What is bipolar disorder? Expert explains misunderstood condition, symptoms

What is bipolar disorder? Expert explains misunderstood condition, symptoms
Posted on Jul 24 2020
Today.com
NAMI mentioned

Bipolar disorder is broadly defined as a cycle of manic and depressive episodes, but there are actually three different types of bipolar disorder. According to Dr. Ken Duckworth, CMO of NAMI, bipolar I disorder is characterized by manic episodes lasting at least a week, or manic symptoms that often require immediate hospital care. The episodes of mania are typically followed by a period of depression. Duckworth said that since bipolar disorder is relatively cyclical, episodes may be triggered by similar things, such as time changes or changes in the seasons. "(Bipolar disorder) is a recurring wave that keeps coming at you," he said. "It might come 20 times in a lifetime, it might come 10 times or three times ... There's no simple answers." Duckworth said that for the most part, the best way to treat bipolar disorder is through a combination of a mood stabilizer, psychotherapy and community support connections. "There is no cure, but people can live successful lives with bipolar disorder," he said.