Bipolar disorder, previously termed “manic-depressive illness,” is a serious mental health problem that consists of abnormal mood swings involving episodes of mania (or hypomania) and depression. During these extreme mood swings, a person’s ability to sleep, motivation, decision-making, and completion of everyday responsibilities may be heavily influenced. In today’s fast-paced and modern society, managing individuals with bipolar disorder has become increasingly difficult, especially due to the effects of social media, high-stress lifestyles, and economic pressures. This article explores the symptoms, causes, risk factors, treatment options, and the crucial role of a psychiatrist in Long Beach, Los Angeles County, CA in helping patients manage this condition.

Types of Bipolar Disorder

Being an overwhelming mental condition, bipolar disorder is classified into three major types of the disease, and its severity varies as follows:

1. Bipolar I Disorder: This type is characterized by manic episodes that last at least seven days or require immediate hospitalization. Depressive episodes follow as well, and they usually last at least two weeks. People suffering from Bipolar I may encounter mixed episodes where symptoms of manias and depressions coexist with each other. This means that the episodes could be grossly debilitating enough to interfere with personal relationships, productivity, and quality of life.
2. Bipolar II Disorder: This type is a mix of depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes, but people with a manic episode are not seen in Bipolar I. Hypomania is less severe than mania and does not typically lead to hospitalization, but it still affects daily life. A lot of people with Bipolar II go undiagnosed for many years because they think that their hypomanic episode is just high energy or being extra productive.
3. Cyclothymic Disorder (Cyclothymia): Individuals afflicted by this disorder usually have chronic oscillation between hypo-manic symptoms and mild depression. The symptoms, although not fully developed like those of Bipolar I or II, and some aspects of functioning are still affected. Unfortunately, the psychosocial and biological effects of cyclothymia can likely promote the development of full-blown bipolar disorder if left untreated.

Causes and Risk Factors

No one reason has been pinpointed as the cause of bipolar disorder; however, other elements do contribute to its development:

Genetics: Research has shown that a person whose direct family member had a bipolar disorder is on their way to developing that mental illness, which indicates heredity effect. The gap of analysis portrays that the illness does not result from a single gene but many of them.

Brain Structure and Function: Research has established that the biochemical and anatomical differences in the brains of people with bipolar disorder are one of the causes. This has been observed in a larger-sized or functionally altered area of the brain that is responsible for the regulation of emotions of affected individuals.

Environmental Factors: For instance, the symptoms can be triggered or exacerbated by high stress levels, life-altering changes (such as losing a loved one), and trauma therein. Drug use, childhood experience of violence, and exposure to violence can all add to the risk of developing mental illness in adulthood.

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

The nature of mood episode is the key that defines the distinguishing features of bipolar disorder in a person:

Manic/Hypomanic Episodes

More energy, higher excitement levels (high or euphoric), or terrible irritability. This sudden high-level affect can result in making impulsive choices, problems with focusing, and pressured speech.

Reduced sleep requirement for a considerable length and an excessive level of talking in people with the disorder. These people can often go for days with virtually nothing to propel themselves into sleep, and yet they will not feel fatigued, which can worsen their maniac episode.

Rapid thinking, a surge of distractibility, and a drive to carry out compulsive or risky actions. An example of such a behavior can be increasing credit and money expenses, driving unplanned, or having unregulated sex.

Involvement in high-risk behaviors, such as binge-shopping or excessive drug use. Essentially, this impulse lack can have long-lasting effects on finances, legal matters, and personal matters.

Depressive Episodes

Continued, never-ending sadness, and lack of hope or meaning. Intense emotions of this severity may overwhelm people and make it difficult to sense any enjoyment even in small things.

Lack of interest in previously enjoyable things and activities. Social withdrawal, isolation, and detachment from social connections and activities previously engaged are the norm.

Tiredness, sleep pattern disturbances, and variations in food intake. An individual may either oversleep and overeat or suffer from insomnia and maybe be a little famished.

Various cognitive problems, such as inability to think or contemplate, and thoughts of death or completion of the process of suicide. This is highly likely to promote self-harming behavior or an attempt to commit suicide, thereby making prompt care extremely necessary.

Early, Mid, and Late Symptoms

Early Symptoms: Extreme in several areas, such as dramatic mood changes, increased emotional responses, and changes in sleep patterns are characteristic of the affected individuals. Most people may never even guess that they would be bipolar when they experience such symptoms. Such symptoms can actually delay the diagnosis.

Mid-Stage Symptoms: Persistent depression and mania episodes, turned up impulsiveness, and divided relationships and work. This can happen when one has a hard time, in being able to demonstrate competence in the workplace and even taking care of oneself.

Late-Stage Symptoms: Extreme mood swings, distorted perception (visual or auditory hallucinations) that is brought on by depression, and thinking about killing themselves. Temporary admission to a facility may be the only option that will help keep a patient safe and also ensure that the condition is managed.

Impact of the Modern Era on Bipolar Disorder

The emerging technologies such as social media and the fast pace of today’s lives significantly impact mental health concerns, for instance, bipolar disorder:

Social Media Influence: The emotion of inadequacy may be further aggravated by the constant exposure to the edited lives of social media, and this will fuel manic episodes or depressive moods. Liking home similarities with people you know can cause self-doubt and heightened sensitivity.

Increased Stress Levels: Work, economic pressures, and digital time excess can set off one of these moods. Chronic stress may contribute not only to the webs of psychological system but also what externalizing they seek to cope with.

Isolation and Online Communities: Although finding solace in online community support is commendable, allotting too much screen time may lead to a pattern of social exclusion and disconnection from actual-world relations. With the degradation of real-life interaction, an increase in depressive symptoms may occur.

Treatment Options

Bipolar disorder is typically managed through a combination of medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes. Seeking professional help from a psychiatrist in Long Beach, Los Angeles County, CA can provide individuals with an effective treatment plan.

Medication

Mood Stabilizers: A lithium valproate levels manage the highs and lows and keep an even mood. These drugs also need regular temporary blood checkups to monitor their use.

Antipsychotics: Medications such as quetiapine or olanzapine can be helpful for controlling severe mania or depressive episodes, as they are prescribed as additional treatment. They are used when mood stabilizers alone are ineffective.

Antidepressants: Normally together with mood stabilizers as their linkage may induce manic attacks. Attention and carefulness are needed for their usage, since they potentially can amplify the symptoms in some cases.

Common Side Effects of Medications

The weight gain, reachability, nausea, and tremors similar to these side effects can discourage people from strictly adhering to their medication plan. So, some of them might find compliance more challenging.

Risk rise of diabetes and cardiovascular complications that are incurred over a long-term basis is also the issue. Regular check-ups are recommended not just to mitigate the risks of complications.

– Mood swings, irritability, and symptom aggravation in particular could happen. Modification of medical therapies may be a requirement with time.

 Psychotherapy

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Agents that target the identification of negative thought habits and their substitution with positive behaviors. CBT is highly effective in managing mood disorders.
• Family-Focused Therapy: Family members’ involvement in the treatment is key and creates a game-changing support base. Within treatment, they can be important friends or supporters who make a huge difference.
• Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT): Explores relationships with the everyday world, with an emphasis on adjustments of the sleep-wake rhythm. In terms of coping techniques, maintaining fixed sleep hours and organizing your days are effective strategies.

The Role of a Psychiatrist in Long Beach, Los Angeles County, CA

A psychiatrist plays a crucial role in diagnosing and managing bipolar disorder. They offer personalized treatment plans, monitor medication effectiveness, and provide psychotherapy tailored to the individual’s needs. A psychiatrist in Long Beach, Los Angeles County, CA can help patients navigate the complexities of their condition and work towards long-term stability.

The Risks of Untreated Bipolar Disorder

Not seeking treatment for bipolar disorder can have a lot of consequences that may be damaging, including:

• Impaired Relationships and Career Instability: These people can’t keep friendships and jobs for a long time due to the fluctuating moods. Losing jobs and constant conflicts with colleagues and friends are prevalent problems.
• Substance Abuse and Legal Issues: Some people start abusing alcohol and drugs as a means of self-medication, risking addiction or legal problems. This can make the treatment process more complicated and difficult.
• Suicidal thoughts and self-injury: A serious depressive episode often involves thoughts of suicide, which indicates the need to seek professional help sooner rather than later. People in this type of situation should reach out for help as soon as possible, as this can be critically helpful.

Final Thoughts

Bipolar disorder seems challenging but is controllable anyway, as it is a complicated condition. Through the collaboration of a physician, therapist, and psychiatric medications along with lifestyle modifications, patients can obtain the equilibrium they need to lead productive and satisfying lives. If an individual in Long Beach, California suffers from this illness, consulting a psychiatrist can allow him or her to make progress on the road to recovery.

Strick reminder from Brain Health USA to seek a doctor’s advice in addition to using this app and before making any medical decisions.

Read our previous blog post here: https://brainhealthusa.com/psychiatrist-lawndale-los-angeles-county-california/