Best Depression Treatments

In the United States, 5.7 million adults are diagnosed of bipolar manic depressive disorder. Also, the 3.4 million American children and adolescents diagnosed of depression are highly likely to experience bipolar depression or bipolar manic disorder symptoms. The National Health Institute of Mental Health also states that the condition can reduce up to 9.2 years from your life span in causing suicidal or self-destructive behavior. Hence, bipolar depressive or bipolar manic disorder is one of the leading causes of human disability. Bipolar manic depressive disorder is a psychiatric illness that causes unusual and sudden changes to mood, activity and energy levels, which affect an individual’s ability to carry out his day to day tasks. Manic depression symptoms go from feeling very sad, helpless and despaired, and suddenly cause him to shift to feeling euphoric happiness, being overly active and practically on top of the world, which may severe relationships, affect job and school performance, or even cause suicide.

Definition

Bipolar manic disorder symptoms include high levels of energy, inability to sleep, having big plans for activities, being restless, uneasy and talkative. Bipolar depression symptoms include low energy phases with negative emotions such as feelings of guilt, hopelessness, loss of appetite, anxiety and guilt. A patient may experience several of these symptoms for every day. Bipolar symptoms usually occur during late teen or early adult years. Most patients started experiencing symptoms at around 25 years of age. According to the Bipolar disorder statistics, women are three times more prone to experiencing bipolar episodes than men. The National Health Institute of Mental Health also states that having a bipolar disorder history in the family may increase one’s risk of developing bipolar symptoms.

Examination

The first step in diagnosis involves physical examinations, interview, lab tests like blood work and brain scans and evaluation of the patient’s medical history. After a complete diagnostic evaluation, the doctor may provide referral to a trained mental health specialist such as a psychiatrist, who is more experienced in handling bipolar disorder. Proper and immediate diagnosis is extremely important in helping bipolar sufferers lead a normal life. It will also help provide the right kind of treatment that will reduce the frequency or severity of the symptoms.

Treatment method

A mixture of psychotherapy and medicines are typically suggested to efficiently stop relapse of manic depression symptoms. Mood stabilizers, anti psychotic medications, and atypical anti psychotic things might be prescribed for bipolar individuals. They’re typically prescribed by a clinical psychologist or a psychiatrist. In a few instances, sedatives or sleep medicines are suggested to patients who have difficulty with sleep. “Talk therapy” or “psychotherapy” offers guidance, education, and support for bipolar individuals in addition to their families. This involves various approaches like social rhythm therapy and psychological education, family concentrated therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and intrapersonal therapy.

Word of Caution

There are other illnesses that may coexist with bipolar manic depressive disorder, making it more difficult to diagnose and treat. Substance abuse is may prolong or trigger bipolar symptoms and cause behavioral problems associated with bipolar manic disorder. Anxiety disorders such as post-traumatic stress, social phobia or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder may overlap with bipolar disorder. Also, people suffering this condition have higher risks of developing thyroid disease, migraine headaches, diabetes, obesity, heart disease and other physical illnesses. Hence, seeking professional help upon experiencing symptoms of bipolar depressive or bipolar manic disorder is advised.

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