Category: Uncategorized

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Posted on by admin

What is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder?

It’s normal after a distressing event to have trouble sleeping or to have difficulties adjusting back to day-to-day life, but if these symptoms last over a month, you might be suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

 

PTSD is a type of anxiety disorder triggered by very difficult, frightening and upsetting events. Although often associated with war veterans, PTSD can develop following any event (or series of events) that has been very overwhelming – such as a sexual assault, an accident, a natural disaster etc.

 

PTSD can involve reliving the traumatic event through nightmares and flashbacks.

 

PTSD can affect anyone, including people who have had indirect exposure to a distressing event or repeated exposure to graphic details of trauma.

 

If you’re suffering from PTSD, you might be avoiding situations or people that remind you of what happened, or you might have heightened reactions to loud or unexpected noises or movements.

 

The disorder can be mild, moderate or severe. These categories are defined according to how much your symptoms are influencing your day-to-day life, rather than a judgement on the event itself.

 

Sometimes, PTSD will be described under the following categories:

 

Delayed-onset PTSD – if symptoms occur more than 6 months after the distressing event.

Complex PTSD – if you experienced trauma at an early age or it lasted for a long time.

Birth trauma – occurs after a traumatic childbirth experience.

 

Signs and symptoms of PTSD

 

Physiological Symptoms

 

·       Sweating

·       Pain

·       Nausea

·       Trembling

 

Psychological Symptoms

 

·       Vivid flashbacks

·       Intrusive thoughts or images

·       Irritability

·       Nightmares

·       Difficulty feeling emotions

·       Hypervigilance

·       Hyperacusis (reduced tolerance to noise)

·       Persistent fear, anger, guilt or shame

·       Difficulty with concentration

 

Behavioural Symptoms

 

·       Avoiding places that remind you of the event

·       Diminished interest in participation of activities and social gatherings

·       Reckless or destructive behaviour

·       Difficulty falling and/or remaining asleep

 

Therapies for PTSD

 

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

 

CBT can help you become aware of your negative thought patterns and recognise how they might be contributing to your anxiety. Your therapist will work with you to identify negative thought patterns, safely and gradually expose you to situations that trigger your anxiety, and also teach you how to manage challenging situations more effectively.

 

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)

 

EMDR is an evidence-based approach that instead of talking, relies on the patient’s own rapid, rhythmic movements. EMDR uses eye movements to help you process the feelings and memories associated with the trauma. Treatment can be fairly short-term for a specific trauma e.g. 8-16 sessions, or continue over a longer period of time for C-PTSD.

 

To find out more about which approach to therapy might be best for you, contact us for a free phone consultation.

 

How PTSD develops

PTSD can develop following a traumatic or distressing event – or after a prolonged traumatic experience (sometimes referred to as Complex-PTSD). Examples might be:

 

·       Traumatic birth

·       Natural disaster

·       Witnessing a violent death

·       Terrorist attack

 

There are certain factors that can make you more likely to develop PTSD. For example, if you’ve experience depression or anxiety in the past or if you haven’t received the right support following the event. Also, having a parent with mental health issues can also increase your chances of developing PTSD.

 

It’s still not clear why some people develop PTSD and others don’t. However, recent research points to a biological predisposition – with the development of PTSD being a type of survival mechanism, caused by high adrenaline levels and physical and hormonal changes that happen in the brain.

 

PTSD was previously termed ‘Shell Shock’

 

PTSD myths

“PTSD cannot be treated”

 

There are many different treatments for PTSD which can help someone manage the condition and their symptoms.

 

“PTSD only affects soldiers”

 

PTSD was first diagnosed in soldiers, but it can affect anyone who experiences a very overwhelming or traumatic event.

 

“People with PTSD are violent”

 

Aggression is not a key symptom of PTSD and less than 8% of people with PTSD experience violence as a symptom.

 

“PTSD does not affect children”

 

Anyone can be diagnosed with PTSD and about 7% of girls and 2% of boys are diagnosed.

 

“Suffering from PTSD means you are mentally weak”

 

Just like any other mental illness, having PTSD does not mean you are weak. To the contrary, it is often a response to having lived through something extremely distressing. Some people also have a genetic predisposition to developing PTSD – in the same way that someone can have a predisposition to a physical illness, such as heart disease.

 

“My trauma occurred a long time ago, its too late to address it now”

 

Seeking support for trauma at any age is beneficial – no matter how long ago it happened.

 

“If I can’t remember the abuse, then I wont be able to process the trauma”

 

There are many therapies where it’s not necessary to have coherent memories of the trauma you experienced. Instead, these therapies focus on helping you connect with and process the feelings and bodily sensations associated with the trauma.

 

Self help strategies for PTSD

Self-care comes in many forms and it is important to find what works for you. Treatment and recovery take time, but there are a few steps you can take right now.

 

PTSD Coach. Provides information about PTSD, alongside a self-assessment and professional care. Opportunities to find support, and tools that can help you manage the stresses of living with PTSD.

 

 

PTSD Family Coach. For family members of those living with PTSD. Provides information about PTSD, how to take care of yourself, how to take care of your relationship with your loved one, and how to help your loved one get treatment.

 

To find out more about which approach to therapy might be best for you, contact us for a free phone consultation.

Sleep Disorders

Posted on by admin

What is a sleep disorder?

Sleep disorders are condition which negatively impact the quality of your sleep, and they tend to be caused by either emotional or physical problems (sometimes both).

 

Insomnia is the most common type of sleep disorder, and whilst it can sometimes be caused by physical ailments, it typically persists due to an underlying psychological issue.

 

The overriding symptom of insomnia is the inability to sleep well – for a period of one month or more. This might mean difficulty falling asleep, but can also manifest as the inability to stay asleep (waking multiple times throughout the night) or waking up very early and being unable to fall asleep again.

 

Most of us will encounter difficulties sleeping at some point in our lives, and it usually happens following a temporary period of stress. However, most people find their sleeping patterns finally settle down again when life returns to normal. If sleeping problems persist, it might lead to a long-term sleeping disorder.

 

The good news is that sleep disorders can be treated and managed effectively using a combination of medication, mindfulness – and therapy.

 

Some common sleep disorders are:

 

Hypersomnolence disorder – excessive sleepiness and difficulty waking up (even when getting sufficient sleep).

 

Narcolepsy – excessive daytime sleepiness and “sleep attacks” usually occurring several times a week.

 

Hyperventilation – exhaling more than you inhale.

 

Parasomnia – experiencing abnormal events whilst sleeping.

 

Restless leg syndrome – frequent awakenings and difficulty falling asleep due to pain, relieved by moving the leg.

 

Signs you have a sleep disorder:

Not everyone experiences sleep disorders in the same way or to the same degree. Although not all of the following will apply to you, some of the most common symptoms are listed below.

 

Physiological Symptoms

 

·       Difficulty concentrating

·       Aches and pains in the body

·       Dry eyes

·       Appetite changes

 

Psychological Symptoms

·       Feeling overwhelmed

·       Experiencing exhaustion throughout the day

·       Increased irritability

·       Depression

·       Anxiety

 

Behavioural Symptoms

·       Struggling to fall asleep at night

·       Frequent awakenings throughout the night

·       Waking up extremely early in the morning

 

Therapy for sleep disorders – treating sleep disorders

·       Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

 

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) centres around the belief that our thoughts and beliefs about the world impact the way we feel, and respond to situations. CBT will help you recognise and challenge negative thoughts which might be exacerbating your symptoms so you can replace them with healthier ways of thinking.

 

·       Relaxation technique

use of muscle-relaxation techniques to aid in the treatment of emotional tension. Also called therapeutic relaxation. Mental relaxation allows our mind to settle, slow down and prepare for sleep.

 

 

To find out more about which approach to therapy might be best for you, contact us for a free phone consultation.

 

Common sleeping myths

 

‘If you wake up during the night, you’re not sleeping well’

 

Waking up a few times in the night is perfectly normal. In fact, we do so because of evolutionary reasons in order to assess our surroundings. Even those of us without sleeping difficulties wake up between 5 – 15 times each night.

 

‘We need 8 hrs of sleep for a good night’s sleep’

Contrary to popular belief, 8 hours is not necessarily the length of time to strive for. Most people range between needing 6 – 9 hours of sleep, and our need for sleep generally decreases with age.

 

‘Sleeping pills are effective’

 

Although sleeping pills can be effective in the short-term, the efficacy of sleeping pills decreases over time.

 

‘A glass of red wine helps increase sleepiness’

 

Alcohol is a sedative so it can make you feel drowsy. However, processing alcohol whilst sleeping has a negative impact on both your quantity and quality of deep sleep.

 

Sleep self help

Self-care comes in many forms so it’s all about finding what works for you. Treatment and recovery can take time, but there are a few steps you can take right away:

If you wake up in the middle of the night and can’t fall back asleep, try leaving your bedroom and doing a benign task e.g. the washing up. You want to associate your bed with quality sleep as much as possible.

Sleep hygiene tips:

Try not to eat or exercise too close to bedtime, that way your body can prepare to slow down.

Try to have a regular sleep routine. This will train your body to know when bedtime is approaching.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Posted on by admin

Attention Deficit Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD) Assessments:

 

People with ADHD and ADD present with deficit of attention and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity since childhood, though they might be only diagnosed as adults.

 

Some ADHD symptoms include struggling with attention to details; failing to complete schoolwork or duties in the workplace; difficulty in organising and planning activities; being fidgety, restless, or hyperactive; talking too much; being impatient; being impulsive. This condition can cause problems with impulse control, emotional regulation, anger management, substance misuse, eating problems, sleep problems, and can impact on education, work, daily activities, relationship and quality of life.

 

With appropriate medical and psychotherapy treatment, people with ADHD can improve considerably and achieve their real potential.

 

ADHD or ADD are present in about 4-5% of the adult population and are thought to be under-recognised in girls and women.

 

The following groups might have a greater probability of having ADHD: people with a close family member diagnosed with ADHD, people with epilepsy, people with neurodevelopmental disorders (for example, autism spectrum disorder, tic disorders, learning disability, learning difficulties), adults with a mental health condition, people with a history of substance misuse or eating disorders.

 

When to consider an ADD/ADHD assessment:

If you experience the symptoms above, it would be helpful to explore an ADHD/ADD assessment.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Posted on by admin

What is obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a common disorder in which the individual suffers from obsessive thoughts and subsequently engages in compulsive activity to manage these thoughts.

 

An obsession is defined as an unwanted thought, image or urge that repeatedly enters the person’s mind, causing feelings of anxiety, disgust or unease.

A compulsion is a repetitive behaviour (which could also be mental) that someone feels they need to carry out to relieve the unpleasant feelings brought on by the obsessive thought.

OCD symptoms can vary in terms of their severity. For some people these thoughts and compulsive behaviours can take up to an hour of their day whereas for others it can take over their life.

 

Symptoms of OCD

·       Obsessions – where an unwanted thought, image or urge repeatedly enters your mind

·       Anxiety – the obsession provokes intense anxiety and distress

·       Compulsion – repetitive behaviours or mental acts are performed to bring about relief to the distress or anxiety

·       Temporary relief – the compulsive behaviour only brings about temporary relief but the anxiety and obsession soon return

OCD manifests itself in different ways but some common obsessions are fear of deliberately harming yourself or others, fear of contamination by disease or infection, a need for symmetry and orderliness. The compulsive behaviours people engage in can also vary from counting, seeking reassurance repetitively, repeating words silently, extensively overthinking, thinking ‘neutralising thoughts’, cleaning and hand washing, checking and other behaviours.

 

Treatment for OCD

The most effective treatment for OCD is cognitive behavioural therapy involving graded exposure and response prevention, a therapy which focuses on experiencing the obsessive thoughts without trying to ‘neutralise’ them with compulsive behaviour. On some occasions if OCD is particularly severe it might be helpful to consider medication options that might assist in the management of your symptoms. We have experience in the psychological treatment of OCD and in offering appropriate therapeutic techniques.  

Hallucination

Posted on by admin

Schizophrenia

Posted on by admin

Schizophrenia is a psychotic disorder characterized by disturbances in thinking (cognition), emotional responsiveness, and behavior, with an age of onset typically between the late teens and mid-30s. Schizophrenia was first formally described in the late 19th century by Emil Kraepelin, who named it dementia praecox; in 1908, Eugen Bleuler renamed the disorder schizophrenia (Greek, “splitting of the mind”) to characterize the disintegration of mental functions associated with what he regarded as its fundamental symptoms of abnormal thinking and affect. According to DSM–IV–TR, the characteristic disturbances must last for at least 6 months and include at least 1 month of active-phase symptoms comprising two or more of the following: delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior, or negative symptoms (e.g., lack of emotional responsiveness, extreme apathy). These signs and symptoms are associated with marked social or occupational dysfunction. Some have argued (beginning with Bleuler) that disorganized thinking (see formal thought disorder; schizophrenic thinking) is the single most important feature of schizophrenia, but DSM–IV–TR and its predecessors have not emphasized this feature, at least in their formal criteria. DSM–5 retains essentially the same criteria but emphasizes that delusions, hallucinations, or disorganized speech must be among the symptoms required for diagnosis. It also eliminates the five distinct subtypes of schizophrenia previously described in DSM–IV–TR: catatonic schizophrenia, disorganized schizophrenia, paranoid schizophrenia, residual schizophrenia, and undifferentiated schizophrenia.

 

Schizophrenia Patient Outcomes Research Team (PORT):

a group of researchers established by the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research and the National Institute of Mental Health. The team conducted a 5-year study to assess the treatment and management of schizophrenia (including pharmacotherapies, psychological and family interventions, vocational rehabilitation, and assertive community treatment) and subsequently developed 15 recommendations for improving patient outcomes. The researchers reviewed the literature on schizophrenia treatment outcomes and also surveyed a random sample of 719 individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia in two U.S. states to determine how the scientific evidence compared with actual clinical practice in outpatient and inpatient settings in both urban and rural areas. It was found that the overall rates at which patients’ treatment conformed to the study recommendations were generally below 50%, indicating the need for greater efforts to ensure that treatment research results are translated into practice, and that the key to improving patient outcomes is adoption of a comprehensive and individualized strategy that includes not only proper doses of appropriate medications but also patient and family education and support.

 

psychosexual issues

Posted on by admin

What are psychosexual issues?

Psychosexual issues are sexual problems that are psychological in origin rather than physiological. They may arise as a result of stress, anxiety, nervousness, worry, fear, depression, trauma and other causes. Sexual problems can vary in severity and intensity, some can be minor and temporary whereas others have been around for a long time. Examples of psychosexual issues are:

 

·       Loss of sexual desire

·       Painful intercourse

·       Difficulties with orgasm

·       Arousal disorders

·       Erectile dysfunction

·       Premature or delayed ejaculation

·       General breakdown in a couple’s sexual relationship

 

Treatment for psychosexual issues

Psychological therapy can help you understand the origins of psychosexual difficulties. Often therapy is likely to focus on the underlying causes than the sexual difficulties themselves though some guidance is also offered about strategies for managing some of the difficulties you might be struggling with. Our psychologists are likely to meet you first for an initial assessment and spend some time developing a psychological formulation of your difficulties. An appropriate treatment plan will be formulated then. Sometimes the psychologists might subsequently refer you to a psychosexual therapist if this approach is deemed to be appropriate.

Aggression

Posted on by admin

Aggression is a behavior aimed at harming others physically or psychologically. It can be distinguished from anger in that anger is oriented at overcoming the target but not necessarily through harm or destruction. When such behavior is purposively performed with the primary goal of intentional injury or destruction, it is termed hostile aggression. Other types of aggression are less deliberately damaging and may be instrumentally motivated (proactive) or affectively motivated (reactive). Instrumental aggression involves an action carried out principally to achieve another goal, such as acquiring a desired resource. Affective aggression involves an emotional response that tends to be targeted toward the perceived source of the distress but may be displaced onto other people or objects if the disturbing agent cannot be attacked (see displaced aggression). In the classical psychoanalytic theory of Sigmund Freud, the aggressive impulse is innate and derived from the death instinct, but many non-Freudian psychoanalysts and most nonpsychoanalytically oriented psychologists view it as socially learned or as a reaction to frustration.

Aggression among nonhuman animals also exists, involving direct physical attack by one on another or the threat of such attack. Over the years, different researchers have identified different types of animal aggression based on such considerations as the members involved (e.g., intraspecific or interspecific), the apparent intent (e.g., offensive or defensive), or the stimuli eliciting them.How to overcome anger problems: the role of anger in psychology and what causes anger issues



Out of all our emotions, anger tends to be the one we’re least comfortable with – both when we’re in the presence of the anger of others, but also, sometimes, when it comes to expressing our own.



But anger is a completely natural, healthy emotion. In fact, just like all emotions, it serves an important function, helping us get our needs met and alerting us to danger.



However, when it gets out of control – and we’re unable to express our anger in an appropriate way – it can become destructive, both to ourselves and others.



Angry outbursts throw the body into fight or flight, which, when experienced for an extended period of time, can exhaust the body and deplete our energy… So much so, in fact, that studies have linked aggression and high levels of anger directly to depression – especially in men. 



That’s not to mention the toll this kind of anger can take on our relationships. When we shout, we create an atmosphere of threat. Whilst the aim might be to make ourselves – or our point – “heard”, the reverse is often true. When people feel like they’re walking on eggshells all the time, they’re likely to be more guarded and less able to relax. In this sense, uncontrolled anger ostracises us from others, and holds us back from forming true intimacy.



How to overcome anger problems: the role of anger in psychology and what causes anger issues

 

Out of all our emotions, anger tends to be the one we’re least comfortable with – both when we’re in the presence of the anger of others, but also, sometimes, when it comes to expressing our own.

 

But anger is a completely natural, healthy emotion. In fact, just like all emotions, it serves an important function, helping us get our needs met and alerting us to danger.

 

However, when it gets out of control – and we’re unable to express our anger in an appropriate way – it can become destructive, both to ourselves and others.

 

Angry outbursts throw the body into fight or flight, which, when experienced for an extended period of time, can exhaust the body and deplete our energy… So much so, in fact, that studies have linked aggression and high levels of anger directly to depression – especially in men.

 

That’s not to mention the toll this kind of anger can take on our relationships. When we shout, we create an atmosphere of threat. Whilst the aim might be to make ourselves – or our point – “heard”, the reverse is often true. When people feel like they’re walking on eggshells all the time, they’re likely to be more guarded and less able to relax. In this sense, uncontrolled anger ostracises us from others, and holds us back from forming true intimacy.

 

What role does anger play in psychology?

Anger is one of the six “basic emotions” identified in the Atlas of emotions and it serves an important function. Being able to express our anger – rather than suppress it – is essential. Anger alerts us when our boundaries have been crossed, making sure we look after our own needs.

 

Anger is a valid emotion in its own right. That said, when anger becomes a problem, it can often be used to mask other, more uncomfortable emotions lurking underneath. Because of societal pressures, men in particular might find that they revert to anger as a way to cover up deeper pain and hurt.

 

What causes anger issues?

No one is born with an anger problem. It’s usually a learnt coping style with deep roots.

 

Some people learn this response by copying their parents growing up. Perhaps a parent had a short fuse or an aggressive communication style, berating or criticising other members of the family. If you’re brought up in this kind of environment, you might consider this kind of behaviour as “normal”.

 

It can also develop following abuse or bullying. Say, for instance, you were badly bullied at school… You may have vowed to never allow it happen again. In this sense, shouting people down becomes a pattern of “protection”.

 

How to overcome anger issues:

Overcoming anger issues isn’t about suppressing anger but rather about learning why it’s there and how to express it in an appropriate way.

 

Start an anger diary – in order to better manage your anger, you need to first learn how to recognise when you’re feeling angry (before it tips into rage). Start by thinking of a recent episode and make notes on the following:

 

What triggered your anger:

·       The warning signs (how your body felt, what kind of thoughts were running through your mind…)

·       How you responded

·       The consequences of expressing your anger in this way

Consider what triggers your anger – examples might be: not feeling heard, things not going your way, people taking advantage of you, situational events etc. The aim is to help you identify what pushes your buttons. The better you are at identifying your triggers, the easier it will be to create coping strategies for dealing with your anger in a healthier, more productive way.

 

Look at the kinds of thoughts you get when you’re angry – do you immediately jump to worst case scenario or expect the worst from people? Do you take everything personally or assume that people’s motives are always negative? If you struggle with anger, you’re likely to find that some of your thoughts are distorted or blown out of proportion. Taking the time to step back and question these thoughts before making a knee-jerk response can help prevent an angry episode from taking hold.

 

Practice “opposite action” – opposite action is simply about acting opposite to an emotion’s urge. So when it comes to anger, the urge is usually to attack someone – physically or verbally – or to be sarcastic and criticise. Therefore, acting opposite means gently taking a step back from the situation, trying to be gentle and patient, and putting yourself in the other person’s shoes. Next time you get angry, try relaxing your body posture, unclenching your fists, doing some rounds of slow, deep breathing, and continuing until the intensity of your anger subsides.

 

When directed and expressed in the right way, anger can be healthy and positive, helping us clear the air and strengthen bonds with our loved ones. But when it becomes a self-sabotaging pattern, it can become dangerous and cause us a lot of problems in the long run.

 

Autism

Posted on by admin

Autism Diagnostic Assessments:

 

AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS (ASD), including Asperger’s Syndrome, is a type of neurodevelopmental disorders. It is a lifelong diagnosis. With the right kind of support, people with ASD often lead successful and fulfilling lives. However, there are particular areas of their lives where they experience genuine barriers:

 

Managing social situations and social interactions;

Communicating with other people, and;

Developing and maintaining social relationships.

 

Additionally, people with ASD may find it hard to cope with changes and rely on extraordinarily strict routines to manage their lives. Some have very intense interests in certain areas, and dedicate most of their energy and time in pursuing these interests. Sensory sensitivities (e.g. sensitivity to light, sounds, textures) are also frequently reported amongst people with ASD.

 

When to consider an Autism Diagnostic Assessment?

If you experience the aforementioned symptoms, it would be helpful to explore an Autism Diagnostic Assessment and see if a diagnosis of ASD is a useful way of understanding your difficulties.

 

Who will carry out the assessment?

 

You will meet with one of the clinic psychologists who specialises in ASD. All of these psychologists are formally trained in autism diagnostic assessments and employ a range of ‘gold standard’ autism diagnostic tools. They have extensive clinical experience of assessing people with ASD across the lifespan.

 

What to expect at an Autism Diagnostic Assessment?

 

An Autism Diagnostic Assessment is a comprehensive process. It usually requires at least three hour-long meetings. We will explore different aspects of your life, before arriving at a diagnostic conclusion. Your clinician will go through each step of the diagnostic assessment with you.

Typically, an Autism Assessment will comprise of the following:

 

A clinical interview to understand your current difficulties and early life experiences;

A social communication observation assessment, and;

(If available), a developmental history interview with a parent or an informant interview with a person who knows you well.

Sometimes, we may require additional assessment meetings to gather further information, and we will discuss this with you.

 

What to expect at the Feedback Session?

After we have gathered all the necessary information, we will meet again to discus the diagnostic outcome. We will discuss the diagnosis of ASD.

 

There are three possible outcomes:

You meet the diagnostic criteria for ASD

We will explore therapy options for your difficulties.

You do not meet the diagnostic criteria for ASD.

We will think about differential diagnoses or more appropriate ways of understanding your difficulties. We will also discuss the kind of help that you would benefit from.

We are not able to conclude at this stage

People may have experienced complex trauma or mental health difficulties. The effects on their well-being and functioning may need to be addressed before considering a neurodevelopmental diagnosis.

 

Ultimately, our aim is to find the best way to understand you and your needs, and identify the most helpful way forward for psychological interventions.

bipolar disorder

Posted on by admin

What is bipolar disorder?

 

Bipolar disorder, previously known as manic depression, is a condition that can affect your mood, making it swing from one extreme to another. If you are suffering from bipolar disorder you will have episodes of depression during which you feel low and lethargic alternating with episodes of mania during which you feel high and overactive. Symptoms of bipolar disorder depend on which mood you experience at the time. Unlike mood swings, in bipolar disorder each mood can last for several weeks with some people not often experiencing a ‘normal’ or ordinary mood.

 

Symptoms of depressed phase:

Sadness

Uncontrollable crying

Anxiety

Loss of interest or enjoyment in activities

Withdrawal from family and friends

Excessive guilt

Suicidal thoughts and urges

Symptoms of manic phase:

Increased energy

Unusual talkativeness

Racing thoughts

Little need for sleep

Inflated self esteem

Spending sprees

There are two different types of bipolar disorder, bipolar I and bipolar II. The main difference between them is that a person with Bipolar I has manic episodes, while someone with Bipolar II has hypomanic episodes. The main difference between mania and hypomania is one of severity.

 

Treatment for bipolar disorder

Medication is an important aspect of the treatment of bipolar disorder. This is prescribed to prevent episodes of mania, hypomania and depression and also to treat symptoms of depression when they occur. If you need to be assessed for bipolar disorder, the first step would be to see a clinical psychologist for an assessment.

 

Psychological therapy is also an important part of the treatment of bipolar disorder. Cognitive behavioural therapy can help a person cope with bipolar symptoms and learn to recognise when a mood shift is about to occur. CBT can also help someone with bipolar disorder stick to a treatment plan to reduce the chances of relapse.