Bipolar disorder is a mental condition associated with extreme mood changes like maniac behavior. The disorder can also be associated with depression. It is estimated that one in every five people suffers from this condition. The affected individuals display various signs such as depression, mania, and hypomania episodes. According to harmony place
Dr. Schwartz, a person experiencing mania episodes may engage themselves in risky activities such as having unprotected sex, drug abuse, and overspending on unnecessary items.
Hypomania is less adverse than mania .one may seem to behave normally but still experience some mood swings from time to time. A person suffering from depression gets feelings of hopelessness, sadness, and lack of energy. Harmony Place Mark Schwartz states that the condition affects both men and women with bipolar disorder.
However, the symptoms may differ by gender. The condition affects women mostly in their 20s and 30s. The affected women may also experience maniac episodes, up to 4 times in a year. The individuals may also suffer from obesity, anxiety, and thyroid diseases.
In males, the onset of the condition may occur earlier in life. The affected individuals may experience extreme manic episodes. Most males suffering from this condition engage in drug abuse. They end up committing suicide, since they hesitate to seek medical assistance, unlike females.
Bipolar disorder symptoms in children are very different from those of adults; that is why it is challenging to diagnose them. Another condition is known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, also presents itself with similar characteristics, which makes it hard to differentiate between the two.
Those suffering from maniac disorders experience various characteristics such as being overly happy, speaking fast,
Types of bipolar disorder as explained by Dr. Mark Schwartz
Bipolar 1
Bipolar 1 affects both males and females equally. It is associated with a maniac episode, followed by a major depressive episode, and finally, a hypomania condition.
Bipolar 2
An individual suffering from bipolar two may experience a major depressive disorder that may last up to two weeks, followed by a hypomanic episode that may last up to 4 days.
Cyclothymia
Cyclothymia is characterized by depression and hypomania episodes. The symptoms do not last long, and the affected individuals may experience mood stability once or twice in a month.
Causes of bipolar disorder
Abnormalities in the brain
There are various brain abnormalities that may lead to the development of bipolar disorder.
Genetics
Dr Mark Schwartz explains that there are higher chances of someone developing the disorder when someone else from their family has been diagnosed with the condition.
Environmental factors
Traumatic experiences, stressful situations, and physical illnesses may highly contribute to the development of the disorder.
Treatment
It is essential to seek medical attention if you experience the symptoms highlighted above. Getting medical help when the disease is at the early stages will be better before the development of further complications.
At harmony place Monterey, we offer the best bipolar disorder treatment services. We treat the disorder just like any chronic disease. We also strive to remove the stigma associated with mental illnesses.
We give the appropriate medication to our patients such as a combination of a mood stabilizer, lithium, and anti-seizure drug or MAO for treatment. All our drugs have been tested and proven to be effective in treating the condition.
Our facility is located in a serene environment, which provides comfort to patients as we figure out the best treatment methods for them.
Dr. Mark Schwartz harmony place has a dedicated team that assesses an individual and identifies whether they are suffering from drug, sexual. Other addictions, to determine whether they have bipolar disorder.
Apart from offering psychotherapy and psychoeducation, we also involve the family members of the affected individual throughout the treatment process. We treat the individuals how to manage difficult issues such as stress, to reduce the frequency of experiencing more episodes.