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.
Bipolar disorder is treatable. The first step is seeking help.
Your path at IASO
How we treat bipolar disorder at IASO
- 1
We listen
Your history and symptoms, heard in full.
- 2
Consultation
A thorough clinical consultation.
- 3
Your plan
A treatment plan agreed together, built around you.
- 4
Treatment
Psychotherapy, medication, or both. Nothing without a clear reason.
- 5
Follow-up
Reviewed and adjusted as you progress.
Treatment begins with a thorough psychiatric consultation 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 and/or medication, chosen and adjusted based on what works for you. Everything is discussed openly, and nothing is prescribed without a clear clinical reason.
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 inpatient 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 a feeling of being able to accomplish things that most people cannot are also common. Hypomanic episodes last three 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 out medical 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.