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Bipolar: Experts urge better initial care

Bipolar: Experts urge better initial care

A new article by bipolar disorder experts reveals that people with this diagnosis often do not receive appropriate early care. Sufficient research around treatments for bipolar disorder is also lacking, and the specialists call for better practice and more in-depth studies to improve people’s quality of life. Many people do not receive appropriate early care […]

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What to know about mood stabilizers

What to know about mood stabilizers

Mood stabilizers are a type of medication that doctors usually use to treat the symptoms of bipolar disorder. These drugs can help stop the significant mood swings that people with bipolar disorder commonly experience. A person taking mood stabilizers may experience side effects, which can sometimes be serious. Anyone with bipolar disorder may experience unusual […]

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How does Zoloft affect bipolar disorder?

How does Zoloft affect bipolar disorder?

Zoloft is a type of medication that doctors call a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, or SSRI. They may recommend it for mental health conditions, including certain types of bipolar disorder. There are some side effects to consider before using this drug, however, and some may be cause for concern. Anyone who is uncertain about their […]

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What are mania and hypomania?

What are mania and hypomania?

Mania and hypomania are periods where a person feels elated, very active, and full of energy. Hypomania is a milder form of mania. Mania and hypomania both involve periods when the individual feels excited or experiences an energized mood. They differ in how severe these mood changes are: Mania is a severe episode that may […]

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What counts as bipolar disorder?

What counts as bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder causes a person to experience episodes of mania or hypomania and depression. People who suspect that they have bipolar disorder should see a doctor, who will perform several tests and may refer them to a psychiatrist or psychologist for further assessment. Diagnosing bipolar disorder is difficult, as no single test can tell whether […]

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What to know about bipolar disorder and sex

What to know about bipolar disorder and sex

Bipolar disorder causes a person to experience intense shifts in moods, sometimes from a manic state to a depressed state, for example. These shifts can occur with changes in sexual desire, confidence, or sexual function. Though the symptoms vary from person to person, bipolar disorder can disrupt several aspects of a person’s life, including their […]

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What are the treatments for bipolar depression?

What are the treatments for bipolar depression?

For some people, bipolar disorder can cause episodes of depression. People can manage bipolar-related depression using medications, therapies, and other treatments. Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that involves shifts in mood, energy levels, and activity levels. Depending on the type of bipolar a person has, they may experience episodes of depression that interfere […]

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How to tell if it’s bipolar disorder or ADHD

How to tell if it’s bipolar disorder or ADHD

Bipolar disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are very different conditions, but they share some similar symptoms, such as hyperactive and impulsive behavior. A careful diagnosis is especially important because the treatments for each condition are different. There may be a connection between the two conditions. A study that featured in the Journal of Psychiatric […]

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What are the main symptoms of mania?

What are the main symptoms of mania?

The mania phase of bipolar disorder involves an unusually high level of energy and activity. It is common for people in this phase to experience racing thoughts, a lower need for sleep, and difficulty concentrating. Bipolar disorder is a condition that causes extreme changes in mood. There are different forms of the disorder, some of […]

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Bipolar and schizophrenia symptoms

Bipolar and schizophrenia symptoms

Bipolar disorder and schizophrenia are psychiatric conditions that have some common traits, but also key differences. Bipolar disorder causes shifts in mood, energy levels, and thinking. Schizophrenia causes a person to appear to lose touch with reality. People with bipolar disorder may experience episodes of mania and depression, often separated by periods of relative stability. […]