Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that affects approximately 5.7 million adults in the United States. People who suffer from bipolar disorder experience extreme mood shifts and behavior changes that are extremely different from typical moods and behaviors. Their symptoms involve periods of intense emotion known as mood episodes. Manic episodes may involve elation, irritability, or jumpiness, as well as a decreased need for sleep and a loss of appetite. Depressive episodes may involve worry, hopelessness, lethargy, increased appetite, or trouble concentrating.
These episodes vary in length and frequency from person to person, and even from one episode to the next. They may last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. Depending on the severity of the person’s condition, bipolar disorder can affect all areas of their life and negatively impact their ability to function productively.
Is bipolar disorder curable?
Unfortunately, there is still no cure for bipolar disorder. But the good news is that it is a treatable condition. With proper treatment, even those with severe cases are usually able to manage their symptoms, and live happy, healthy lives.
The most effective bipolar disorder treatment plans involve some combination of medication and psychotherapy. Common medications for bipolar disorder include mood stabilizers, antidepressants, and antipsychotics. The benefits of medication in the treatment of bipolar disorder include:
- Help to stabilize mood changes
- Reduced symptoms
- Reduced intensity or frequency of episodes
Common types of psychotherapy used in the treatment of bipolar disorder include family-focused therapy (FFT), interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (ISRT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). Psychotherapy is an important part of treating bipolar disorder, and the benefits are numerous. It can help provide patients and their families the tools they need to:
- Identify warning signs of new episodes
- Regulate moods
- Practice mindfulness and acceptance skills
- Build distress tolerance
- Identify and challenge negative thought patterns
- Strengthen communication skills
- And so much more
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) are two more treatments that may help reduce symptoms and increase the quality of life for those who suffer from bipolar disorder.
Unfortunately, despite the number of treatments available, many people are unable to find relief even after trying several different treatment options. This is especially concerning considering that when left untreated, the symptoms of bipolar disorder usually get worse.
Research plays a crucial role in helping us further our understanding of bipolar disorder so we can treat it more effectively and help more people live high quality lives.
Bipolar clinical research study in San Diego
If you suffer from bipolar disorder, you may be eligible to participate in a bipolar clinical research study at Synergy Research Centers in Lemon Grove. You will have access to cutting edge treatments not yet available to the general public and receive close monitoring and care by our team of medical professionals who understand your condition. You may receive compensation for time and travel expenses, and you’ll also get the satisfaction of knowing that your participation is helping to advance science and improve medical care in the treatment of bipolar disorder for those who suffer from it today as well as those in generations to come.
For more information on our bipolar clinical research studies, please give us a call at 888-539-0282 or fill out our contact form today.