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Bipolar Disorder: Types, Causes, Symptoms, Treatment Options

Bipolar disorder is one of many mental health conditions that can be difficult to manage on one’s own. Sometimes rehabilitation treatment centers provide a place to help regain balance and take control back over your life. 

Overview of Bipolar Disorder 

Bipolar disorder is a mental disorder that affects all aspects of your life. It can affect mood, energy, concentration, and overall ability to perform day-to-day tasks. Those who have bipolar disorder require lifelong treatment. Manic episodes are a key factor of this disorder. These episodes can be brutal. When having a difficult time, rehabilitation treatment may be necessary to get back on track. 

Types of Bipolar Disorder

There are three main types of bipolar: Bipolar 1, Bipolar 2, and Cyclothymic Disorder. Those with Bipolar 1 are known to have manic episodes, with or without bouts of depression. Acute mania can last a week or more. Sometimes hospitalization is necessary if the manic episode becomes excessively bad. Those with Bipolar 2 have both manic episodes and depressive episodes. Mania is usually less severe than Bipolar 1. Depressive episodes often precede or follow an episode of mania. Those with Cyclothymic Disorder experience both manic and depressive episodes for two or more years, often fluctuating between the two. It is typically less severe than Bipolar 1 and 2 but can cause instability in moods with frequent mood swings. 

Causes of Bipolar Disorder 

There is no exact known cause of bipolar disorder, though biological differences and genetics are thought to play a part. 

Some of the risk factors include:

  • Having a first-degree relative with diagnosed bipolar disorder
  • Periods of high stress or posttraumatic stress disorder
  • A history of substance abuse
  • Symptoms of bipolar disorder

People with bipolar disorder experience everything intensely, whether good or bad. The highs and lows are really high and really low. It’s extreme for everything. Some of the symptoms may include:

Mania:

  • Feeling “on top of the world”
  • Feeling irritable
  • Feeling jumpy 
  • Elevated mood or energy 
  • Decreased need for sleep, or poor sleep patterns
  • Loss of appetite 
  • Talking fast 
  • Racing thoughts 
  • Feeling like they need to do everything at once 
  • Showing poor judgment 
  • Taking risks 
  • Mood swings
  • Mood change
  • Irregular social rhythms 
  • Highs and lows that are extreme
  • Spending excessive amounts of money 
  • Feeling powerful 

Episodes of Depression:

  • Talking slowly 
  • Feeling like everything is going wrong 
  • Forgetful 
  • Trouble with concentration 
  • Major depression or major depressive episodes 
  • Unable to do simple tasks 
  • Little interest in usual activities 
  • Feeling hopeless 

Treatment Options for Bipolar Disorder

There are many effective treatment plans for people who have bipolar disorder. Some of those include talk therapy, family-focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, rhythm therapy, medication, and rehabilitation. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, consult with a behavioral health professional and see what treatment for bipolar disorder is best for you. People with bipolar disorder can learn to live full, healthy lives with the help of a trusted medical professional. If you or someone you love are suffering from depression and bipolar disorder, mental health professionals can help you get on the right path to treating bipolar disorders. 

The Most Common Triggers of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a very troubling condition that can cause a myriad of adverse behaviors. For example, many people with bipolar disorder abuse drugs and end up in a very alarming situation. Thankfully, understanding the common triggers of bipolar disorder may help many stave off cravings for drugs and alcohol, and cope with stress in healthier ways. Working through an addiction treatment program can help those suffering from underlying mental health issues understand what drives their negative moods, and can help people better cope with the stress of living with mental illness.

BIPOLAR DISORDER AND DRUG ABUSE ARE TIGHTLY CONNECTED

When discussing the common triggers of bipolar disorder, it is vital to understand how addiction and this condition are connected. People with bipolar disorder suffer from heavy mood swings that can be very hard to tolerate and difficult to predict. Unfortunately, these individuals may end up being drawn to drugs for a myriad of reasons, such as:

  • Self-medication – Often, people with bipolar disorder use substances like alcohol to create a calmer state of mind
  • Experimentation – During the mania of a bipolar episode, a person may find that they are drawn to experiment with more dangerous activities
  • Depression management – Uppers may seem like an excellent way to manage the depression of bipolar disorder in some individuals
  • Trigger management – Many people with bipolar disorder may be compelled to use drugs to control their triggering states or issues that cause their mood to change

The unpredictable natures of both drug addiction and bipolar disorder make them very dangerous co-occurring disorders. As a result, it is imperative to understand the common triggers of bipolar disorder. Knowing these triggers can help those with this condition better understand why they may be compelled to abuse drugs and how they can avoid this destructive behavior in themselves. By understanding the warning signs of a swing in moods, people with bipolar disorder are better prepared to reach out for necessary help. This can help people avoid using drugs and displaying other destructive behaviors, as they’re more inclined to reach out to a professional rather than take matters into their own hands.

COMMON TRIGGERS OF BIPOLAR DISORDER

The causes of bipolar disorder are often mysterious and may change from one person to the next. However, it is often possible to figure out what causes one person to trigger by following their mood changes as their life alters. The following common triggers of bipolar disorder should help to give you an idea of what is causing your mood disturbances:

  • Upsetting situations – Often, people with bipolar may trigger if something upsetting happens to them
  • Excitable moments – Mania may be triggered in some with bipolar when something exciting happens
  • Relationship issues – Those with bipolar disorder may react to relationship issues quite heavily
  • Financial troubles – Bipolar disorder may cause some financial difficulties and trigger emotional changes
  • Chemical imbalances – Changes in a person’s body chemistry may cause some bipolar symptoms

All of these problems are important to consider if you need drug rehab at any point. Talk to your treatment specialist about your triggers and what may cause them to give these experts the best chance of walking you back from addiction and bipolar disorder with a dual-diagnosis treatment center in Florida.

Recovery is Possible

If the common triggers of bipolar disorder seem like they could affect you, please don’t hesitate to call 1-866-824-5193 to reach out to us at Atlantic Recovery Center. Our professionals fully understand these triggers and will do what they can to help you. Our small and intimate facility is very caring and has a family-style approach that we know you will appreciate. So please verify your insurance to start today.