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Bipolar Disorder: Common Misconceptions & Our Unique Approach

5 Minutes

Medically reviewed by Dr. med. Sarah Boss
Fact checked

Bipolar Disorder is one of the most common mental health conditions in the world. It is estimated that every 1 out of a 100 people have bipolar disorder. The cause of the condition remains unknown, although it is most likely genetic. It is important to know that Bipolar Disorder ranges in intensities, and there are two types. The experience is not just quick flips between highs and lows, but rather is characterised by manic, or hypomanic episodes that can last for weeks or months if left untreated. In this article, we sit down with our Clinical Director, Dr Sarah Boss, to break down what the diagnosis is and isn’t, common misconceptions, and The Balance’s approach to treating it.

Bipolar disorder, formerly called manic depression, is characterised by extreme shifts in mood, energy levels, activity, and sleeping patterns. It is often associated with high-highs (manic episodes) and low-lows (depressive episodes). If someone is only experiencing depressive episodes – it is not bipolar disorder. A manic episode has to happen in order for a clinical team to reach a bipolar diagnosis. The severity levels of the mania one may experience is the determinant between Bipolar 1 and Bipolar 2.

A manic episode is when an individual experiences an abnormal or sharp increase in energy, mood, thoughts, and feelings. If it is not as severe, this is what we call a hypomanic episode. The episodes can last for weeks, or even months. During these episodes it is not uncommon for people to not sleep, or cause damage to themselves. “The results of these manic episodes can be devastating. People can spend all their money, they can end up in the hospital because of an accident,” says Dr Sarah Boss. The emotional aftermath of these can often trigger a depressive episode thereafter. The first manic episodes are often triggered by a stimulant, whether that’s a drug or a prescribed medication that activates the episode. It is still unknown what causes Bipolar Disorder, but research suggests that it comes from a range of factors including genetics, chemical factors, extreme stress and a life changing event.

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that most people have heard about, but not many understand. One reason for this is because of the way movies have historically represented it alongside, or intertwined with other conditions like psychosis or schizophrenia. Dr Sarah Boss explains: “It is possible for people with bipolar disorder to have psychotic symptoms, but if it is that serious then it is overlapping with other disorders.” Because of how it’s presented to us, people often associate Bipolar Disorder with violence or danger. This is not true. In fact, one of the even bigger misconceptions is that it has to be intense. It doesn’t. That is why there are two types of Bipolar diagnoses. Bipolar 2 is when the symptoms are experienced on a less extreme level. This fact can make it hard for some people to know that they have it, because they are able to manage without professional support. It isn’t until something bad happens, that they realise they have it. That’s why it’s important to never ignore your mental health experience and to speak openly with loved ones about seeking support.

Another misconception is that an individual can’t have a high intensity career, because people with bipolar disorder are unreliable or unpredictable. This is also not true. Many high profile people have spoken openly about their diagnosis. People like Selena Gomez, Mariah Carrey, and the late Carrie Fischer. There are varying intensities to the condition. With the right treatment and support, an individual can live a balanced, extraordinary life.

When you love someone with Bipolar Disorder, it’s important to keep a mindful eye on them and look for behavioural changes. Dr Sarah Boss says the early signs before a manic episode are usually quite identifiable: “If someone wakes up at 5 am when they usually don’t to clean the kitchen for example, or when the sleeping schedule is disrupted or changes suddenly, that is an early sign. When an individual has a rapid increase in how they are doing things, especially speech patterns,” she explains. Then there is the other side of it – noticing a depressive episode. The signs are the same, only the opposite. If an individual wants to sleep all day, is very tired, or is suddenly withdrawn from things. These are the signs to immediately act on with a professional. It is also important to never underestimate it, either. Dr Sarah Boss reminds us: “Bipolar Disorder has one of the highest suicidal risks. It’s upwards of 20%. So it needs to be taken seriously. It is a very difficult disorder to live through.” The most important part of Bipolar Disorder is having the right treatment. Medication can balance the brain chemicals, while psychotherapy treatment can instil a patient with a prevention plan to get ahead of episodes.

Due to the rhythmic nature of bipolar disorder, we build a schedule with a patient that restores balance. After a comprehensive analysis, The Balance team builds an individualised treatment program. This treatment ranges from daily psychiatry and psychotherapy support, to somatic experiences, to leisurely therapeutic practices like art or equine therapy. With the help of a live in manager, you will have 24/7 support and someone to help assist in keeping your routine disciplined and sleep patterns healthy. We give you the tools to take back full control over your life, and prepare loved ones to be the support system you need to not slip back into any episodes.

Bipolar disorder is a common, and often misunderstood condition. In order to receive the diagnosis, an individual must have had at least one manic, or hypomanic episode. The condition ranges in intensities. If an individual experiences psychotic symptoms, this often suggests an overlap with another diagnosis. People with Bipolar Disorder are not inherently violent. It is not something to be afraid of, but rather something to be aware of. The most important part is the treatment and prevention plan. Family members and loved ones of someone with Bipolar Disorder should keep a mindful eye and notice sharp changes in behaviour. Someone living with the condition does not need to feel held back from life, they are more than capable of doing incredible things. At The Balance, we restore a rhythmic schedule and give an individual the tools needed to restore long term balance to the brain, body and soul.

HOW THE BALANCE CAN HELP WITH Insights

The Balance RehabClinic is a leading provider of luxury addiction and mental health treatment for affluent individuals and their families, offering a blend of innovative science and holistic methods with unparalleled individualised care.

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Our program consists of treating only one client at a time individually designed to help you with all the problematic aspects of your life. All individual treatment sessions will be held at your private residence.
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Your program is designed based on your personal needs. The team will exchange daily information and adjust the schedule as we go. Our therapists will work with you treating the root causes and not just the symptoms and goes beyond your stay to ensure lasting success.
BIOCHEMICAL RESTORATION
Our biochemical imbalance can be affected by diet and stressful life events, but it often goes back to genetics and epigenetics. We do specific biochemical laboratory testing to determine an individual’s biochemical imbalance. Combining the results of the lab tests with anamnestic information and clinical tests, we prescribe an individualized and compounded vitamin, mineral, nutrient protocol to help recover from various disease states.
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Our experts combine the best from psychological treatment, holistic medicine to support you individually and providing complementary therapies all coordinated from one source working complementing each other integrative.
TECHNOLOGY BASED TREATMENT
Using latest cutting-edge technology-based therapies such as Neurofeedback, tDCS, and SSP, we can track the biological patterns of your body, giving us valuable insight into your health and well-being as well support your brain and body performance and recovery with neuromodulation.
TRAUMA INFORMED THERAPY
Complex trauma is often a key factor to distress mental and physical state. The Balance provides a safe space along integrated trauma treatment methods to enable healing.

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