Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder that causes intense changes in a person’s mood and energy levels. These range from mania, an episode of extremely elevated and excited mood, to depression, a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest.
What is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder that causes intense changes in a person’s mood and energy levels. These range from mania, an episode of extremely elevated and excited mood, to depression, a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. These fluctuating episodes of high and low mood can affect a person’s safety, energy levels, circadian rhythm, relationships and other parts of their life. Most people experience mood changes to a degree, however, a person suffering from bipolar disorder will experience them in a far more extreme way. This causes irritability for the person suffering from the disorder, and they may act on impulse and make irrational decisions and take dangerous risks. Their moods are completely uncontrolled which makes their behaviour unpredictable.
The exact cause of Bipolar Disorder is unknown, however, there may be some influential factors such as genetics, environmental factors, stress and trauma in one’s life. Bipolar Disorder is a long-term condition; however, symptoms can be managed with treatment and will enable one to live a full and successful life.
It's different for everyone
The symptoms of Bipolar Disorder and the severity can vary from person to person, however, the disorder is characterised by intense states of mania and depression. A person can go weeks, months and years without experiencing any symptoms, or can experience symptoms very quickly in a very short period of time.
A person who suffers from Bipolar Disorder will have many of these symptoms:
- Intense change in mood, extremely high to extremely low
- Regularly feeling sad, hopeless or irritable
- Restlessness and irritable
- Self-doubt
- Loss of interest in daily activities
- Withdraw from close relationships
- Feeling worthless or emptiness
- Impulsive & risky behaviour
- Unenthusiastic/ little energy
- Severe changes in appetite and sleep
- Mania or Hypomania
- Depression
Related conditions and symptoms
The diagnosis of bipolar disorder is characterised by an episode of Mania or Hypomania. Hypomania is a less severe form of Mania which excludes hallucinations or any form of psychosis. Mania can present a danger to those suffering from this disorder, as it makes them unaware of the negative consequences of their actions. Some people become suicidal when having an episode of mania. Episodes of Mania can be managed by learning the behavioural patterns that manifest themselves in this state.
Depression is another condition that people experience in the realm of bipolar disorder. This can be debilitating and can stop a person’s daily functioning. It is not unusual for people experiencing depression to be unable to get out of bed, spend long hours sleeping, and experience negative thoughts and feelings. Decisions, no matter how big or small can be completely overwhelming. The symptoms of depression have to be present daily for 2 weeks for an official diagnosis of the condition. Again, this can be managed with the treatments available for the disorder.
Treatment for Bipolar disorders
It can be challenging to carry out daily life activities when experiencing extreme mood episodes in association with Bipolar disorder. CBT connects your feelings, thoughts and behaviours which helps regulate mood and improve depressive symptoms through identifying unhealthy thought patterns. All clinicians at Oxford CBT practice Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or are Psychologists, providing evidence-based interventions and support for Bipolar Disorder (BPD) and a range of other conditions for both young people and adults.
If you would like to book an appointment you can do so on our online booking portal. If you would like more information, please visit our FAQ’s page or if you have any other questions please get in touch via our online contact form or call us on 01865 920077.
Clinicians who specialize in treating Bipolar Disorder
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