoughts of harming yourself.
Which type of bipolar disorder do you have?
Bipolar disorder describes a condition that causes uncontrollable high (mania) and low (depression) moods. Technically, there are five types of bipolar disorder recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: bipolar I, bipolar II, cyclothymia, specified and related bipolar disorders, and unspecified and related disorders. The first three types, though, are the most common.
Bipolar I often (but not always) involves a manic episode that can last a week or more and can be so severe it requires hospitalization. The depressive episode typically lasts two or more weeks.
Bipolar IIis similar to bipolar I, but the manic phase is the far less severe version called hypomania. However, you still experience major depressive episodes either before or after hypomania.
Cyclothymiais the calmer, milder version of bipolar II. The manic highs aren’t as intense, and the depressive lows aren’t as deep. People with cyclothymia often seem moody but functional, which is why many don’t recognize it as a mental illness and don’t seek treatment.
Bipolar disorder treatments
Drawing from years of clinical experience, Dr. Kwakuyi evaluates you thoroughly before reaching a diagnosis. This may involve a physical exam, a psychiatric assessment, and mood charting.
Once he gets to know you and understands your unique symptoms, he develops a treatment plan to match your situation. Your plan may include any or all of the following treatments.
Medication
Medication has proven successful in reducing the severity and frequency of bipolar episodes. You may take:
- Antipsychotics
- Mood stabilizers
- Antidepressants
- Anti-anxiety medication
It may take a while to get the type and dose just right, but when you do, you’ll experience longer periods of symptom-free living.
Psychotherapy
Also known as talk therapy, psychotherapy provides a forum where you can express your feelings and learn more about your condition. The more you know, the better you’ll be able to cope with and control your symptoms.
Whether you participate in a one-on-one session with Dr. Kwakuyi or a group session with others experiencing the same symptoms, psychotherapy provides support, understanding, and valuable resources.
Cognitive behavioral therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapyis a type of psychotherapy that enables you to identify the feelings, thoughts, and behaviors that trigger your bipolar episode. Once empowered with that knowledge, you can learn to recognize those thoughts and behaviors when they occur and face them rather than react to them.
Lifestyle modifications
Many people find that making a few changes in their daily habits helps to minimize their bipolar episodes. Dr. Kwakuyi provides practical tips to help you establish consistent daily routines and a healthy lifestyle. For starters, you might try:
- Exercising regularly
- Eating a healthier diet
- Avoiding and coping with stress
- Prioritizing quality sleep
- Keeping a journal of your moods and behaviors
- Meditating
Dr. Kwakuyi believes strongly in the power of prayer in healing your mind, and he can help you understand the connection, as faith plays an integral role in your holistic treatment. To talk to Dr. Kwakuyi about bipolar disorder, contact usonline or by phone and schedule a consultation.
