Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia
Mental Health & Medical Clinic located in Hollywood, FL
Bipolar disorder and schizophrenia are among the most severe psychiatric disorders, causing emotional and psychological difficulties that can seem insurmountable. Renaud Jean Louis, APRN, FNP, PMHNP, AG ACNP, MPA, and the Remart Medical team in Hollywood, Florida, understand the challenges of living with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. They offer expert treatment and ongoing support to help you lead your best life despite these conditions. Call Remart Medical to request an appointment or schedule a consultation online today.
Bipolar disorder and schizophrenia are severe psychiatric disorders that can cause considerable distress and disability without the proper treatment and support.
Both conditions are lifelong and typically develop in late adolescence or early adulthood. Although not unheard of, it’s very rare to develop these conditions after 40.
A closely related condition, schizoaffective disorder, combines schizophrenia symptoms with some or both types of bipolar disorder symptoms.
Studies show that people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are more likely to develop bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, suggesting the conditions have links to the same genes.
Schizophrenia causes problems with your ability to tell what’s real and what isn’t. You might experience hallucinations; for example, you see people who aren’t there (visual hallucinations). Or you might have auditory hallucinations, where you hear voices you believe to be real, but no one else can.
Delusions are another symptom of schizophrenia. These ideas and beliefs contradict reality, such as the conviction that someone is poisoning your water or there are spy cameras in your home. Even seeing evidence disproving your delusions can’t shake your belief they’re real.
Bipolar disorder causes mood swings that can be extreme in the most severely affected patients. The depression people with bipolar disorder experience can last for months, making life so unbearable it’s difficult to function. Depression then shifts to mania, where you have boundless energy, feel overconfident, and behave recklessly.
Bipolar disorder has three types, with bipolar I being the most severe. People with bipolar I disorder can experience hallucinations. Those with bipolar II disorder suffer deep depression but less severe mania (hypomania). Some people have cyclothymia, where mood swings are less extreme and more predictable.
People with bipolar disorder often benefit from medications such as mood stabilizers and antidepressants. Mood stabilizers stop mood swings from being so extreme. Antidepressants boost brain chemicals called neurotransmitters that play a vital role in improving mood.
Medications for schizophrenia include antipsychotic drugs for hallucinations and delusions. Some people with bipolar disorder might need these medications too.
Talk therapies are also essential. Discussing your worries, fears, and challenges with one of Remart Medical’s skilled therapists can be invaluable. They can also help equip you with better ways to manage your condition and cope with the difficulties you experience.
For exceptional bipolar disorder and schizophrenia support and treatment, call Remart Medical or schedule a consultation online today.