Let’s figure out the term what is bipolar psychosis? It is the state where a person loses touch with reality while suffering from a manic or depressive episode. Bipolar psychosis may involve extreme mood swings along with psychotic symptoms. It is a serious mental issue with severe consequences. Also, the combined state of both disorders can make it more complicated to treat the person.
Common Symptoms Of Bipolar Psychosis:
To understand the psychosis symptom in bipolar disorder and to answer a question like, “Is psychosis a symptom of bipolar?”, it is important to understand bipolar disorder first. Bipolar disorder is defined as a state where people experience mania and depressive episodes. The symptoms tend to match a person’s mood. Furthermore, it is not necessary for everyone dealing with bipolar disorder to face psychosis (we talk about it in the next section). The symptoms of bipolar disorder are described as:
During Manic:
- They will think they have special powers or abilities.
- They will often talk fast
- They will have irrational thoughts and quickly jump to ideas.
- They will waste so much money.
- Also, they can hear voices that don’t exist.
During Depression:
- A person will lose interest in activities.
- There will be a lack of energy
- They will feel guilty and unworthy
- They will feel as if everyone is against them.
- They will feel sad and hear negative voices
- Feeling restless
Read More: Bipolar Disorder – Symptoms, Causes, Types and Treatment
What Causes Bipolar Psychosis?
If you are wondering about questions like, “Can bipolar cause psychosis?”. Let’s figure out why most people suffering from psychosis are already dealing with bipolar disorders. Psychosis is often associated with mental health issues such as bipolar disorder, etc. The following factors need to be considered that can cause bipolar psychosis.
Brain Chemistry:
The imbalance of dopamine and serotonin can affect brain functionality. This can cause symptoms of bipolar disorder in a person. These imbalances can change the person’s mood and way of thinking.
Genetics:
Family history plays a vital role. If any of your family members has a history of bipolar disease, this can automatically raise the risk of higher chances for others. Psychosis is a defining characteristic of schizophrenia, which is why both bipolar disorder and schizophrenia can share the symptoms of psychosis.
Stress & Trauma:
The people who are suffering from stress and anxiety will have higher chances of bipolar psychosis. Also, 50% of people have bipolar disorders because of post-traumatic stress disorder, such as PTSD. However, high-level stress can cause depression. This can make your brain function harder. Also, this leads to confusion and hallucinations.
Substance Use:
Use of alcohol, drugs, and other substances can worsen the condition. Also, long periods of stress can cause insomnia. It will ruin your all-day productivity with bad sleep patterns.
Loss Of Insight:
This term is defined for the victim who is unaware of their mental health condition. Their thoughts and beliefs can be delusional, and they can be unable to figure it out.
Read More: Is Bipolar Disorder A Permanent Disability?
How Is Bipolar Psychosis Diagnosed?
Bipolar psychosis can be treated with psychological or medical treatments. It takes time due to its severe effects. Also, bipolar disorder with psychotic features can be diagnosed with the following steps.
- Through family history
- Required medical history
- Examine symptoms of manic and depressive states.
- Blood tests can also be required for proper treatment.
Bipolar Psychosis vs Schizophrenia: What Is The Difference
They might seem like similar mental disorders. But they are two distinct mental health challenges. Bipolar psychosis causes extreme mood swings or shifts in energy levels. Also, it happens late in the teens and early adulthood. Besides this, schizophrenia can happen even when your mood is stable. This can happen in early men and late in women. However, you can join a telepsychiatry session to diagnose these two conditions.
Read More: Bipolar vs Schizophrenia: What’s The Deal With Them?
Treatment Options For Bipolar Psychosis:
The various treatments are included to cure bipolar disorder. This will help to control your mood swings and hallucinations. These options can be beneficial for your mental health concerns.
Therapy:
Several types of therapy can bring drastic change in a person’s condition. You can discover various options for psychotherapy. This will help you to identify the problem at its roots.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy:
In this therapy, the experts will try to transform your harmful behavior. They will identify your trigger points. This therapy will help in changing your negative beliefs and patterns.
Family Therapy:
Involving family members can make this approach valuable. You can address the concerns with your loved ones.
Psychoeducation:
This approach will help you to learn about your mental illness. Also, the experts provide the best support for your speedy recovery.
Medications:
Medicine plays a significant role in managing your mood swings along psychotic symptoms.
- Mood Stabilizers:
The experts will prescribe you mood stabilizers based on your condition. This will help you get out of your irregular emotions. Also, it deals with emotional highs and lows.
- Antipsychotic:
This will help in reducing the intensity of psychotic symptoms. Also, bipolar disorder psychosis can happen with or without the presence of hallucinations. The antipsychotic medicines help to diagnose delusions and unrealistic imagination.
- Antidepressant:
The antidepressants are perfect for diagnosing mental health issues such as depression and anxiety etc. Also, it may take a few weeks to fully recover.
Read More:Cases of Anxiety and Depression are Rising, Especially Among Young Adults
When To Seek Help For Bipolar Psychosis:
You can acknowledge symptoms of bipolar psychosis if you are feeling intense mood swings or losing touch with reality. Psychosis symptoms with bipolar disorder make the condition more complicated for the person. Let’s explore how long bipolar psychosis lasts and its different types of stages. It is a serious mental health condition, but it can be managed through medications and therapy. Therefore, Solid Foundation Psychiatry provides you with expert clinicians for individual and couples therapy. We are always there to help and support you with our effective approaches. You can visit our website for comprehensive information. Let us know how we can help you with the utmost care.