When you see this title, is there a big question mark in your mind:
If a person with depression improves their mood, does it mean the condition is getting better, isn’t this a good thing?
There is a possibility, but if the patient’s condition suddenly “improves,” it may also be because they do not actually have depression, but rather bipolar disorder.
02
Bipolar disorder cannot wait to self-heal.
For some patients with bipolar disorder, the course of the illness may be self-limiting, and even mild episodes may spontaneously resolve after a period of time.
Does this mean that bipolar disorder can be left untreated?
No, no!
If bipolar disorder is not treated, relapse is almost inevitable.
Data shows that among untreated individuals, 50% of patients may experience spontaneous remission within the first year after the initial episode, while fewer than 1/3 will experience remission in the years following, with a lifelong relapse rate of over 90%.
Long-term, recurrent mood episodes can lead to significant changes in personality and impaired social functioning for patients.
Furthermore, a significant number of patients with bipolar disorder also have comorbid mental disorders, with nearly 60% of patients experiencing suicidal tendencies or behaviors during episodes.
Therefore, once a diagnosis of bipolar disorder is confirmed, early treatment is essential.
So, how should bipolar disorder be treated?
Currently, the treatment for bipolar disorder primarily involves medication (such as lithium carbonate, valproate, etc.), with psychological therapy, physical therapy, and other non-pharmacological treatments used as adjuncts.
Treatment for bipolar disorder should also follow a comprehensive approach; blindly discontinuing medication could negate previous treatment efforts.
In conclusion, although bipolar disorder can bring ups and downs in our lives, it is not an uncontrollable “dragon.” With consistent and effective treatment, we can still lead a happy life and have successful careers, just like before~
References:
[1] Zhou Jianan, Liu Yuanyuan, Yang Chenghao. Research Progress on the Treatment of Bipolar Disorder Patients[J]. Medical Review.2021,(9):1770-1774.
[2] Zhang Jianfang, Lu Xiaobo, Liu Haibin. Clinical Characteristics of Patients with Bipolar and Unipolar Depression Disorders and Analysis of the Therapeutic Effect of Psychological and Social Support[J]. Journal of Psychiatry, 2018, 31(5):3.
[3] Liu Zishan, Ma Yarong, Zhang Jie, et al. Comparative Study on Clinical Characteristics of Patients with Unipolar and Bipolar Depression Disorders[J]. Sichuan Mental Health, 2018, 31(4):4.
[4] Gong Peng, Zhang Jipeng, Bi Jianhao. Risk Factors for Relapse of Bipolar Disorder[J]. International Journal of Psychiatry, 2021, 48(2):3.
[5] Yu Xin, Fang Yiru, et al. Chinese Guidelines for Prevention and Treatment of Bipolar Disorders (Second Edition) [M]. Beijing: Chinese Medical Electronic Audiovisual Publishing House, 2015.
