Bipolar4LifeSupport

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What Is It?

Bipolar disorder is a problem in brain that causes frequent shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels. Symptoms vary from person to person in terms of severity and duration. For some patients, feelings of depression and elevated moods may rotate or cycle. For other patients, moods might shift quickly, and for others, feelings of depression and happiness might alternate over a period of months. Patients might feel strong feelings of anger, sadness, guilt, and hopelessness followed by extreme periods of happiness. The condition can escalate and include symptoms of delusions, hallucinations, and other types of psychosis. Patients might begin to behave strangely or out of character.

Bipolar disorder can cause severe social problems. A patient might be unable to carry out day-to-day tasks, maintain relationships, or hold a job. Some patients have been known to commit crimes while suffering from an episode. Mood swings are unpredictable and can last for several days or several months. Most commonly, symptoms begin in adolescence and young adulthood.

The disorder can affect you and everyone around you: your friends, family, coworkers, and peers. With treatment, a normal life is possible.

The history of bipolar disorder is extensive, and records of the condition date back as far as the second century. It was classified under the term “bipolar disorder” in 1980.

Types

Bipolar I: Patients experience symptoms that range from mania to depression. Previously, Bipolar I was classified as manic depression. Symptoms of depression can last for at least two weeks, and accompanying manic behavior can last for one week. This type of bipolar disorder requires hospitalization.

Bipolar II is characterized by less severe mood swings alternating between periods of hypomania and depression. Manic feelings and behaviors are not symptoms of this condition. Acute cases do not require hospitalization. Medications might be required for long term treatment.

Cyclothymic is a very mild form of bipolar disorder. Symptoms can be subtle and may persist for several years. This form of bipolar disorder may go undetected. Hypomania might be an accompanying symptom. Regular psychiatric treatment might be necessary.

Mixed bipolar disorder is characterized by simultaneous mania and depression. This dangerous mix causes symptoms of racing thoughts and excessive energy along with irritability, anger and guilt. Violent or criminal actions might result from an untreated mixed bipolar condition.

Rapid cycling bipolar disorder is characterized by four or more periods of severe depression, mania, or hypomania within a year’s time. Rapid cycling can occur within a week or even a day. Most patients begin to experience rapid cycling as teens or young adults. Rapid cycling rates are more common among women.

Symptoms & Warning Signs

The following include typical symptoms of bipolar disorder:
Rapid speech
Rapid actions
Increased sex drive
Inability to concentrate
Guilt
Chronic pain
Psychosis
Loss of interest in daily activities
Out of character behaviors

Sometimes, it is difficult to identify symptoms when you are experiencing them. A family member or friend might point out your symptoms.

Causes & Risk Factors

Bipolar symptoms will experience periods of extreme happiness followed by periods of extreme depression. You might notice that these emotions are becoming worse over time, and you might be having trouble managing your life. A family history of bipolar disorder is one of the biggest indicators of whether you will develop the condition.

Although the precise etiology of bipolar disorder is unknown, doctors believe that a number of genetic and environmental factors are responsible.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to seek treatment for bipolar disorder as soon as possible. If you do not treat the condition promptly, your symptoms may become worse and put you at risk of harm. You need to work with a doctor to find the best treatment options. Some doctors might prefer not to use medication, while other doctors believe that medication is necessary. Some patients need to be hospitalized.

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Bipolar I

People with bipolar I disorder can experience symptoms of varying levels. Some patients experience extreme manic episodes for a period of time followed by extreme depression for a long or short period of time. In the past, bipolar I disorder was known as manic depression.

Typically, patients experience depression for at least two weeks and then will display manic behavior for about one week. This pattern can cycle for an indefinite period of time, and many patients need to be hospitalized in order to keep symptoms under control.

Symptoms of depression include:
Feelings of hopelessness
Diminished memory
Trouble concentrating
Trouble sleeping
Appetite loss
Weight loss
Increased appetite
Weight gain
Exhaustion
Lethargy
Excessive and irrational guilt
Thoughts of suicide
Social withdrawal

Symptoms of mania include:
Delusions of grandeur
Falsely high self-esteem
Dangerous behaviors
Drinking & doing drugs
Overeating
Acting without judgment
Spending excessive amounts of money
Loss of self control
Insomnia
Behaving promiscuously

Bipolar II

Patients with bipolar II disorder experience less severe mood swings and experience hypomania and depression. Symptoms of hypomania are milder symptoms of mania. People might experience mood swings for varying amounts of time at varying intensities. Most people with bipolar II disorder do not need to be hospitalized, although a large number of patients need medication, therapy, and long term treatment.

It is possible for people with bipolar II disorder to have a manic episode in the future. When bipolar II patients experience mania, it is difficult to diagnose and treat the symptoms effectively.

Cyclothymic

Patients with cyclothymia experience a very mild form of bipolar disorder. The symptoms for this condition are subtle, gradual, and may go without detection for a number of years. Cyclothymic patients rarely experience full-on mania, but they may experience hypomania. Even though symptoms of cyclothymia may be mild, doctors advise patients to seek out regular psychiatric treatment.

Mixed Bipolar

Patients of this disorder experience mania and depression at the same time. This dangerous combination of symptoms can cause racing thoughts, excessive energy, irritability, outbreaks of anger, and excessive guilt. People with mixed bipolar disorder have been known to act out violently and commit crimes.

Rapid Cycling

This form of bipolar disorder occurs when a patient experiences four or more episodes of depression, mania, or hypomania. Some patients experience severe alternating moods within a week or even a day. Rapid cycling is most common among teens, young adults, and women.

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For the estimated 2.4 million adults living with schizophrenia in the U.S., and the people who love and care for them, it takes courage, compassion, and a commitment to stand and face this serious condition together — always looking ahead with hope.

Whether you’re living with this disease or caring for someone who is, we hope that our site can help provide some resources you need to face schizophrenia head on. Remember, we’re in this together.

It takes strong support from the people that care, too.

Interactive Conversation Tool

Whether you live with schizophrenia or care for someone who does, our Interactive Conversation Tool may help you talk with your treatment team and loved ones about schizophrenia management, including treatment options. We’re building the tool based on input from people like you. So register today, and we’ll let you know when it’s ready to use.

Schizophrenia Is a Lifelong Condition

Most people out there don’t understand what schizophrenia is. But the reality is, schizophrenia is a lifelong medical condition that affects 1 out of 100 adults in the U.S.

Because each person is unique, the symptoms of schizophrenia can be very different from one person to the next. And because schizophrenia is a lifelong condition, symptoms can also change, or come and go in phases.

Schizophrenia is nobody’s fault.
Schizophrenia affects the brain. This can change how people think, feel, act, and live. It’s important to remember that no one chooses to have schizophrenia or its symptoms.
Some commonly reported symptoms include: Hallucinations: sensing things that others don’t, like hearing or seeing things
Delusions: strongly believing something is true even when there’s no evidence of it
Altered emotions: having feelings that don’t seem to fit what’s going on, or having no feelings at all
Withdrawal: no drive or desire to do the things you used to enjoy
Lack of motivation: difficulty staying focused and doing tasks
Disorganization: having disorganized thinking, speaking, or behavior
Cognitive: such as attention and memory problems

A common symptom of schizophrenia is not realizing there’s anything wrong.

Accepting help or treatment
It’s really important to know that a lot of people with schizophrenia may not see there’s anything wrong, because of a clinical symptom called “lack of insight.” The symptom can make people think there’s no need for treatment or medication, which may make it hard for them to accept help from family and caregivers.
Help us develop a support tool that may make a difference. By registering, you’ll receive information about schizophrenia management, including treatment options.

Schizophrenia treatment:
understanding your options

Psychosocial treatments, including one-on-one therapy, family therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, and others, may help manage the symptoms of schizophrenia. Antipsychotic medication is also an important part of a treatment plan to help improve and maintain control of symptoms. Antipsychotic medicines include what are called “typicals” and “atypicals.” Pills and liquid are taken daily, while some injections are given twice a month and others given once monthly.*

The Maintenance Phase is following a treatment plan including taking your medication to help control symptoms and try to prevent acute episodes from coming back quickly. With appropriate medication and support, many people with schizophrenia can aim to lead productive lives. But even in a Maintenance Phase, there is a risk that acute episodes may come back. So, it’s especially important to remember to stay on treatment—even when symptoms improve.

An Acute Phase of schizophrenia is when symptoms are typically severe and may lead to hospitalization. Acute episodes can keep happening, and for some may get worse over time.

Maintenance Treatment*

Daily

Oral Medication

Pills or liquid taken daily by the individual.

Twice a Month

Long-Acting Medication

Injections given by healthcare professionals twice a month.

Monthly

Long-Acting Medication

Once-monthly injection given by healthcare professionals.

*After Initial Dosing

Find out more about a treatment option

Stay informed. And help others.

Discover how you can get resources like our HelpSheets, and assist us in developing a support tool for others like you.

Reach out to any of the people on your Treatment Team for help and support.

Caregiving:
It Takes Working Together

Schizophrenia can be a lonely condition. The world outside often misunderstands schizophrenia, and doesn’t know how much courage and compassion it takes to live with the condition. That’s why it’s so important for family, caregivers, and loved ones to stand together.
How family members can help:
•They can be “advocates,” and help loved ones work with the complicated healthcare system.
•They can remind their loved ones to take their medication, which may help prevent acute episodes from coming back quickly.
•They can partner with their loved one and the rest of the Treatment Team to find an appropriate treatment plan.
•They can be the first to notice warning signs of an acute episode or side effects of medicine.

Some things can make it hard for family and caregivers to offer help. Like when they feel “shut out” because doctor-patient confidentiality doesn’t let them get information about their loved one’s health. Even then, family and caregivers may still offer important information to the Treatment Team.

A Treatment Team can be made up of one or more healthcare professionals — and is the best source of information about your loved one’s condition. Here’s a brief description of who might be on a Treatment Team.
Psychiatrists: The psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in mental health, and prescribes and manages medication.
Psychologists, psychiatric social workers, or counselors: These are the professionals who help patients with what’s called psychosocial treatments, such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) or family therapy.
Nurse practitioners and physician assistants: Many psychiatrists will rely on these healthcare professionals to help manage day-to-day treatment.
Nurses: Are in regular contact with patients, and often work closely with caregivers, case workers, and social workers to discuss a patient’s treatment and needs.
Social workers: Many are trained as therapists and offer counseling and social skills training. Others can help arrange for various social services.
Case Managers: Can help find services and programs that help patients with daily living. They can also help apply for benefits and arrange for training.
Occupational therapists or employment counselors: Once a patient is sticking to treatment and in a Maintenance Phase, these professionals can help them find the skills needed for work or school.
Get involved.

With your input, we may develop additional resources for those caring for someone with schizophrenia.

Additional Resources

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
The nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization
1-800-950-6264

Mental Health America
Network of resources for living a mentally healthy life
1-800-969-6642

SAMHSA Mental Health Services
Resource for substance abuse and mental health

Bring Change 2 Mind
Medical advisory panel as well as information on schizophrenia and other mental illnesses

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Find out more and apply for disability benefits

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WHY EXERCISE?

As our technology advances, it produces more sophisticated, labor saving machinery which requires less physical involvement by today’s employees. However, our bodies were not designed to sit behind desks all day or to depress the accelerator pedal of our cars. Our heart, lungs and muscles need vigorous, regular exercise in order to function properly and keep us physically fit.

When the activity required by our jobs and other duties falls below the level necessary to support good health, we must supplement it with planned activity. Our sense of well being, our ability to perform, and even our survival depends on it.

PHYSICAL EFFECTS OF EXERCISE

Chronic levels of tension can produce the following physical effects on our bodies:

A. Inability to move freely and easily
B. Reduced circulation
C. Sore, tight muscles
D. Shallow, inhibited breathing
E. Psychosomatic illnesses

Exercise can reduce these negative effects and prepare us physically to cope with future stressors.

WHAT IS AEROBIC EXERCISE?

Whenever you move, your body must use up more oxygen than it requires in a resting state. More oxygen can be delivered to your body by either taking in more air into your lungs or by increasing your heart rate. Any vigorous, extended exercise that demands more oxygen than you customarily consume, but not more than you can take in is considered aerobic exercise.

TYPES OF EXERCISE

The key to aerobics is continued movement and motion. Any exercise which fulfills these requirements, while increasing your oxygen consumption is appropriate. The following are all appropriate:

1. Fast walking
2. Jumping Rope
3. Running
4. Cycling
5. Jogging
6. Swimming
7. Stationary running
8. Handball, Squash

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Tips for Parents of Children with ADHD

If your child has been diagnosed with ADHD the following are some tips on how to move forward without the guilt or blame:

Learn About ADHD — Being informed about your child’s diagnosis will also help you to better understand your child’s behavior.

Maintain A Positive Attitude — Remember that your child is not his ADHD. S/he has many wonderful qualities and it is important to praise them. Acknowledging your child’s positive traits will help to keep up his/her self-confidence. It will also serve as a reminder of the qualities you value in them during more stressful situations.

Have Patience — At times, your child’s behaviors might be frustrating, worrisome, or embarrassing. Be aware of those behaviors that will not have significant negative consequences and choose to let them go. Be flexible and understand that many of your child’s behaviors are related to their ADHD.

Take Care of Yourself — Be sure to take time for your own relaxation. Parents of children with ADHD benefit from planned personal time. Setting aside time to release stress will increase your frustration tolerance, helping you to deal with problem behaviors in a calm, productive way.

Know That You Are Not Alone — Support groups for parents of children with ADHD can be found in most areas, as well as online. Having a community that understands what you, your child, and your family are dealing with will be helpful in learning new, productive ways to build a path to success. Reach out to these groups as well as mental health professionals who can help you determine the right treatment options for your child.

The Attention Deficit Specialists at CEPD can help you and your child to get on and stay on the road to success. Together, we can determine what problem behaviors can and should be addressed, develop and implement a plan to change those behaviors, provide emotional support for you, your child, and your family, and work on strengthening your child’s ability to focus his/her attention.