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Bipolar Disorder

How Does Bipolar Disorder Affect the Brain?

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Medically reviewed by Dr. Mark Hrymoc, M.D.
Smiling woman after asking how does bipolar disorder affect the brain

How does bipolar disorder affect the brain? Bipolar disorder impacts the brain by causing alterations in mood regulation mechanisms, neurotransmitter levels, and neural circuitry. This can lead to significant mood swings, ranging from manic highs to depressive lows. Studies suggest changes in brain volume and activity, particularly in areas responsible for emotional regulation and cognitive function, contributing to the symptoms and challenges associated with bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is a complex mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings that significantly impact an individual’s life. These mood fluctuations correlate with profound changes in brain structure and function, affecting emotional regulation, energy levels, and cognitive processes. Fortunately, bipolar disorder treatment can help stabilize mood swings, reduce episode severity and frequency, and improve daily functioning. This article explores a common question we hear – how does bipolar disorder affect the brain? How Does Bipolar Disorder Affect the Brain? Bipolar disorder, marked by …

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How to Cope with Bipolar Disorder

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Medically reviewed by Dr. Mark Hrymoc, M.D.
woman reading book on how to cope with bipolar disorder

If you or someone you know has bipolar disorder, you are not alone. Fortunately, there are many ways for those with bipolar disorder to continue living a productive, satisfying life personally, professionally, and socially. Mental health professionals can help you develop a bipolar disorder treatment plan based on your needs, including medication, behavioral therapies, education, and family support. In this article, we explore what bipolar disorder is, diagnostic criteria, and how to cope with bipolar disorder. Bipolar Disorder Explained Statistics today show that 5.7 million Americans over 18 have bipolar disorder, the sixth leading cause of disability. Nearly 2.6% of the population must learn to cope with bipolar disorder. The first step in coping is to understand the illness completely. Someone with bipolar disorder experiences changes in their mood, oscillating between depression, normal mood, and mania. Each person with bipolar disorder may experience different highs and lows for different time …

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World Bipolar Day 2023

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bipolar

By Ashley Barnes What is World Bipolar Day? Each year on March 30th, World Bipolar Day is observed to bring awareness to bipolar disorders and to eradicate social stigma. Vincent Van Gogh, the famous and extremely talented artist, was posthumously diagnosed as having a form of bipolar disorder; World Bipolar Day is celebrated each year on his birthday.  Prevalence of Bipolar Disorders. Bipolar disorder is more than just mood swings and there are different variations of the disorder with distinct criteria for each. Bipolar disorders are classified as mood disorders in the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, alongside depressive disorders. According to the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, “bipolar disorder affects approximately 5.7 million adult Americans,” or around 2.6% of the U.S. population who are age 18 and older (2019). Bipolar disorders impact those of all ages, genders, ethnic groups and social classes.  Symptoms of Bipolar Disorders. Those who …

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What Does Bipolar Feel Like?

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What does bipolar feel like?

The National Institute of Mental Health reports that 4.4% of American adults have bipolar disorder. But, what does bipolar feel like? And how do you know if you might have it? Onset typically occurs in a person’s mid-twenties, with people between 18 and 29 having the highest rates of the disorder. While bipolar disorder is not curable, it is treatable and can be managed so you can lead a productive, healthy lifestyle. If left untreated, however, bipolar disorder can negatively affect your overall health. For example, it can cause a reduction in lifespan among some people but increase the risk of suicide and substance use disorders. What is Bipolar Disorder? Daily events and encounters produce ups and downs that lead to mood fluctuations. It is not unusual to feel happy and excited when something good happens and sad or blue when something bad happens. These mood shifts are considered “normal.” Moods undergo abnormal …

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7 Uses for Ketamine Therapy

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7 uses for Ketamine therapy

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Ketamine for limited use as a general anesthetic, initially used in the 1960s and 1970s. Ketamine was the go-to anesthesia for treating wounded soldiers on the battlefield. Around this same time, researchers were discovering other uses for Ketamine. However, as the drug became popular among recreational users, President Nixon banned it and classified it as a schedule III narcotic. Uses for Ketamine in Mental Health In recent years, Ketamine has been making a comeback in the mental health industry. Psychiatrists can administer Ketamine as an off-label prescription in their clinic. No take-home prescriptions are allowed, however. Esketamine, a nasal spray, and an intravenous drip are the two most common treatment methods. The more time that passes and the more data gathered, the uses for Ketamine are expanding. Below are seven examples. 1. Severe Depression Ketamine is currently an effective treatment for severe depression. If …

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