Mental health workers learn about bipolar disorder and other conditions when they attend mental health training courses. These are some of the main things to know about bipolar disorder, which is still often misunderstood.
What is bipolar disorder?
Also known as manic-depression, bipolar disorder is a behaviour and brain disorder that creates sudden and severe shifts in a person’s energy and mood levels, making it difficult for them to function. Around 2.6% of adults in any year have the condition, which tends to start in adolescence or early adulthood. It can also show in children and undiagnosed older adults. Often, people live with bipolar disorder for years without having a proper diagnosis or treatment.
How is bipolar disorder assessed?
On mental health training courses held by providers such as www.tidaltraining.co.uk/mental-health-training-courses/, professionals learn about the assessment and diagnosis of bipolar disorder. As yet, it cannot be physiologically confirmed through brain scans or blood tests. It is diagnosed based on illness development, symptoms, and family history. Other potential medical conditions are also ruled out, including brain tumours.
How is bipolar disorder treated?
There is currently no cure for bipolar disorder, but it can be managed and treated with medications and psychotherapy. Medications to stabilise mood are usually the first choice, and the most commonly prescribed stabiliser is lithium. Seizures are controlled with anticonvulsant medications, and antipsychotics can be used to stabilise mood. The condition is much easier to control when the treatment is continuously delivered. This approach can also help to avoid full-blown episodes of mania and keep sufferers safe and mentally balanced.
