Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that causes extreme shifts in an individual’s mood and energy levels. A person with bipolar may experience periods of elevated or irritable mood defined as manic episodes, as well as episodes of depression. Both the manic and depressive periods can be brief, or the cycles can be longer, lasting up to several weeks or even months at a time.
Most cases of bipolar start in older teens and young adults, with at least half of all cases appearing before the age of 25. Some studies have indicated that bipolar disorder is genetically inherited, occurring more commonly within families. Additional research also identifies that while bipolar disorder occurs equally in women and men, women are more likely to meet the criteria for bipolar II disorder.
The nature and severity of bipolar symptoms depend on what type of bipolar disorder a person has. Individuals with bipolar 1 experience at least one manic episode in their lives. Those with a bipolar II diagnosis have at least one hypomanic episode (a less serious form of mania) and at least one major depressive episode. In order to receive a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, an individual must experience at least one period of mania or hypomania.
Bipolar disorder is a long-term illness that requires management throughout a person’s life. Medication is the primary form of treatment, but additional services including talk therapy are also used in conjunction for the best results. Recommended medications may include:
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- mood stabilizers (for example: lithium)
- antipsychotics (for example: olanzapine)
- antidepressants or antipsychotics
- benzodiazepines
Even though there are options available to manage bipolar disorder, it is a chronic illness that does not always respond well to treatment. In these situations, ketamine infusions have been proven to provide significant and fast relief of bipolar depressive symptoms. These effects can occur just one to two days after an infusion, without the unpleasant side effects that are common with conventional medications.
Contact VIP Ketamine today for a free consultation and to learn more about the benefits of ketamine therapy for mood disorders.
Contact VIP Ketamine Clinics
VIP Ketamine Clinics is owned and operated by one of Modesto’s leading interventional pain and functional medicine specialists. We offer an integrated approach to pain management, including ketamine infusions. If you are curious about ketamine and want to find out if you’re a candidate, please reach out to us using the brief form below! We are happy to answer your questions and point you in the direction of health and hope.