Bipolar Disorder: Risk Factors and How You Can Manage the Mental Disorder

Ever felt like your emotions are always on extremes? If you have, then you could be having bipolar disorder. Formerly known as manic depression, this mental illness condition will make you feel euphoric and energy-filled when you are on your mental highs (mania). However, when your mood swings to the lows, you will feel sad and hopeless with no interest in your daily activities. Boston MindCare, PC bipolar specialists’ team led by Dr. Yee, boasts experts in bipolar disorder in Lexington. The team provides their patients with personalized care and helps them lead a comfortable life.   

What happens if bipolar is left untreated?

Bipolar does not eventually fade on its own. You should contact your doctor or a mental health expert when you start noticing mania or depression symptoms. An experienced mental health specialist will help you manage your symptoms and get them under control. Additionally, if you have suicide episodes, your doctor will advise you to have company and avoid a solitary life.  

When this mental disorder is left untreated by a mental illness professional, it will result in serious issues affecting your regular activities, including suicidal thoughts and compromised social life.

What causes bipolar?

Professionals have not figured out what causes the mental disorder. However, there are a few factors that could trigger the mental disorder’s onset.

•         Genetics. You will most likely be a victim of bipolar if your first-degree relative, like a sibling or parent, suffers from it.
•         Biological differences. Researchers argue that bipolar patients have brains with structural changes. However, the changes are not absolute.

Other risk factors that will likely trigger a bipolar episode include:

•         High-stress periods like death or traumatic event
•         Alcohol or drug abuse 

How do you treat bipolar?

After your doctor evaluates your symptoms and finds out you have a mental condition, he will combine prescriptions and therapy to ease your symptoms. The most common medications include:

•         Mood stabilizers
•         Antidepressants
•         Antipsychotics

Though traditional treatment approaches can help manage bipolar symptoms, some people suffer from resistant bipolar that is not resolved by conventional medicine. Could you be a victim of resistant bipolar? If so, Boston MindCare, PC specialists, have a solution for you. The facility’s bipolar specialists will infuse you with ketamine doses to help ease your symptom’s severity.

How effective is ketamine in treating bipolar?

Research has proven that ketamine minimizes the effects of glutamate, resulting in a stable mood. Glutamate is the neurotransmitter responsible for kick-starting your cellular functions. However, a heightened activity of the neurotransmitter can result in cell disruption and death. If you are suffering from resistant bipolar, your doctor will infuse you with a single ketamine dose to help minimize your symptoms temporarily. For a lasting solution, he will recommend multiple infusions of the medication and the best dosage.

Not everyone is eligible for ketamine infusion. Before your doctor recommends the treatment option, he will do a rigorous physical and psychiatric evaluation. He will not advise you to opt for the treatment if you have schizophrenia or have an issue with drugs.

Bipolar is not terminal, but you should not neglect its symptoms. If you are a victim of the condition or have a loved one with a mental disorder, contact a mental illness specialist today. You can also book an appointment and talk to your doctor.   

Richard Buckley