Untreated Bipolar Disorder Has Risky Consequences
The goals for treatment of diagnosed bipolar disorder include:
- making the mood change episodes less frequent or less severe
- helping patients function well in home, work and life situations
- working to prevent self-injury or suicide.
Receiving proper bipolar disorder treatment from a qualified mental health professional allows for customization and modification of your treatment plan as changes occur over time.
Bipolar Disorder or Manic-Depressive Illness a Brain Disorder
The National Institute of Mental Health makes note that bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a disorder of the brain where unusual shifts in mood, energy or activity levels occur that effect the ability to function in the day to day world. Behaviors and mood shifts seen with bipolar disorder are often severe, resulting in significant difficulty in maintaining a relationship, holding a job, succeeding in school, or in managing finances. Risk taking, drug or alcohol abuse, and thoughts of suicide are also seen, occurring at higher levels when bipolar disorder is left untreated — either through misdiagnosis or the patient’s own poor judgment and decision making.
Untreated Bipolar Manic Depression Episodes Last Longer
Studies conducted show a distinct difference in the length of bipolar mania and depressive episodes. Sharecare reports that untreated bipolar mania episodes can last for 3 to 6 months, while episodes of depression last for much longer periods of 6 to 12 months at a time. Effective treatment allows those with bipolar disorder to lead full productive lives with a better understanding of how to recognize and manage their behaviors or mood swings.
Consequences of Forgoing Bipolar Disorder Treatment
The National Alliance of Mental Health has reported that there are serious risks in deciding not to treat diagnosed bipolar disorder. Some of the consequences that can occur with untreated bipolar disorder include:
- Having more severe episodes of mania and/or depression
- Displaying risky behaviors, taking dangerous chances
- Extreme changes in energy, activity level, sleep
- Partaking in excessive drinking, drug abuse
- Greater risk of suicidal ideation
- Experience long lasting periods of unstable moods
- Suffer from higher death rates from cancer, heart disease or stroke
- Symptoms become more pronounced and debilitating
- Increased involvement in illegal substances
- Periods of irrational behaviors
About one-half of all people who have bipolar disorder or manic-depressive illness do not receive treatment. While bipolar disorder is a chronic lifelong condition, treatment is effective and frees those from harsh unrelenting episodes of mania and/or depression. Untreated bipolar disorder will display symptoms and behaviors that worsen, becoming more pronounced over time.
A Bipolar Disorder Psychiatrist in Atlanta is a Phone Call Away
Proper diagnosis and treatment is just a phone call away. If you suffer from recurring mood swings and episodes of mania or depression and find it increasingly difficult to manage your life, friends, family or work, call for a confidential appointment and expert diagnosis. Make the call that can change your life for the better.