Bipolar Disorder and Psychosis

Bipolar disorder is an illness that affects a person’s ability to control their mood. The two main mood swings are mania and depression.  Bipolar psychosis is very complex and a part of Bipolar I disorder. Psychosis is commonly found to be in to bipolar disorder, in mania and depressive episodes and it can be seen in Bipolar II depression.

Statistics show that approximately 70% of people in a full blown manic episode experience psychosis. Howerever, people with Bipolar II hypomania rarely experience psychosis. Though studies vary, it is estimated that 50% of people with bipolar depression experience psychosis.

Bipolar psychosis is when there is a state of where the person is out of touch with reality, loss of reasoning at this point the treatment is difficult as the person often resists any treatment.

Bipolar psychosis can be very disruptive and cause significant work and relationship problems due to misperceptions and hallucinations.

People with bipolar disorder may have many different symptoms, including depression, joy, and psychotic symptoms like delusions or paranoia. These are all symptoms of one condition not separate conditions that a person has to deal with.

Bipolar disorder makes the mind swing between different thoughts and emotions, But when treated the psychosis can be managed.

Psychotic symptoms occur most often during manic episodes. But people can also experience psychotic symptoms during episodes of depression..

Patients sometimes have to be hospitalized if they have psychotic symptom. They may have grandiose delusions they have powers.  It may be that they have a special connection with the universe. People can be so depressed that they can be psychotic depression. It happens frequently with mania can occur in depression. People may be a danger to themselves

Antipsychotics and mood stabilizers will stop the psychosis and keep it from coming back. While  medication is effective in managing psychotic symptoms and bipolar disorder. therapy is often recommended to help to understand the psychotic symptoms and to recover from the psychotic experience . Regular follow-ups with a doctor are important for managing psychotic symptoms and bipolar disorder itself, so that any recurring episodes can be spotted and stopped quickly.

Bipolar disorder is an illness that requires a long term commitment to staying well, compliance to treatment, and monitoring.   Just taking a pill does not make it just go away. While symptoms can be managed, but it is important to keep aware of them to see symptoms start up again.

Bipolar disorder isn't something that can or should be managed alone. The individual with bipolar disorder needs help to be monitored, and to watch for symptoms that he might not be able to notice. Family can help in monitoring symptoms, and letting the doctor know of any changes or signs of an impending episode. The earlier signs are caught, the better the opportunity to prevent an episode and keep symptoms under control.