Bipolar Disorder
BIPOLAR DISORDER TREATMENT BY SENIOR PSYCHIATRIST DR. DASHLEEN KAUR
Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is a neurological condition characterized by significant fluctuations in a person's mood, energy levels, and daily functioning. These mood swings typically involve episodes of mania/hypomania and depression.
Individuals with bipolar disorder experience periods of intense happiness, increased energy, and impulsivity during manic or hypomanic episodes, contrasted with feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and lethargy during depressive episodes. These mood shifts create a spectrum of highs and lows, hence the term "bipolar disorder." Dr. Dashleen Kaur is renowned as one of the top psychiatrists specializing in bipolar disorder in Amritsar.
Studies indicate that bipolar disorder affects a considerable percentage of the Indian population, ranging from 0.5 to 21 per 1000 individuals annually, with a higher prevalence observed among individuals aged 20 to 30 years. Shockingly, many individuals with bipolar disorder, approximately 70%, remain untreated despite the availability of effective treatments. While bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, proper medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle adjustments can significantly alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.
Bipolar disorder manifests as abnormal mood shifts, fluctuations in energy levels, and disruptions in day-to-day functioning, distinct from the typical fluctuations experienced by most people. These symptoms can lead to challenges in relationships, academic or work performance, and, in severe cases, suicidal tendencies. However, with appropriate treatment, individuals with bipolar disorder can lead fulfilling and productive lives.
Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is characterized by distinct mood swings accompanied by significant changes in energy levels, activity, sleep patterns, and behavior. The disorder typically presents with three primary symptoms: depression, hypomania, and mania. Various types of bipolar disorder exist, distinguished by different combinations of these symptoms.
Individuals with bipolar disorder may experience prolonged periods of unstable moods rather than discrete episodes of depression or mania. Diagnosis of a bipolar episode involves the presence of manic or depressive symptoms for most of the day, nearly every day, over a period of at least one or two weeks. Severe symptoms can impair daily functioning at work, school, or home, underscoring the importance of seeking consultation with a qualified psychiatrist specializing in bipolar disorder.
Symptoms of mania or a manic episode include: [Describe symptoms here].
Bipolar I Symptoms
Diagnosis of Bipolar I requires:
- One phase of mania that should last for a week at least.
- Symptoms affecting the daily routine of an individual.
- Symptoms not at all related to any other medical or mental health condition.
It has been observed that sometimes such individuals may experience symptoms of both mania and depression (known as mixed features) or psychosis.
Bipolar II Symptoms
Diagnosis of Bipolar II requires:
- One phase of hypomania that should last for at least 4 days or more.
- Fluctuating mood and usual function of an individual due to hypomania which can be noticed by others.
- A period of major depression that lasts for 2 weeks or more.
- A period of major depression that involves one or more key depression symptoms which significantly influence day to day activity of such patients.
- Symptoms that are not related to any other medical and mental health condition.
It has also been observed that such individuals can show symptoms of psychosis, but only during phases of depression while at other times they show mixed mood behaviour, which is a combination of depression and hypomania.
Cyclothymia Symptoms
Diagnosis of Cyclothymia requires:
- Periods of hypomanic symptoms and periods of depression symptoms that shuffle and should last for 2 years or more.
- Symptoms that do not fit into the full criteria of an episode of depression or hypomania.
- Symptoms which are observed for atleast half of the 2 years and is never absent for more than 2 months.
- Symptoms that are not at all related to either any other medical condition or mental health condition.
- Symptoms which cause significant distress and affect daily life activities of an individual.
Fluctuating mood is a major symptom of cyclothymia. Studies have shown that cyclothymia is less severe than Bipolar I/ II, but it tends to last longer.
Hypomania usually does not influence an individual’s daily life while depression may affect the day-to-day activity of an individual and may lead to more serious distress.
Common symptoms of mania (“the highs“):
- Excessive hopefulness, happiness, and excitement.
- Restlessness.
- Sudden change in behaviour from being joyful to being angry, hostile, and irritable.
- Poor concentration
- Increase in energy level which lead to less sleep.
- Exceptionally high sex drive.
- Demonstrating poor judgement.
- Alcohol and drug abuse.
- Impulsive behaviour.
- Less appetite
- Boost in self-confidence and well being
- Easy distraction.
Common symptoms of mania (“the lows“):
- Feeling of sadness
- Loss in energy level
- Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness
- Poor concentration
- Loss of memory
- To talk slowly
- Decrease in sex drive
- Trouble in taking decision
- Crying in uncontrollable manner
- Being irritable
- Insomnia
- Loss/ Gain in appetite
- Though of suicide attempt or death
- Problem related to alcohol/ drug use
- Suicidal attempts
- Financial/ Legal problems
- Damaged/ Broken relationships
- Poor school/ work performance.
- Medication
- Change in lifestyle
- Counselling
- Maintain a regular routine in daily life.
- Follow a healthy diet chart
- Establish a regular sleeping pattern
- Exercise regularly.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Family-focused therapy
- Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy
- Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)
- How common is bipolar disorder?
- Is bipolar disorder hereditary?
- At what age bipolar disorder is diagnosed?
- What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?
- Can someone with bipolar disorder lead a normal life?
- Can lifestyle changes treat bipolar disorder?
Causes of Bipolar Disorder
Though the exact causes of bipolar disorder has not been identified, researchers have discovered factors contributing to the development of this mood disorder, such as:
Genetic factors: A family background (sibling or parent) of bipolar disorder.
Biological traits: Research studies have revealed that imbalances in hormones or neurotransmitters that affect the brain plays a major role in the development of bipolar disorder.
Environmental factors: Some life events, a significant loss, mental stress, abuse or any traumatic event contribute to an initial episode of bipolar disorder in an individual.
Complications
Serious problems can crop up when bipolar disorder is left untreated; some of these are listed below:
Bipolar Disorder Treatment by the best psychiatrist in Amritsar
The primary focus of bipolar disorder treatment is stabilizing a person’s mood and reducing the severity of commonly occurring symptoms. Some of the popular treatment of this mental illness is a combination of the following:
Medication: Psychiatrists in Amritsar often prescribe a combination of the following drugs depending on the criticality of the patient:
Mood stabilizing drugs such as lithium carbonate and valproic acid are commonly prescribed to reduce mania and prevent depression in individuals with bipolar disorder. Valproic acid, in combination with carbamazepine, serves as a mood stabilizer to manage manic or mixed phases of the disorder. Lamotrigine, a newer medication, helps prevent depression and reduce hypomania or mania.
Antidepressants like fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), and fluvoxamine (Luvox) are effective in alleviating symptoms of anxiety and depression by correcting neurotransmitter imbalances in the brain.
Second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) or atypical antipsychotics, including risperidone, olanzapine, and quetiapine, are commonly used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. These medications are also beneficial for managing insomnia, anxiety disorders in adults, and aggressive behavior in children.
Anticonvulsants, also known as antiepileptic drugs or antiseizure drugs, are utilized in the treatment of bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder. Medications like lamotrigine, clonazepam, and divalproex are frequently prescribed by psychiatrists to manage bipolar disorder and anxiety.
Medications for sleep disorders or anxiety, such as alprazolam (Xanax), estazolam (ProSom), and diazepam (Valium), help regulate brain function to alleviate these conditions. The choice of medication depends on factors like age, health status, and the severity of symptoms.
Counseling and psychotherapy play a crucial role in managing bipolar disorder symptoms. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) helps patients recognize and manage stress, identify early symptoms of episodes, and maintain stable moods to foster positive relationships in personal and professional life. In cases where other therapies are ineffective, psychiatrists may recommend electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), particularly for patients at risk of suicide.
Change in lifestyle: Few lifestyle changes help maintaining a stable mood and managing symptoms of bipolar disorder. Some of these are listed below:
Cure for Bipolar Disorder
Treatment for bipolar disorder focuses on managing symptoms and preventing relapses rather than achieving a permanent cure. While there is currently no known permanent cure for bipolar disorder, a combination of mood stabilizers, medications, and behavioral therapy can effectively help individuals manage their condition and lead healthy and fulfilling lives. With ongoing treatment and self-management strategies, individuals with bipolar disorder can experience periods of stability with few or no symptoms.
Dr. Dashleen Kaur, a senior psychiatrist in Amritsar, brings over 20 years of experience in treating patients with bipolar disorder. Through his expertise, he has successfully helped numerous individuals manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Dr. Dashleen employs a personalized approach to treatment, prescribing the appropriate medications, therapy, or a combination of both based on the unique needs and severity of each case.
For individuals seeking the best doctors for bipolar disorder in Amritsar, Dr. Dashleen stands out as a highly respected professional in the field. With his comprehensive treatment approach, including psychotherapy and lifestyle modifications, Dr. Dashleen has helped many patients achieve significant symptom reduction and regain control over their lives.
Why is Dr. Dashleen Kaur the Best Doctor for Bipolar Disorder Treatment?
Despite advancements in treatments and therapies, bipolar disorder remains a chronic condition without a permanent cure. Effective management of this mental illness typically requires lifelong treatment comprising a balanced combination of medications and behavioral therapy.
Dr. Dashleen Kaur, a seasoned psychiatrist based in Amritsar, possesses extensive clinical experience in the treatment of bipolar disorder. With a deep understanding of the complexities of this condition, Dr. Dashleen Kaur provides comprehensive care to his patients, focusing on symptom management and overall well-being. As an active member of prestigious psychiatric associations, including the Indian Association of Psychiatry and the Amritsar Psychiatry Society, Dr. Dashleeen Kaur remains committed to delivering high-quality care and support to individuals with bipolar disorder.
At Dashleen Kaur clinic, Dr Dashleen Kaur offers the following psychotherapy treatments for bipolar disorder:
As a piece of advice, Dr. Dashleen Kaur advice patients to avoid alcohol at all times, maintain a regular routine, sleep for 7-8 hours, exercise regularly, eat healthy, manage stress and stay in close contact with their loved ones for a productive life and control the illness.