Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, can make patients experience extreme mood swings. It is a common mental disorder that is essential to be treated to live a healthy life. Bipolar Disorder Dubai can be easily diagnosed with the bipolar disorder test and it is a treatable condition. Generally, experts use different bipolar disorder treatment techniques to cure it.
Table of Contents
What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mental disorder mainly characterized by severe mood swings. A person with bipolar disorder experiences drastic changes in mood, energy levels, and basic functioning. Such people go through intense emotional states or highs and lows, otherwise known as mood episodes.
During these episodes, patients can either be euphoric (mania or hypomania) or miserable (depression). These episodes can last for days, weeks, and even months. Moreover, these episodes can occur rarely or multiple times a year, depending on the severity of the disorder. Most patients have emotional symptoms between episodes; however, some bipolar patients may not experience any emotional symptoms at all. It is a lifelong condition, but bipolar disorder Treatment in Dubai can control the symptoms.
Causes
As of now, we do not know the exact causes of bipolar disorder, but the following factors are linked to it:
- Genetics
- Biological differences
- Drug or alcohol abuse
- A traumatic life incident
Symptoms
Bipolar disorder has different types, having different symptoms. According to the American Psychiatric Association, some known types of bipolar disorder are:
- Bipolar I Disorder – episodes of mania and depression
- Bipolar II Disorder – episodes of hypomania and milder depression
- Cyclothymic Disorder
Most people experience bipolar disorder in their early 20s and symptoms vary for each individual. The symptoms include variations in behavior and mood, causing distress and inconvenience in life. Three or more of the following symptoms can occur in people with mania or hypomania:
- Euphoria
- Distractibility
- Racing thoughts
- Poor decision-making
- Unusual talkativeness
- Decreased sleep or insomnia
- Upbeat, abnormally jumpy, or wired
- Agitation, hyperactivity, or energy
Complications Caused by Bipolar Disorder
The following complications can occur if bipolar disorder is left untreated:
- Damaged relationships
- Legal or financial problems
- Suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts
- Poor work or school performance
- Problems related to drug and alcohol use
- Eating disorders
- Anxiety disorders
- Sleep disorders
- Physical health problems
- Alcohol or drug problems
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Diagnosis
It is not possible to avoid bipolar disorder, but early detection and proper treatment can help control symptoms. Patients should pay attention to warning signs, to get a timely diagnosis.
Before starting the bipolar disorder treatment, the diagnosis is performed using the bipolar disorder test Dubai.
Experts use the following techniques to diagnose bipolar disorder:
- Physical Exam
- Mood Charting
- Psychiatric Assessment
Treatment for Bipolar Disorder
A psychiatrist or a medical doctor specializing in treating bipolar or related disorders can diagnose and treat bipolar disorder. After the bipolar disorder test, the psychiatrist uses different treatment techniques for bipolar disorder in Dubai to treat the condition. Unfortunately, this condition is a lifelong mental disorder and psychiatrists can only manage symptoms through different techniques such as:
- Medications
- Hospitalization
- Continued Treatment
- Day Treatment Programs
- Substance Abuse Treatment
The most common treatments are the use of medications and psychotherapy, including:
Medications
- Antipsychotics
- Mood stabilizers
- Antidepressants
- Anti-anxiety medications
- Antipsychotics
Psychotherapy
- Psychoeducation
- Family-Focused Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT)
Lifestyle Changes
- Adopt healthy ways of living.
- Eat and drink healthy food and drinks.
- Stop taking recreational drugs and alcohol.
- Consult your doctor before taking medications.
- Try handling stress intelligently.
- Consider joining a support group.
- Follow your dreams and hobbies.
- Set goals and entirely focus on them.
Bipolar Disorder FAQs
What is a person with bipolar like?
A person with bipolar generally suffers from severe mood swings. They may suffer from episodes of severe depression and extreme mania (overwhelming joy). Such people can be extremely sad at one time and overly excited after a while.
What is the difference between bipolar 1 and 2?
People suffering from bipolar 1 experience a full manic episode with a depressive episode. Whereas, bipolar 2 people experience a hypomanic episode with a mild depressive episode.
Can bipolar go away?
Bipolar symptoms come and go, but the actual disorder does not go away on its own. Generally, the disorder remains with the patient throughout their life. However, with the right treatment, we can manage its symptoms.
What is the most common treatment for bipolar disorder?
The best treatment for bipolar disorder is a combination of psychotherapy with mood-stabilizing medications. Sometimes psychiatrists combine therapy with mood stabilizers as well as atypical antipsychotics.
Consult an Expert
If you have any of the symptoms discussed above, you should undergo a bipolar disorder test. If you are interested in bipolar disorder treatment in Dubai, please feel free to contact the Euromed Clinic Center now. One of our experts will guide you about the bipolar disorder test. Please do not hesitate to get in touch with us if you need more information. So, please pick up the phone to book an appointment. Moreover, you can fill the short online form to book your consultation session.
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Dr. Bahjat Balbous
Dr. Bahjat Balbous is a DHA-licensed psychiatrist having more than 25 years of experience. He uses the latest Neurofeedback therapy in treating ADHD, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and other related disorders.
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