4 Questions to Ask Your Bipolar Disorder Doctors

Nearly all cases of bipolar disorder are treated with a combination of medication and some form of psychotherapy. There are a variety of medications that doctors use to treat bipolar disorder, including mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, antidepressants, antidepressant-antipsychotics, and anti-anxiety medications, depending on various factors. These factors include whether you are taking any other medication, the types of symptoms you experience, and what type of bipolar disorder you have. The different types of bipolar are discussed below.

Psychotherapy uses talk-based therapy to help individuals identify both positive and negative feelings, thought-patterns, as well as triggers or situations that exacerbate their disorder. There are four types of psychotherapy that can be used in individual, family, or group settings. They are interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (ISRT), cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychoeducation, and family-focused therapy. The goal of psychotherapy is to help individuals cope with their symptoms in constructive ways so that they can change their behavior and engage with life more freely.

There is no known definitive cause of bipolar disorder, but there are several factors that may predispose a person to develop bipolar disorder, including genetics and certain neurobiological characteristics. Bipolar disorder is more likely to emerge in individuals that have immediate relatives with the disorder, such as a parent or sibling. It is unclear whether bipolar disorder is hereditary, but studies have shown that there is a link between genetics and bipolar disorder. Imbalances in brain chemistry or hormones are also known to have a role in the emergence of bipolar disorder, as well as environmental triggers like trauma or abuse.

The four major types of bipolar disorder are:

Bipolar I disorder: A diagnosis of bipolar disorder I am given if you have had at least one manic episode, which is a state of heightened euphoria or irritability for at least a week, followed by either a depressive episode or hypomania, which is a less severe form of mania. Psychosis is often a result of mania.

Bipolar II disorder: This form of bipolar disorder involves at least one major depressive and hypomanic episode, but is free of any manic episodes.

Cyclothymic disorder: This diagnosis is given to individuals who have had periodic hypomania or depressive episodes for at least two years, or one year for children, without any major depressive episodes.

Mixed bipolar disorder: Bipolar disorder can also be induced by other medical disorders or from substance abuse. When this happens, the diagnosis is mixed bipolar disorder because multiple treatments are required for the individual.

If you live in or near Olathe, Kansas, and are in search of bipolar treatment for yourself or someone you care about, Success Health System is here to help you. If you would like to learn more about our treatment options or would like to book an appointment to meet with one of our psychiatrists, you can call us at (913) 246-5484. You can also visit us at 11695 South Black Bob Road, Olathe, Kansas. Our facility is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. On weekends, we are only available by appointment. We serve patients from Creve Coeur MO, St. Louis MO, Independence MO, Olathe KS, Columbia MO, Craig KS, Spring Hill KS, Prathersville MO, Pierpont MO, Kirkwood MO, Kansas City MO, River Bend Mo & Beyond!