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What is Acute Bipolar Disorder?

Haven Esme
Haven Esme

Acute bipolar disorder is often referred to as acute bipolar mania. Bipolar disorder is a condition that affects an individual's mental and emotional health. A bipolar person may have considerable shifts in mood and energy.

Anyone with acute bipolar disorder experiences extreme manic or depressive behavior. Some common symptoms of manic-depressive behavior include loss of energy, sleep problems, crying, and a number of severe depressive symptoms. Manic symptoms, on the other hand, can be described as overexcitement, euphoria and racing thoughts.

Doctors and researchers are uncertain as to what causes acute bipolar disorder.
Doctors and researchers are uncertain as to what causes acute bipolar disorder.

A person who suffers from acute bipolar disorder doesn't continually have a destabilized and unpredictable mood. The episodes of acute mania are usually integrated with periods of normal mood. The combination of manic episodes with normal behavior is referred to as bipolar "highs and lows."

There are a number of drugs used to treat bipolar disorder. Medication can quickly decrease the symptoms of manic behavior and help a person feel more stabilized and at ease. Medications that are commonly used to treat acute bipolar include mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and antidepressants. Although there are a number of medications approved to treat bipolar patients, most medications have possible side effects. Side effects such as weight gain, somnolence, and headaches are common.

In cases of acute bipolar disorder, the patient's depression and mania are interspersed with periods of normal mood.
In cases of acute bipolar disorder, the patient's depression and mania are interspersed with periods of normal mood.

In extreme cases of acute bipolar mania, an individual may require hospitalization. A person with the disorder has the potential to engage in explosive or risky behaviors. The risk of suicide is also substantial if a person is suffering from an acute depressive bipolar episode. Individuals are also at risk of suffering from psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations. Hospitalization is used to protect the individual as well as others.

Doctors and researchers are still unsure of what causes the disorder. However, researchers understand that individuals have an increased risk of suffering from the condition if there is a family history of mental illness. Individuals who have had extremely stressful life experiences or trauma are also more inclined to suffer from the condition.

Unfortunately, acute bipolar disorder is a progressive condition and currently does not have a cure. However, symptoms can be managed successfully if a person has the proper treatment. In addition to treatment by a medical doctor, those that suffer form acute bipolar disorder may also want to connect with a psychiatrist as well. Professional psychological counseling can provide a person with emotional support and the education needed to cope with their condition in a healthy way.

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    • Doctors and researchers are uncertain as to what causes acute bipolar disorder.
      By: Phase4Photography
      Doctors and researchers are uncertain as to what causes acute bipolar disorder.
    • In cases of acute bipolar disorder, the patient's depression and mania are interspersed with periods of normal mood.
      By: WavebreakmediaMicro
      In cases of acute bipolar disorder, the patient's depression and mania are interspersed with periods of normal mood.