Recently, online treatment for bipolar disorder has gained much hype and people are speculating about its effectiveness. Well, online treatment for bipolar disorder is effective in increasing awareness about the disease. Also, it works well to improve the symptoms and functionality of patients ensuring them a better quality of life.
If you too are looking for some guidance, this article is for you! Keep reading.
What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mental health disorder characterized by a dramatic change in the mood, energy, and thinking abilities of an individual. Bipolar people experience two types of moods only, it is either extremely low or high. It must be noted that these mood shifts are very different from the everyday ups and downs faced by most of us!
The condition is also called manic depression because of its rapidly changing moods between mania (highs) and depression (lows). The manic episodes are signified as;
- Abnormally increased energy and activity
- Exaggerated self-confidence
- Deceased sleep due to racing thoughts
- Unusual talkativeness
- Poor-decision making and consequently taking foolish risks
The depressive episodes have the following signs;
- Loss of interest and hopelessness
- Restlessness or slowed behavior
- Fatigue and low energy
- Suicidal thoughts
- Decreased ability and concentration
How do people experiencing bipolar suffer?
Bipolar disorder is one of the most dangerous mental health disorders known to the world. Millions of people across the globe are suffering from it. We’ve inquired about some bipolar patients to have an insight into how they feel and this is what we got to know.
People with bipolar disorders have different episodes of highs and lows. During the former, they are usually filled with unusual and non-stop energy. They are super productive, talk a lot, act quickly, and sleep very little. This impulsive behavior often engages them in risky behaviors like binge drinking, unplanned sexual acts, wasting money on useless stuff, etc.
And then all of a sudden they sink into depressive thoughts! They are filled with intense feelings of sadness and hopelessness. They feel like giving up on everything and staying in bed all the time, not facing people and the world at all. In extreme cases, the patient also develops suicidal ideation.
All these disordered behaviors are likely to affect their daily life and relationships badly.
What are the options to treat bipolar?
Combining medication and psychotherapy is the most successful treatment for bipolar disorder. Most people take multiple medications, such as an antipsychotic or an antidepressant together with a mood stabilizer. Even if you feel better, treatment must continue to keep mood problems under control.
Antidepressants are more contentious since research has not consistently demonstrated that they are equally safe and effective in persons with bipolar disorder as they are in those with other types of depression.
Typically, atypical antipsychotics and other types of medications, such as certain mood stabilizers, are used as the first-line therapies for bipolar depression.
As per the FDA, antidepressants may also increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and actions in children and adolescents with depression and other mental health conditions. However, the use of psychotherapy is typically a secure method for long-term recovery.
What is the online bipolar treatment?
Bipolar treatment online refers to psychotherapy and psychiatric services provided through the Internet. In contrast to in-person therapy where you have to meet your therapist, online bipolar therapy allows you to connect with a licensed therapist using any device with an internet connection, also known as teletherapy.
You would have your private psychiatric sessions via video call from the comfort of your home, during which, the doctor would suggest appropriate medication based on a thorough evaluation and diagnosis.
Advantages of online bipolar therapy
There are many benefits to internet counseling over traditional in-person treatment. Some of the major benefits of online bipolar therapy are the ones listed below.
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Absolutely Successful
Research demonstrates that for several mental health illnesses, including bipolar disorder, online treatment can be just as helpful as in-person counseling. Numerous studies have shown that online treatment is just as effective as face-to-face counceling.
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Suitable for Remote Areas
People who live in rural or remote places can obtain mental health care through online counseling. For these folks, having to travel great distances and take a lot of time away from a hectic schedule to receive in-person counseling can be a strain.
So, online visits for those suffering from bipolar disorders provide them with reasonably rapid and simple access to bipolar treatment. Additionally, those who are housebound or disabled can also obtain counseling online.
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Convenient
Online bipolar treatment is typically convenient and reasonably priced, if not covered by your insurance. You can frequently plan your treatment sessions for times that are most convenient for you because you will be attending online while relaxing in the comfort of your own home.
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Easily Accessible
Online treatment for bipolar disorder is easier to access because of the internet. Teletherapy and telepsychiatry can be effective approaches to educating people about the disease. You can gain additional knowledge about healthy habits and coping mechanisms that promote psychological well-being.
Disadvantages of online bipolar treatment
There are some minor drawbacks linked to bipolar disorder online treatment. For instance;
- Your insurance company may not cover the cost of the therapy
- Your state may not allow outsider psychologists to assist their citizen
- It risks the privacy and confidentiality of your concerns
- The provider may overlook your body language
- Lack of response during a crisis situation
Is it safe to consider online bipolar disorder treatment?
Final thoughts
If you feel like you are experiencing signs of bipolar disorder, get medical attention as soon as possible.
If you are considering online bipolar therapy, it is always wise to speak to your doctor because they are usually well aware of your circumstances. The extent of your symptoms and the frequency of mood shifts must be undertaken before deciding on the type of therapy to go for!
