Most Effective Treatment for Bipolar Disorder

Therapeutic Solutions

Bipolar disorder affects 2.8% of adults in the United States (1), affecting fractionally more men than women. Although gender plays a limited effect on whom it impacts, it can play a large part in how the symptoms present. Bipolar disorder in men can often go undiagnosed due to men’s propensity to be more reticent in admitting a problem, worrying that they are showing signs of weakness.

Here is more information on recognizing bipolar disorder, its main symptoms and how to treat it effectively.

What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition in episodes marked by extreme mood, energy and motivation shifts. Individuals with bipolar disorder are regularly described as manic depressive, with episodes manifesting as “mania,” where they feel extreme highs or higher than usual energy levels, and “lows,” where they feel sluggish, low on energy and feeling very low mood.

Types of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder commonly manifests as one of two types, Bipolar I, and Bipolar II. In rare cases, some people are diagnosed with Cyclothymic disorder or Cyclothymia.

Bipolar I

An individual with bipolar I disorder will commonly experience manic episodes that last several days at a time. In some cases, manic episodes are so severe that professional medical intervention is required.

Meanwhile, individuals displaying bipolar I disorder experience depressive episodes that last for at least a fortnight.

People with bipolar I disorder can experience mixed episodes, where they experience mania and depression simultaneously. (2)

Bipolar II

People with bipolar II experience similar depressive episodes of at least two weeks as those with bipolar I, while periods of mania (hypomania) last at least four days. These periods of mania are typically not as severe as the symptoms displayed by people with bipolar I disorder. (2)

Cyclothymia

Cyclothymia is a rarer mood disorder where individuals display emotional highs and lows, but typically with symptoms that are less severe than with bipolar. People diagnosed with Cyclothymia often experience symptoms over an extended period of at least two years.

Limited studies have concluded that there could be a link between hormonal changes experienced by young men during puberty and developing bipolar disorder early in life. (3)

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

There are several symptoms that someone with bipolar disorder may display. Men may show different signs than women due to psychological and emotional differences. These include:

Early-Onset

Men have been found to display bipolar symptoms at an earlier age than women in many cases. Research has found that men experience bipolar around three years before women, with women likely to show signs around the age of 50. (4)

Depression

Depression is a common and well-known symptom of bipolar disorder. Women are more likely to experience prolonged periods of depression and low mood associated with bipolar. (4)

Depressive periods often come with an inability to perform the simplest everyday tasks, such as getting out of bed, dressing or washing. Individuals often have difficulty concentrating and communicating and experience feelings of worthlessness and suicidal thoughts.

Some people experience a detachment from the real world, with everything around them happening much quicker than they are functioning.

Aggression

Research suggests that displays of aggression may be more prevalent in men with bipolar disorder. Although instances were found to be higher in men battling a substance abuse disorder simultaneously (5), some cases may be down to men struggling to cope with the emotional impact of depressive episodes.

Changes in Appetite

Loss of appetite and overeating are both signs that can be linked to bipolar disorder. One study found that appetite changes occur less frequently in men than women. (6)

Mania

A person with bipolar disorder can feel unusually energized at different times, during which they display certain behaviors. One regular manifestation is that someone may take on several new projects simultaneously. Feelings include feeling wired or jumpy and can experience feelings of importance, power and high talent.

Sometimes, this level of extreme energy can manifest with more aggression, violence and impulsivity.

Treatment of Bipolar Disorder

Although bipolar disorder is not a curable condition, several effective treatments are available that help manage symptoms and reduce the frequency of episodes. These include:

Medication

Several different prescription drugs are available to help target the symptoms of bipolar disorder. These include mood stabilizers, which reduce the frequency of manic and depressive episodes, antipsychotic drugs, and medication that targets anxiety and sleep have been found to be effective in treating bipolar symptoms.

Psychotherapy

Often known as talk therapy, psychotherapy employs the assistance of a mental health professional, usually a psychotherapist, to help navigate the challenging thoughts, behaviors and emotions caused by bipolar disorder. This is most effective when undertaken over a sustained period.

Brain Stimulation Treatments

Brain stimulation treatments, such as electroconvulsive therapy or transcranial magnetic stimulation, have positively impacted some of the more extreme symptoms of bipolar disorder. This is particularly true where severer manic episodes manifest, and research suggests that it may apply to other types of bipolar symptoms. (1)

Coping with Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition that requires long-term treatment to manage symptoms. It can make people feel isolated and alone.

Effective treatment is possible, and it is essential to get healthcare advice from professionals to ensure the proper treatment is tailored to each individual’s needs.

For men, the most effective treatment requires openness and vulnerability, exposure to trying treatment and ensuring that any symptoms or changes are discussed with healthcare professionals.

Although there is often a taboo around talking therapies, particularly in men, having the right support network to manage symptoms will help reduce the frequency and severity of episodes. With that, it is possible to manage bipolar disorder and lead a fulfilling life.

The Most Effective Treatment for Bipolar Disorder