Have you wondered how to label your experiences?
What is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar consists of oscillations between extreme mood states. These moods can either be depression and mania or just mania.
Most people experience episodes of depression beginning in early adulthood. Some have their first manic episode around age 25, although some do not have an episode of mania until middle adulthood. Sometimes mania can include psychosis.
In retrospect, some people experience episodes of “hypomania” before full blown mania. Hypomania includes symptoms of mania that are less intense- people are still able to function in everyday life.
Treatment
Mania often lands people in the psychiatric hospital, especially if the mania includes psychosis.
The average hospital stay lasts 1-2 weeks. Treatment includes medication management to stabilize mood and induce sleep. For some, ECT is required to bring mood and psychosis back to baseline.
The prognosis for Bipolar Disorder can be good for individuals who adhere to evidenced-based treatment.
The Role of Therapy
Psychotherapy is an important part of treatment when used in conjunction with medications.
Therapy modalities include CBT and Interpersonal Social Rhythm Therapy.
In terms of every day life, routine and good sleep are extremely important to maintain stability.
What is Schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia happens when a person no longer agrees with consensual reality for longer than 6 months.
Most people experience their first episode between the ages of 15-25, although some people are much younger or older.
In retrospect, most people experienced signs before the first episode including anxiety, depression, or trouble concentrating.
Schizophrenia includes positive symptoms (delusions, voices, odd behavior, etc.) and/or negative symptoms (low motivation, flat affect, trouble thinking).
Treatment
Positive symptoms often lands people in the psychiatric hospital.
The average hospital stay lasts 1-2 weeks. Treatment includes medication management and psychotherapy. For some, ECT is required to improve disorganization or mood.
The prognosis for Schizophrenia can be good for individuals who catch it early.
The Role of Therapy
Psychotherapy is an important part of treatment when used in conjunction with medications.
Therapy modalities include CBT and ACT.
In terms of every day life, gaining insight, challenging cognitive distortions, and learning psychological skills can greatly improve functioning.
What are Panic Attacks?
Panic attacks are episodes of intense fear that include frightening physical symptoms like a pounding heart , sweating, trouble breathing, and an overall feeling one might die. When a person begins living in fear of future attacks, they have Panic Disorder.
Most people who develop Panic Disorder, do so during adolescence, although it’s possible to develop later on in life. Panic attacks can occur at any point in the lifespan.
Many people with Panic Disorder experience other conditions like depression or agoraphobia.
Many people begin avoiding situations that bring up fear of having another attack.
Treatment
People often don’t get treatment due to feeling embarrassed, however panic attacks are extremely common.
Panic usually doesn’t require hospitalization, however higher levels like Partial Hospitalization Programs or Intensive Outpatient Programs can be helpful.
The prognosis for panic attacks and Panic Disorder is very good.
The Role of Therapy
Psychotherapy is an important part of treatment when used in conjunction with medications.
Therapy modalities include CBT, specifically exposure therapy. While this can sound scary, it is extremely effective, and a good therapist will move at your pace.
In terms of every day life, increasing awareness of your body and slowly reintroducing yourself to feared situations will greatly improve functioning.