Bipolar - Mental Health. Overview. Bipolar disorder (previously called “manic depressive disorder”) is characterized by extremes in mood and related changes in behavior and thoughts. In this condition, an individual experiences both highs (mania or its milder form, hypomania), and lows (depression), or a mixture of these symptoms at the same time. Unlike depression, the symptoms of bipolar may not be distressing to individuals bipolar disorder, and may go unnoticed by them. The symptoms of bipolar disorder may wax and wane, but the condition itself is chronic and requires ongoing management. However, with good treatment and self- management skills, individuals with bipolar disorder can lead productive and fulfilling lives. Approximately one in every hundred people (1%) develop bipolar disorder. North Carolina’s most caring, effective treatment for bipolar disorder. We have helped families get rehab for 30+ years.Bipolar Disorder: What You Need to Know Bipolar Disorder and African Americans Bipolar Disorder in Children Infographic: Life with Bipolar Mood Disorders. VA Programs & Services. Treatment for bipolar disorder involves working with mental health professionals to develop a plan with both medication and psychosocial. Directions and ContactThe Mental Health Treatment and Rehabilitation Program provides both inpatient and outpatient care for individuals aged 18 and older who have. Some common symptoms of bipolar disorder are: Mania (highs): may include feelings of euphoria, increased energy, and a heightened sense of optimism. Often times, those diagnosed with Bipolar disorder have a high degree of energy, have little need for sleep, and cannot turn off the racing thoughts in their mind. Many also report having periods of increased energy and drive along with irritability. Milder forms of mania are called hypomania. Depression (lows): consists of sad or blue moods, sometimes with a sense that things will never get better. Often people stop feeling pleasure in usual activities and become overly pessimistic, hopeless, guilty, or even think about ending their lives. Sometimes there are physical changes as well, such as sleeping too little or too much and eating too little or too much. Other Symptoms: may at times accompany bipolar disorder. Specifically, common co- occurring conditions include post- traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorders. Effective, professional, holistic intervention in beautiful, nurturing bipolar treatment centers. Guidelines for rehabs specializing in bi-polar disorders. Treatment of Bi-polar Disorder. Once diagnosis of bipolar disorder has been confirmed, your mental health. Occasionally individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder may experience hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there) or delusions (strange, fixed beliefs) when severely manic or depressed. These additional symptoms require treatment as well. Some ideas about what causes bipolar disorder: There is no single identifiable cause of bipolar disorder. Rather, it is believed that a variety of individual characteristics and outside factors contribute to the onset of bipolar symptoms, usually during early adulthood. Genetics: There is some indication that genetics plays a role in predisposing an individual to bipolar disorder, but researchers have been unable to identify any specific genetic cause. It is more likely that the disorder is caused by a combination of genetic factors and environmental triggers. Biological factors: Research has linked bipolar disorder to problems with certain brain chemicals called neurotransmitters (for example, norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine). These neurotransmitters let brain cells communicate with one another, and research indicates that problems in this communication can contribute to bipolar disorder. Life stressors: Research suggests that both physical stressors (like change in seasons or use of drugs) and social stressors (like family stress or job stress) can affect the onset and course of Bipolar disorder symptoms. There are no laboratory tests, genetic tests, brain scans, or paper- and- pencil tests that can tell you if you have bipolar disorder. Sometimes, however, brain scans are used to rule- out physical problems (such as a tumor) as the cause of the symptoms. A diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder is made after thorough clinical interview and observation by an experienced clinical provider. VA Programs & Services. Treatment for bipolar disorder involves working with mental health professionals to develop a plan with both medication and psychosocial interventions to achieve optimal health. Bipolar is a spectrum disorder because each person’s symptoms, life circumstances, and other health and mental health issues create a uniqueness that makes it impossible to treat everyone in the same way. Medication. Medication is necessary in most cases. However, no one treatment is best for all Veterans. A medication that works well for one Veteran may not help another, so it is important to work closely with prescribers to find a medication that works best for a particular individual. Programs and services at the VA treat each Veteran as an individual and work to determine which treatments and programs fit best with each Veterans’ personal needs and goals. Psychological Treatments and Social Supports. Psychosocial interventions are considered essential to promoting the recovery of Veterans who are diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and should be offered along with medications. Psychosocial interventions have been shown to improve outcomes in individuals already taking medication. The VA provides the following psychosocial interventions for bipolar disorder: Psychoeducation. Psychoeducation involves teaching Veterans with bipolar disorder about the condition, treatment, and ways to recognize signs of relapse so that early intervention can be sought before a full. Psychoeducation also may be helpful for family members. Life Goals. Life Goals helps Veterans with bipolar disorder achieve personal wellness goals through a combination of self- management skills, individualized guidance in healthy lifestyles, and symptom management. Life Goals is a brief intervention that is often provided in the context of an ongoing care management program called Life Goals Collaborative Care (LGCC). LGCC is available at a growing number of VA medical centers, including by means of videoconferencing technologies that link Veterans to centers of expertise in bipolar treatment. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps Veterans diagnosed with bipolar disorder learn to change negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with the condition. Illness Management and Recovery (IMR)Illness Management and Recovery (IMR) helps people obtain information and learn skills to support their mental health and recovery. Peer Support Technicians. Peer Support Technicians (also called Peer Specialists or Peer Counselors) have personal experiences with bipolar disorder and recovery, and have completed peer- counselor training. They can help Veterans navigate the VA mental health system, put Veterans in touch with community and VA resources, or assist Veterans in advocating for their needs. As a Veteran who “has been there” regarding mental illness, they can be terrific allies in a person’s recovery journey. Other Programs. Other programs aimed at housing, employment, vocational training, and health behavior change are also available to help Veterans design programming that best meets their needs and goals. Each VA has a Local Recovery Coordinator (LRC) who leads recovery discussion groups, creates special education programs, and makes recovery- focused programs available to Veterans. LRCs can help Veterans with bipolar disorder find resources to promote their recovery. They can also help you to arrange services.
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