Condition
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder belongs to the family of affective disorders. It is characterised by changes in mood, energy, and activity levels — mood swings ranging from overly happy and extremely euphoric (doing things out of character) to periods of low mood, low energy, and low productivity.
Two main types
Bipolar I
Defined by manic episodes lasting at least 7 days during which the individual suffers from such severe symptoms that they cannot be treated outside an in-care patient unit. Prior to or after the manic episode, depressive episodes can occur as well, lasting usually for about two weeks.
Bipolar II
Defined by hypomanic symptoms — less severe than mania — with symptoms such as risky behaviours, rapid talking, restlessness, decreased need for sleep, extreme creativity, and 'jumping from one task to another'. Promiscuity, and the feeling of ability to accomplish things that most people can't is also common. Hypomanic episodes last 3 to seven days and can be followed by depressive episodes which usually last about two weeks.
Treatment approach
First line of treatment is the proper diagnosis — through a qualified psychiatrist who will first rule in or out conditions that may resemble hypomanic symptoms or depression (such as hyper- or hypothyroidism, vitamin deficiencies, substance abuse, other medication) and then form a clear treatment plan including medical treatment and psychotherapy.
How we treat this at IASO
Treatment begins with a thorough psychiatric assessment to understand the full picture — your history, your symptoms, and what you actually need. From there we build a plan around you: evidence-based, paced sensibly, and revisited as you progress.
Care may include psychotherapy, medication, or a combination — chosen and adjusted based on what works for you. Everything is discussed openly, and nothing is prescribed without a clear clinical reason.