Bipolar Disorder

Medications remain the cornerstone of treatment for bipolar disorder. In bipolar II, people often have more depressive episodes than hypomanic episodes, and the symptoms of depression are more problematic and cause more disruption than the elevated mood;... Full Answer

Psychotherapy for bipolar disorder tends to be similar regardless of the type of bipolar you have. Education about your illness is extremely important, so most therapists will talk to you about the importance of self-care: for example getting proper... Full Answer

Bipolar II disorder is more likely to occur in people with thyroid and heart problems and obesity, though one does not necessarily cause the other. Many illnesses resulting from bipolar II disorder are caused by drugs used for treatment. Lithium, a mood... Full Answer

What causes bipolar II disorder is unknown, but genetics is a primary factor. If one or more of your parents has the mood disorder, you are more likely to develop bipolar disorder. Other contributing factors include stress, illness, death, or a job... Full Answer

Various treatment options can help those with cyclothymic disorder. The most common approaches are medications and counseling. Treatment is often lifelong and must be continued even during periods when one's mood is stable. Uninterrupted treatment can... Full Answer

A variety of medications may be used to treat cyclothymic disorder. Anticonvulsants and mood stabilizers may help to stop mood swings. Lithium is often the first mood stabilizer that doctors will prescribe. Some antipsychotics and anti-anxiety drugs have... Full Answer

Many forms of therapy can be used to help those with cyclothymic disorder. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help you replace negative thoughts and actions with positive ones. Family therapy can help to correct stressful dynamics within the family.... Full Answer

Cyclothymia usually needs to be treated with medication or counseling or both. There are no effective alternative treatments. Some helpful things you can do to aid your treatments are remembering to take your medications, staying away from alcohol and... Full Answer

While the highs and lows of cyclothymic disorder are not as severe as those of bipolar disorder, cyclothymic disorder can still be serious. Symptoms of hypomania include poor judgment, hostility, and risky behavior, all of which can lead to serious... Full Answer

The cause of cyclothymic disorder is unknown. It often runs in families, so it is thought to be hereditary to some extent. It may also relate to one&pos;s environment and biochemistry. Full Answer