Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression) causes serious shifts in mood, energy, thinking, and behaviour–from the highs of mania on one extreme, to the lows of depression on the other. More than just a fleeting good or bad mood, the cycles of bipolar disorder last for days, weeks, or months. And unlike ordinary mood swings, the mood changes of bipolar disorder are so intense that they interfere with the persons ability to function.
During a manic episode, a person might impulsively quit a job, charge up huge amounts on credit cards, or feel rested after sleeping two hours. During a depressive episode, the same person might be too tired to get out of bed and be full of self-loathing and hopelessness over being unemployed and in debt.
The different types of bipolar disorder
- Bipolar I Disorder (mania or a mixed episode). The classic manic-depressive form of the illness, characterized by at least one manic episode or mixed episode. Usually, but not always, Bipolar I Disorder also involves at least one episode of depression.
- Bipolar II Disorder (hypomania and depression). In Bipolar II disorder, the person doesn’t experience full-blown manic episodes. Instead, the illness involves episodes of hypo-mania and severe depression.
- Cyclothymia (hypomania and mild depression). Cyclothymia is a milder form of bipolar disorder. It consists of cyclical mood swings. However, the symptoms are less severe than full-blown mania or depression.
Signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder
The symptoms vary widely in their pattern, severity, and frequency. Some people are more prone to either mania or depression, while others alternate equally between the two types of episodes. Some have frequent mood disruptions, while others experience only a few over a lifetime
Common signs and symptoms of mania include:
- Feeling unusually “high” and optimistic OR extremely irritable
- Unrealistic, grandiose beliefs about one’s abilities or powers
- Sleeping very little, but feeling extremely energetic
- Talking so rapidly that others can’t keep up
- Racing thoughts; jumping quickly from one idea to the next
- Highly distractible, unable to concentrate
- Impaired judgment and impulsiveness
- Acting recklessly without thinking about the consequences
- Delusions and hallucinations (in severe cases)
Common symptoms of bipolar depression include:
- Feeling hopeless, sad, or empty.
- Irritability
- Inability to experience pleasure
- Fatigue or loss of energy
- Physical and mental sluggishness
- Appetite or weight changes
- Sleep problems
- Concentration and memory problems
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Thoughts of death or suicide
Therapy for bipolar disorder
Research indicates that people who take medications for bipolar disorder are more likely to get better faster and maintain stability if they also receive therapy. Therapy can teach the sufferer how to deal with problems the symptoms are causing, including relationship, work, and self-esteem issues. Therapy will also address any other problems he/she are struggling with, such as substance abuse or anxiety.
The Benefits of Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
In cognitive-behavioural therapy, you examine how your thoughts affect your emotions. You also learn how to change negative thinking patterns and behaviours into more positive ways of responding. For bipolar disorder, the focus is on managing symptoms, avoiding triggers for relapse, and problem-solving. CBT has proven to be very effective in helping a sufferer manage and cope with the difficulties of Bipolar.
Bipolar Counselling & Psychotherapy in London
If you are looking for a qualified and experienced Bipolar counsellor & psychotherapist in London, then please contact me for more information on how I can help you.
My Standards
Our practice adheres to the rigorous standards set forth by the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP). We are committed to providing evidence-based, effective therapy to our clients. Our therapists undergo extensive training and adhere to strict ethical guidelines to ensure the highest quality of care. We continuously engage in professional development and adhere to ongoing supervision and monitoring processes to maintain our standards of excellence in therapeutic practice.
