Bipolar disorder can have you navigating a very delicate balancing act. Between episodes of mania and severe bouts of depression, it can be difficult to properly function in the world. Bipolar disorder affects nearly every aspect of your live and can interfere with your sleep, judgment, energy, and ability to think clearly. While there are many different kinds of treatment for bipolar disorder, one that is becoming increasingly popular is ketamine treatment, a safe and effective therapy that can have you feeling like yourself again.
What is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a psychological condition, formerly known as manic depression, that is characterized by severe shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels. People who suffer from the condition cycle through a variety of moods, swinging from manic episodes in which they exhibit energized or excited behavior and moods of severe depression.
Generally speaking, there are three types of bipolar disorder:
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- Bipolar I Disorder. In bipolar I, the patient experiences manic episodes that last for at least 7 days. They also experience depressive episodes, which often last at least 2 weeks.
- Bipolar II Disorder. People who suffer from bipolar II do not experience full manic episodes. Instead, they cycle between severe episodes of depression and what are known as hypomanic episodes, less severe versions of full-on mania.
- Cyclothymic Disorder. Patients with cyclothymic disorder do not experience full manic episodes and their depressive episodes are not as severe as those of people who suffer from bipolar I or II. They instead experience episodes of hypomania as well as periods of depression that are not long-lasting or severe enough to qualify as full depressive episodes.
Ketamine Treatment for Bipolar Disorder
Whatever form of bipolar disorder you suffer from, the effects on your daily life can be severe. For most people with bipolar, treatment is required for them to live a normal life. There are a variety of forms of treatment for bipolar disorder that are commonly used, including medications and therapy. Medications that are often prescribed for bipolar include mood stabilizers, such as lithium, and atypical antipsychotics. Different forms of talk therapy can also help people with bipolar disorder, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT).
Another therapy that can be helpful in managing bipolar disorder is ketamine treatment. Ketamine is a fast-acting anesthetic which induces a sense of dissociation in patients. When administered intravenously under the care of a trained medical professional, it has been shown to benefit people suffering from a wide range of psychological ailments, including bipolar depression. Ketamine is a safe and innovative treatment, which has provided significant relief for many bipolar patients, including those who have proved treatment resistant to other forms of therapy.
Contact Bluewater Psychiatry
If you’re interested in finding out more about ketamine treatment for bipolar depression, do not hesitate to contact the professionals at Bluewater Psychiatry. Fill out the form below and someone will get back to you right away.