Guide to Conquer Bipolar Through CBT

DSM-IV-TR Diagnostics

Bipolar Type 1 is diagnosed based on observations of the clinician who notices occurrences of one or more mixed episodes or manic episodes. Most people with Bipolar suffer from major depressive episodes.

These episodes may be substance-induced mood disorders that are caused from the direct effects of medication, or some somatic treatments used to treat depression. It can also occur from toxin exposure or drug abuse. Thus, medical experts exclude common medical conditions before Bipolar Type 1 is diagnosed.

These episodes may appear to be a schizoaffective disorder, schizophrenia, delusional disorder, schizophreniform disorder or psychotic disorder.

The general diagnosis codes in DSM-IV-TR

Codes used to diagnose a person with Bipolar 1 include 296.DX, which means the patient has been observed to have a single manic episode. DX Codes 296.40 is used to determine if Bipolar Type 1 exists, in which the therapist will decide, after seeing them, if the patient has any recent episodes of hypo-mania. If the patient has been diagnosed with Bipolar Type 1, treatment is considered.

Treatment

Most doctors will often use routine medical assessments to rule out or identify somatic causes of Bipolar Type 1. Tests such as ultrasounds maybe used to test the brain. CAT scans, HIV tests and Electroencephalogram tests are performed, as is a full blood count. Doctors will test thyroid activities, urea, liver functions, etc., to test for Urea and Creatinine, especially if the patient is taking Lithium. The Lithium level is frequently observed through testing. Some drug screening may be issued, which includes testing for Cannaboids and exposure to toxins. The doctor may test you for street drugs to see if there has been any use. Bio-Psycho-Social or Biological testing will often be used by doctors to decide which mood stabilizers are more suitable for the patient.

Mood stabilizers

Lithium Carbonate is a common drug in bipolar management, yet it offers a narrow therapeutic range. Monitoring must continue if the patient is given Lithium. Other types of drugs prescribed to treat Bipolar include Anticonvulsants, e.g. Lamotrigine, Carbamazepine, or Sodium Valproate. Antipsychotic drugs like Aripiprazole, Olanzapine, Risperidone or Quetiapine may be prescribed, as well as Electro-Convulsive Therapy.

Thus, medications may be useful but the patient must also be informed about their condition to help them achieve a better understanding. Regular sleep patterns can help reduce symptoms. Patients that set up and adhere to a routine and regular eating habits, as well as taking their meds as prescribed, can achieve some relief from their symptoms. Yet, CBT must also be used to take the patient through behavioral modification in order to encourage positive s to assist with reducing the effects of risky behaviors, especially during manic attacks. ICD-10 Diagnostics may be decided in which the patient may be diagnosed with:

Patients diagnosed with Bipolar Type II symptoms are defined as being on the bipolar spectrum disorder, which is characterized by at least one hypo-manic episode and one major depressive episode. Depressive episodes occur more often for those diagnosed with Type II. The symptoms are more intense as well. Because Type II patients present an amazing high-functioning behavior pattern, it is claimed that hypo-manic behaviors are under-diagnosed.

Usually people with Bipolar Type II are treated with mood stabilizers as well.

Treatment

Mood stabilizers are often used to treat people with Bipolar Type II disorders. Often SSRI antidepressants are given to the patient to help them control the symptoms. Some of the best non-medicated treatments include social rhythm therapy, behavioral modification therapy, interpersonal therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, psycho-education, family focused therapy and light therapy. Yet, while the patient continues through treatment, there is chance that relapses may occur.

Summary

We have helped you to understand both Type I and Type II Bipolar disorders. We have discussed treatments as well as the medications that are often used to treat the condition.

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