Bipolar Therapy: Understanding the Process

Developed by two psychiatrists, this bipolar therapy option based on family dynamics also makes perfect sense, taking into account that primary caregivers of people with bipolar disorder are often at an increased risk of acquiring the condition or even depression than the average population. A caregiver’s behavior can reveal some of the symptoms of bipolar disorder, they may not be able to distinguish the bipolar-like mania from the normal “normal” depression or moodiness. This can result in ineffective treatment and, quite possibly, eventual failure. By learning to read the body’s warning signals, family members can help their loved one to get the bipolar therapy they need before it is too late.

There are four main bipolar therapy symptoms that most patients with the illness experience. These include the euphoric moods (which usually last only a few minutes at most), extreme optimism/solitude (which fades as quickly as it started), depression, and excessive guilt. Unfortunately, these symptoms do not often present themselves in a single, clear instance. They are a catalogue of discomforts and feelings that generally take time to build up to full blown. It can be difficult for family members to recognize the beginning stages of the illness.

When a person with bipolar disorder is diagnosed, it is referred to as manic depression or bipolar affective disorder. The manic phase, which is the dominant mood swing, is usually characterized by an exaggerated sense of self-confidence, an inflated sense of self-worth, an inflated sense of sexual interest, and an impulse to do things that would not normally be done by the patient. The mood swings can last for about four weeks on either end or be extended for several months. There is an estimated 50% chance that the mood swings will reoccur at least one time during the lifetime of the bipolar disorder patient. In addition, the bipolar disorder patient can have periods of depression lasting for several months or years.

Bipolar disorder patients are usually prescribed mood stabilizers to help them return to a balanced state more quickly. These medications help to reduce some of the severe episodes of mania, but do little to slow the rapid cycling of emotions. People with this condition also need to make some lifestyle changes. To try to understand how this happens, it is helpful to understand the way that our bodies operate. For example, there are four basic body rhythms that are vital to our health: homeostasis, circadian rhythm, acute phase response, and the social rhythm.

Bipolar disorder patients need to develop a balanced diet that is rich in carbohydrates, protein, and vitamins. These foods are then combined with a small amount of healthy fat and a large amount of complex carbohydrates. Because the bipolar symptoms tend to be most severe in the morning, it is important that they get up frequently, especially if they are having trouble falling asleep. A bipolar family therapist, known as a psychiatrist, needs to be in constant contact with his bipolar patients to ensure that they are doing well. In fact, many doctors will recommend that their bipolar patients are hospitalized and under close monitoring while they are being treated. It is these highly monitored environments that allow the medication process to work more effectively.

The idea behind bipolar therapy is that these mood disorder patients need help to change their internal “circadian rhythm” so that they will remain more stable in their moods. The goal of this therapy is to help patients take control over their bodily rhythms so that they will be better able to control their symptoms. For example, when patients have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, the cause could be having their circadian rhythm disrupted. By helping them to restore their body rhythms to a more natural state, they will have a better chance of feeling better and less likely to experience a manic episode.

It is thought that the medications that these individuals are taking may be contributing to this disruption of their body rhythms as well. This disruption may lead to an improved ability for patients to stay on top of their illness. In addition, other family therapies such as counseling, family support, and support groups may contribute to feeling better and staying stabilized. It has also been found that many of the bipolar disorder medications that are used may be interfering with family therapies and family support networks. When any bipolar disorder patient takes medications that interfere with the support network they already have, they may not be able to continue working with other family members effectively.

Bipolar patients can respond to treatment with an improved understanding of their illness, as well as with an increased sense of control over their bipolar disorder symptoms. If you suspect that you are suffering from bipolar disorder, there are many options available to you that can help you to manage symptoms and to lead a more fulfilling life. When in doubt, speak with your physician so that you can find the bipolar disorder treatment plan that will work best for your specific needs.