Living with bipolar psychosis means finding the right balance of treatment and daily routines. Medications like mood stabilizers and antipsychotics help ease the symptoms. Besides, therapy offers support in developing effective coping strategies.
Treatment for bipolar psychosis involves sticking to medication schedules and keeping up with therapy sessions. Besides, making healthy lifestyle changes can also help manage related symptoms.
What Is Bipolar Psychosis?
Bipolar psychosis, also known as psychotic bipolar disorder, occurs in some individuals with bipolar disorder.
Bipolar disorder involves mood swings that range from depressive lows to manic highs.
Psychosis is a state where a person loses touch with reality. They may experience hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there) and delusions (believing things that aren’t true).
People with bipolar may alternate between manic and depressive episodes. The former involves extremely high energy levels or euphoria. On the other hand, the latter brings deep sadness and difficulty in functioning.
Psychosis can manifest during either phase of the disorder, though not everyone with bipolar experiences it.
Treatment for Bipolar Psychosis
Effective treatment for bipolar psychosis involves a combination of therapy, medications, and support. Each aspect plays a crucial role in managing the symptoms and improving overall well-being.
Medications
There is no specific bipolar psychosis medication. However, numerous over-the-counter medications help manage the symptoms. Generally, doctors prescribe antipsychotics to curb the underlying symptoms associated with the illness.
However, this may vary depending on the patient’s unique condition. Put simply, the medications may differ for bipolar depression and bipolar mania.
Antipsychotic medications for bipolar depression:
- Cariprazine (Vryalar)
- Quetiapine (Seroquel XR)
- Fluoxetine (Symbyax)
- Lurasidone HCI (Latuda)
Antipsychotic medications for bipolar mania:
- Paliperidone (Invega)
- Olanzapine (Zyprexa)
- Iloperidone (Fanapt)
- quetiapine fumarate (Seroquel)
- ziprasidone (Geodon)
- aripiprazole (Abilify)
- risperidone (Risperdal)
Finding the right medication and dosage may take time and require close monitoring by a healthcare provider. Besides, the doctor may prescribe antipsychotics alongside mood stabilizers and antidepressants for proper treatment.
People with bipolar might be required to take these medications even if they’re not experiencing mood episodes.
Side Effects
While medications help relieve the symptoms, you may experience some potential side effects.
For instance, studies show that certain medications may trigger unwanted muscle movements. Yes, these effects often dissipate once a person discontinues, but some might remain permanently.
In rare instances, a few of them might lead to neuroleptic malignant syndrome. This severe condition is marked by sweating, high fever, and fluctuations in blood pressure levels.
Pregnancy introduces another layer of consideration.
Given the uncertain side effects, some physicians may recommend against antipsychotics. However, if discontinuing the treatment risks the health of the pregnant woman and baby, the doctor may consider alternative approaches.
Therapy Team
A therapy team typically includes a psychiatrist, therapist, and other healthcare professionals. It may sometimes also involve close family members.
They all work together to develop and adjust the treatment plan based on individual needs. Regular communication among team members ensures proper support for the person with bipolar disorder and psychosis.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy involves communicating with a psychiatrist, psychologist, or other healthcare professional for treating mental health issues.
The treatment plan may differ for each individual. Generally, however, doctors go for cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or interpersonal therapy to help individuals cope with symptoms.
These therapy sessions provide a safe space to explore the thoughts and emotions of an individual. Doctors then develop effective coping strategies to better deal with bipolar psychosis.
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a treatment option for severe cases. The doctors may use this when other treatments have been ineffective.
It involves passing electrical currents through the brain to induce controlled seizures. Although it may sound intimidating, ECT is performed under anesthesia and is considered a safe treatment option.
Overall, it helps provide rapid relief from severe symptoms, especially during manic or depressive episodes.
Management of Bipolar Psychosis
Implementing a few strategies and lifestyle changes can help deal with the challenges of bipolar psychosis. We’ll explore some key approaches below.
Monitor Psychosis
Keep an eye on changes in your behavior and symptoms of psychosis. Consider, for example, tracking your mood fluctuations or sleep patterns. Mood tracker apps can help in this regard.
This will allow for early intervention and adjustment of treatment as needed. No wonder most doctors recommend doing it.
Have a Support Group
Surround yourself with understanding and supportive individuals. Your support group must validate your feelings and offer empathy.
Maybe you can join a support group for individuals with bipolar disorder or psychosis. This will provide a sense of community. Sharing your experiences with others facing similar challenges can be empowering.
Stick to the Treatment Plan
Consistency is key when managing bipolar psychosis. Make sure you adhere to the medication routine and follow through with other aspects of the treatment plan.
Skipping doses and therapy sessions can disrupt the treatment. As such, you may struggle to regain stability.
Avoid Triggers
Regular journaling and mood tracking will give you valuable insights about your health. It might help identify the triggers.
For instance, you may notice that stress, alcohol intake, and irregular sleep patterns worsen your symptoms. You can implement management strategies accordingly and avoid the triggers to maintain your well-being.
Make Lifestyle Changes
Consider making lifestyle changes that help with symptom management. Here are a few things you can do:
- Regular exercise
- Sufficient sleep
- Stress-reduction techniques
- Nutritious diet
Besides, engaging in enjoyable activities and practicing mindfulness contributes to a healthy lifestyle.
How To Help Someone With Bipolar Psychosis
Your understanding plays a vital role in someone’s journey towards bipolar psychosis recovery. Here’s how you can help.
- Educate yourself. Learn about bipolar psychosis to better understand what your loved one is experiencing. Knowledge empowers you to provide informed support. You can read books or articles on bipolar disorder. Besides, you can attend educational workshops to deepen your understanding.
- Listen and validate. Let your loved one know that you’re there for them and that their emotions are valid. Avoid dismissing their feelings. Active listening can help strengthen your relationship and validate their experiences.
- Encourage treatment by offering to accompany them to their appointments. Remind them that seeking help is a sign of strength and that treatment can improve their quality of life.
- Provide practical support. While emotional support helps, make sure you offer practical assistance to alleviate their stress. Consider helping them with household chores and preparing meals. You can also arrange transportation to their appointments.
- Be patient. Recovering from bipolar psychosis takes time. Therefore, avoid placing undue pressure on your loved one to “get better” quickly. Instead, offer them unconditional support.
Finally, remember to prioritize your own emotional well-being during this time. Taking care of yourself enables you to better support your loved ones in their journey with psychosis.
Takeaway
It’s possible to lead a fulfilling life despite the challenges posed by bipolar psychosis. All you need is a bit of understanding and perseverance. One must stay committed to the treatment plan and seek help when needed.
Managing this condition requires continuous effort and support from your loved ones and healthcare professionals.
FAQs
Q1. What Triggers Bipolar Psychosis?
Stress, lack of sleep, and substance abuse can trigger bipolar psychosis. Additionally, not taking prescribed medications can also lead to these episodes.
Q2. How Do You Deal With Bipolar Psychosis?
You need to stay calm and supportive to help someone with bipolar psychosis. Besides, make sure you encourage them to seek immediate medical attention to recover fully.
Q3. What Is the Treatment of Psychotic Bipolar?
The treatment typically includes therapy and antipsychotic medications. Doctors may also recommend mood stabilizers to help you cope with the symptoms. Overall, regular follow-ups are essential to manage this condition effectively.
