{"appState":{"pageLoadApiCallsStatus":true},"categoryState":{"relatedCategories":{"headers":{"timestamp":"2023-06-06T20:01:10+00:00"},"categoryId":34057,"data":{"title":"Diagnoses","slug":"diagnoses","image":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Body, Mind, & Spirit","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34038"},"slug":"body-mind-spirit","categoryId":34038},{"name":"Emotional Health & Psychology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34039"},"slug":"emotional-health-psychology","categoryId":34039},{"name":"Psychology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34053"},"slug":"psychology","categoryId":34053},{"name":"Diagnoses","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34057"},"slug":"diagnoses","categoryId":34057}],"parentCategory":{"categoryId":34053,"title":"Psychology","slug":"psychology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34053"}},"childCategories":[{"categoryId":34058,"title":"ADHD","slug":"adhd","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34058"},"image":{"src":"/img/background-image-2.fabfbd5c.png","width":0,"height":0},"hasArticle":true,"hasBook":true,"articleCount":9,"bookCount":1},{"categoryId":34059,"title":"Autism","slug":"autism","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34059"},"image":{"src":"/img/background-image-1.daf74cf0.png","width":0,"height":0},"hasArticle":true,"hasBook":true,"articleCount":22,"bookCount":1},{"categoryId":34060,"title":"Bipolar","slug":"bipolar","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34060"},"image":{"src":"/img/background-image-2.fabfbd5c.png","width":0,"height":0},"hasArticle":true,"hasBook":true,"articleCount":58,"bookCount":1},{"categoryId":34061,"title":"Borderline","slug":"borderline","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34061"},"image":{"src":"/img/background-image-1.daf74cf0.png","width":0,"height":0},"hasArticle":true,"hasBook":true,"articleCount":6,"bookCount":1},{"categoryId":34062,"title":"Codependency","slug":"codependency","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34062"},"image":{"src":"/img/background-image-2.fabfbd5c.png","width":0,"height":0},"hasArticle":true,"hasBook":true,"articleCount":49,"bookCount":1},{"categoryId":34063,"title":"Dyslexia","slug":"dyslexia","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34063"},"image":{"src":"/img/background-image-1.daf74cf0.png","width":0,"height":0},"hasArticle":true,"hasBook":true,"articleCount":5,"bookCount":1},{"categoryId":34064,"title":"OCD","slug":"ocd","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34064"},"image":{"src":"/img/background-image-2.fabfbd5c.png","width":0,"height":0},"hasArticle":true,"hasBook":true,"articleCount":7,"bookCount":1},{"categoryId":34065,"title":"PTSD","slug":"ptsd","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34065"},"image":{"src":"/img/background-image-1.daf74cf0.png","width":0,"height":0},"hasArticle":true,"hasBook":true,"articleCount":5,"bookCount":1},{"categoryId":34066,"title":"Schizophrenia","slug":"schizophrenia","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34066"},"image":{"src":"/img/background-image-2.fabfbd5c.png","width":0,"height":0},"hasArticle":true,"hasBook":true,"articleCount":6,"bookCount":1}],"description":"Learn about autism, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, codependency, and other common mental health conditions. We explain what they are, how they're treated, and where you can find support.","relatedArticles":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles?category=34057&offset=0&size=5"},"hasArticle":true,"hasBook":true,"articleCount":167,"bookCount":9},"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34057"}},"relatedCategoriesLoadedStatus":"success"},"listState":{"list":{"count":10,"total":167,"items":[{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-26T07:27:01+00:00","modifiedTime":"2023-05-03T20:20:30+00:00","timestamp":"2023-05-03T21:01:03+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Body, Mind, & Spirit","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34038"},"slug":"body-mind-spirit","categoryId":34038},{"name":"Emotional Health & Psychology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34039"},"slug":"emotional-health-psychology","categoryId":34039},{"name":"Psychology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34053"},"slug":"psychology","categoryId":34053},{"name":"Diagnoses","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34057"},"slug":"diagnoses","categoryId":34057},{"name":"Bipolar","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34060"},"slug":"bipolar","categoryId":34060}],"title":"Tracking Mood, Sleep, & Energy for Bipolar Disorder","strippedTitle":"tracking mood, sleep, & energy for bipolar disorder","slug":"chart-your-moods-sleep-and-energy-levels","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"When you have bipolar disorder, you're encouraged to chart your moods, sleep, and energy levels daily to record patterns that may help you spot the early warnin","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"When you have bipolar disorder,<i> </i>you're encouraged to chart your moods, sleep, and energy levels daily to record patterns that may help you spot the early warning signs of a developing mood episode (mania or depression). In addition, this log provides valuable information to guide your doctor and therapist in their treatment decisions.\r\n\r\nPrint this version of the mood chart and make as many copies as you need — or feel free to make your own, if you're spreadsheet-savvy.\r\n\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/491713.image0.jpg\" alt=\"image0.jpg\" width=\"535\" height=\"320\" />\r\n\r\nIn the column for each day, record the following:\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Mood level:</b> Place a check mark in the box that represents your overall mood for that day, which ranges from –5 (Depressed) to +5 (Manic).</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Hours sleep: </b>Record the total number of hours you slept. Assigning sleep hours for a day can get tricky, because you're likely to fall asleep late one day and wake up early the next day. Consider assigning sleep hours to the night before. For example, if you slept from 10 p.m. Sunday to 6 a.m. Monday, assign those hours to Sunday (add in any nap time from during the day on Sunday).</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Energy level: </b>Write a number from 0 (no energy) to 5 (supercharged) in the Energy level box.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Notes: </b>Jot down notes, such as a change in medication, exercise routine, or diet.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nBring your mood charts to your doctor and therapy visits. Having this type of document to point back to and reflect on can be a powerful tool.","description":"When you have bipolar disorder,<i> </i>you're encouraged to chart your moods, sleep, and energy levels daily to record patterns that may help you spot the early warning signs of a developing mood episode (mania or depression). In addition, this log provides valuable information to guide your doctor and therapist in their treatment decisions.\r\n\r\nPrint this version of the mood chart and make as many copies as you need — or feel free to make your own, if you're spreadsheet-savvy.\r\n\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/491713.image0.jpg\" alt=\"image0.jpg\" width=\"535\" height=\"320\" />\r\n\r\nIn the column for each day, record the following:\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Mood level:</b> Place a check mark in the box that represents your overall mood for that day, which ranges from –5 (Depressed) to +5 (Manic).</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Hours sleep: </b>Record the total number of hours you slept. Assigning sleep hours for a day can get tricky, because you're likely to fall asleep late one day and wake up early the next day. Consider assigning sleep hours to the night before. For example, if you slept from 10 p.m. Sunday to 6 a.m. Monday, assign those hours to Sunday (add in any nap time from during the day on Sunday).</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Energy level: </b>Write a number from 0 (no energy) to 5 (supercharged) in the Energy level box.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Notes: </b>Jot down notes, such as a change in medication, exercise routine, or diet.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nBring your mood charts to your doctor and therapy visits. Having this type of document to point back to and reflect on can be a powerful tool.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9016,"name":"Candida Fink","slug":"candida-fink","description":" <p><b>Candida Fink, MD</b> is a psychiatrist, board certified in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry, who specializes in working with people of all ages&mdash;and their loved ones&mdash;to manage bipolar disorder.</p> <p><b>Joe Kraynak</b> is a professional writer who deals with bipolar in his family.</p>","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9016"}},{"authorId":9017,"name":"Joe Kraynak","slug":"joe-kraynak","description":" <p><b>Candida Fink, MD</b> is a psychiatrist, board certified in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry, who specializes in working with people of all ages&mdash;and their loved ones&mdash;to manage bipolar disorder.</p> <p><b>Joe Kraynak</b> is a professional writer who deals with bipolar in his family.</p>","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9017"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":34060,"title":"Bipolar","slug":"bipolar","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34060"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":207449,"title":"Bipolar Disorder For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"bipolar-disorder-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","bipolar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/207449"}},{"articleId":141013,"title":"Brands vs. Generic Meds for Bipolar Disorder","slug":"name-brand-versus-generic-medications-for-bipolar-disorder","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","bipolar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/141013"}},{"articleId":141014,"title":"The Difference between Bipolar Disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder","slug":"the-difference-between-bipolar-disorder-and-borderline-personality-disorder","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","bipolar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/141014"}},{"articleId":141001,"title":"Using Humor to Cope with Bipolar Disorder","slug":"using-humor-to-cope-with-bipolar-disorder","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","bipolar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/141001"}},{"articleId":141002,"title":"How To Help a Loved One with Bipolar Disorder","slug":"helping-a-loved-one-with-bipolar-disorder-7-key-principles","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","bipolar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/141002"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":207449,"title":"Bipolar Disorder For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"bipolar-disorder-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","bipolar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/207449"}},{"articleId":141013,"title":"Brands vs. Generic Meds for Bipolar Disorder","slug":"name-brand-versus-generic-medications-for-bipolar-disorder","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","bipolar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/141013"}},{"articleId":141014,"title":"The Difference between Bipolar Disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder","slug":"the-difference-between-bipolar-disorder-and-borderline-personality-disorder","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","bipolar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/141014"}},{"articleId":141001,"title":"Using Humor to Cope with Bipolar Disorder","slug":"using-humor-to-cope-with-bipolar-disorder","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","bipolar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/141001"}},{"articleId":141002,"title":"How To Help a Loved One with Bipolar Disorder","slug":"helping-a-loved-one-with-bipolar-disorder-7-key-principles","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","bipolar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/141002"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":282000,"slug":"bipolar-disorder-for-dummies-3rd-edition","isbn":"9781394168675","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","bipolar"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1394168675/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1394168675/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/1394168675-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1394168675/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/1394168675/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/bipolar-disorder-for-dummies-4th-edition-cover-9781394168675-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Bipolar Disorder For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":true,"authorsInfo":"<p><b><b data-author-id=\"9016\">Candida Fink</b>, MD</b> is a psychiatrist, board certified in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry, who specializes in working with people of all ages&mdash;and their loved ones&mdash;to manage bipolar disorder.</p> <p><b>Joe Kraynak</b> is a professional writer who deals with bipolar in his family.</p> <p><b>Candida Fink, MD</b> is a psychiatrist, board certified in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry, who specializes in working with people of all ages&mdash;and their loved ones&mdash;to manage bipolar disorder.</p> <p><b><b data-author-id=\"9017\">Joe Kraynak</b></b> is a professional writer who deals with bipolar in his family.</p> <p><b>Candida Fink, MD</b> is a psychiatrist, board certified in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry, who specializes in working with people of all ages&mdash;and their loved ones&mdash;to manage bipolar disorder.</p> <p><b>Joe Kraynak</b> is a professional writer who deals with bipolar in his family.</p>","authors":[{"authorId":9016,"name":"Candida Fink","slug":"candida-fink","description":" <p><b>Candida Fink, MD</b> is a psychiatrist, board certified in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry, who specializes in working with people of all ages&mdash;and their loved ones&mdash;to manage bipolar disorder.</p> <p><b>Joe Kraynak</b> is a professional writer who deals with bipolar in his family.</p>","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9016"}},{"authorId":9017,"name":"Joe Kraynak","slug":"joe-kraynak","description":" <p><b>Candida Fink, MD</b> is a psychiatrist, board certified in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry, who specializes in working with people of all ages&mdash;and their loved ones&mdash;to manage bipolar disorder.</p> <p><b>Joe Kraynak</b> is a professional writer who deals with bipolar in his family.</p>","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9017"}},{"authorId":35279,"name":"Joseph Kraynak","slug":"joseph-kraynak","description":" <p><b>Candida Fink, MD</b> is a psychiatrist, board certified in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry, who specializes in working with people of all ages&mdash;and their loved ones&mdash;to manage bipolar disorder.</p> <p><b>Joe Kraynak</b> is a professional writer who deals with bipolar in his family.</p>","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/35279"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = 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Spirit","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34038"},"slug":"body-mind-spirit","categoryId":34038},{"name":"Emotional Health & Psychology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34039"},"slug":"emotional-health-psychology","categoryId":34039},{"name":"Psychology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34053"},"slug":"psychology","categoryId":34053},{"name":"Diagnoses","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34057"},"slug":"diagnoses","categoryId":34057},{"name":"Bipolar","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34060"},"slug":"bipolar","categoryId":34060}],"title":"Brands vs. Generic Meds for Bipolar Disorder","strippedTitle":"brands vs. generic meds for bipolar disorder","slug":"name-brand-versus-generic-medications-for-bipolar-disorder","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"When choosing whether to take the name-brand or generic version of a medication for bipolar disorder, you and your doctor may want to consider the possible diff","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"When choosing whether to take the name-brand or generic version of a medication for bipolar disorder, you and your doctor may want to consider the possible differences.\r\n\r\nMany people wonder whether name-brand medications are any better or even any different from their generic equivalents. Although the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates both name-brand and generic medications, how those regulations apply to generic medications can lead to differences in how effective the medication is and in the side effects it causes, even when the generic has the same amount of the same active ingredient(s) as the name-brand version.\r\n\r\nThe following sections provide the guidance you need to make well-informed choices between generics and name-brand medications.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Consider the cost</h2>\r\nMost of the time for most people and with most medicines, generics are equivalent products and work just fine. The choice is usually straightforward: With the generic costing less, working just as well, and having the same or similar side effect profile, the more affordable generic is the better choice. However, in a minority of situations, the name-brand product is the better choice.\r\n<p class=\"Remember\">In some cases, cost can be the determining factor in whether the person is able to obtain and take the medication. Being able to afford medications is critical for people to take the right amount of medication and to keep taking it. If the medicine is too expensive, people sometimes try to ration their medicines by lowering or skipping doses or even stopping a medicine entirely.</p>\r\nOddly, in certain situations, insurers cover the cost of a certain name-brand medication but not its generic. This is usually related to a financial arrangement between the insurance company and the pharmaceutical company that makes the name-brand product.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Similarities between name-brand and generic medications</h2>\r\nAccording to the FDA, generic medications contain the same active ingredients as their name-brand counterparts, so theoretically, they should be equally effective, and in most cases they are. Here's how the two are similar:\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Same active ingredient(s):</b> The vast majority of generic medications contain the same active chemical as in the name-brand version.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Very similar bioequivalence:</b> The generic version of the medication must be bioequivalent<i> </i>to the name brand. To be <i>bioequivalent</i>, the bioavailability<i> </i>of the generic must be very similar to that of the original medication. <i>Bioavailability</i> represents the amount of active chemical that gets into the system and the rate at which it does so. The bioavailability of the generic doesn't have to be identical to that of the original medication; it can be between 80 and 125 percent of the name brand. This may sound like a wide variation, but for most medications, in most people's bodies, the difference doesn't seriously affect how the generic works or the side effects it causes when compared to the name brand.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab3\" >Differences between name-brand and generic medications</h2>\r\nAlthough the generic is required by the FDA to deliver nearly the same amount of the same active ingredient(s) at about the same rate as the name-brand version, response to differences in the two can become more pronounced in the following areas:\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Individual response: </b>How a person's body absorbs and then breaks down the medication can affect their response to a medication that's more or less bioavailable. If you change from a name brand to a generic, or vice versa, and you feel differently on it, let your doctor know.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Medication class: </b>Certain classes of medications have had some difficulties with these differences in bioavailability. For example, <i>a</i><i>nticonvulsants</i> (medicines for seizures, that are also often used to treat bipolar disorder) have a <i>narrow therapeutic window</i><i>, </i>which<i> </i>means that getting control of seizures can require extremely tight management of doses and blood levels (within very narrow ranges). Studies have suggested that although patients who are started on a generic brand of an anticonvulsant may do well, changing from a previously well-managed dose of name brand to a similar dose of generic may cause reduced control of seizures. No specific studies show the same challenges with preventing mood cycles, but you and your doctor should consider and discuss the possibility.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Extended-release versions: </b>Long-acting versions of medications can be more difficult for generic companies to duplicate. In 2012, the FDA withdrew approval for a particular type and dose of a generic form of the long-acting antidepressant Wellbutrin XL. After patient and doctor complaints, the FDA tested and found that the generic version was only about 40 percent as bioavailable as the name brand. Other generic versions (by other manufacturers) were bioequivalent, but this one was withdrawn from the market. A similar incident happened recently with a generic version of the long-acting ADHD medication Concerta.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Fillers: </b>Medications include a variety of fillers and dyes that create the actual pill. Individuals may have more or less tolerance for these inactive ingredients (whether they're in the generic or name-brand version); they may even experience allergic reactions to them.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab4\" >Dealing with differences between generics of the same medication</h2>\r\nOne downside to using a generic product is that a number of different manufacturers typically make the same product, and pharmacies may change suppliers to manage cost or supply levels. So, even though you may be stable on a generic version of your medicine, when you switch to a different generic, your response could change. With anti-seizure medications, this can be especially risky, but it could affect benefits or side effects in less dangerous but very important ways with other kinds of medicine, as well.\r\n\r\nAnother concern is that the generic may look different depending on the manufacturer, which isn't usually a big problem, but it can cause challenges for certain populations, such as the elderly, who may experience confusion with that kind of change, or children, who may have difficulty swallowing a pill if it is much larger, for example.","description":"When choosing whether to take the name-brand or generic version of a medication for bipolar disorder, you and your doctor may want to consider the possible differences.\r\n\r\nMany people wonder whether name-brand medications are any better or even any different from their generic equivalents. Although the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates both name-brand and generic medications, how those regulations apply to generic medications can lead to differences in how effective the medication is and in the side effects it causes, even when the generic has the same amount of the same active ingredient(s) as the name-brand version.\r\n\r\nThe following sections provide the guidance you need to make well-informed choices between generics and name-brand medications.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Consider the cost</h2>\r\nMost of the time for most people and with most medicines, generics are equivalent products and work just fine. The choice is usually straightforward: With the generic costing less, working just as well, and having the same or similar side effect profile, the more affordable generic is the better choice. However, in a minority of situations, the name-brand product is the better choice.\r\n<p class=\"Remember\">In some cases, cost can be the determining factor in whether the person is able to obtain and take the medication. Being able to afford medications is critical for people to take the right amount of medication and to keep taking it. If the medicine is too expensive, people sometimes try to ration their medicines by lowering or skipping doses or even stopping a medicine entirely.</p>\r\nOddly, in certain situations, insurers cover the cost of a certain name-brand medication but not its generic. This is usually related to a financial arrangement between the insurance company and the pharmaceutical company that makes the name-brand product.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Similarities between name-brand and generic medications</h2>\r\nAccording to the FDA, generic medications contain the same active ingredients as their name-brand counterparts, so theoretically, they should be equally effective, and in most cases they are. Here's how the two are similar:\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Same active ingredient(s):</b> The vast majority of generic medications contain the same active chemical as in the name-brand version.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Very similar bioequivalence:</b> The generic version of the medication must be bioequivalent<i> </i>to the name brand. To be <i>bioequivalent</i>, the bioavailability<i> </i>of the generic must be very similar to that of the original medication. <i>Bioavailability</i> represents the amount of active chemical that gets into the system and the rate at which it does so. The bioavailability of the generic doesn't have to be identical to that of the original medication; it can be between 80 and 125 percent of the name brand. This may sound like a wide variation, but for most medications, in most people's bodies, the difference doesn't seriously affect how the generic works or the side effects it causes when compared to the name brand.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab3\" >Differences between name-brand and generic medications</h2>\r\nAlthough the generic is required by the FDA to deliver nearly the same amount of the same active ingredient(s) at about the same rate as the name-brand version, response to differences in the two can become more pronounced in the following areas:\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Individual response: </b>How a person's body absorbs and then breaks down the medication can affect their response to a medication that's more or less bioavailable. If you change from a name brand to a generic, or vice versa, and you feel differently on it, let your doctor know.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Medication class: </b>Certain classes of medications have had some difficulties with these differences in bioavailability. For example, <i>a</i><i>nticonvulsants</i> (medicines for seizures, that are also often used to treat bipolar disorder) have a <i>narrow therapeutic window</i><i>, </i>which<i> </i>means that getting control of seizures can require extremely tight management of doses and blood levels (within very narrow ranges). Studies have suggested that although patients who are started on a generic brand of an anticonvulsant may do well, changing from a previously well-managed dose of name brand to a similar dose of generic may cause reduced control of seizures. No specific studies show the same challenges with preventing mood cycles, but you and your doctor should consider and discuss the possibility.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Extended-release versions: </b>Long-acting versions of medications can be more difficult for generic companies to duplicate. In 2012, the FDA withdrew approval for a particular type and dose of a generic form of the long-acting antidepressant Wellbutrin XL. After patient and doctor complaints, the FDA tested and found that the generic version was only about 40 percent as bioavailable as the name brand. Other generic versions (by other manufacturers) were bioequivalent, but this one was withdrawn from the market. A similar incident happened recently with a generic version of the long-acting ADHD medication Concerta.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Fillers: </b>Medications include a variety of fillers and dyes that create the actual pill. Individuals may have more or less tolerance for these inactive ingredients (whether they're in the generic or name-brand version); they may even experience allergic reactions to them.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab4\" >Dealing with differences between generics of the same medication</h2>\r\nOne downside to using a generic product is that a number of different manufacturers typically make the same product, and pharmacies may change suppliers to manage cost or supply levels. So, even though you may be stable on a generic version of your medicine, when you switch to a different generic, your response could change. With anti-seizure medications, this can be especially risky, but it could affect benefits or side effects in less dangerous but very important ways with other kinds of medicine, as well.\r\n\r\nAnother concern is that the generic may look different depending on the manufacturer, which isn't usually a big problem, but it can cause challenges for certain populations, such as the elderly, who may experience confusion with that kind of change, or children, who may have difficulty swallowing a pill if it is much larger, for example.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9016,"name":"Candida Fink","slug":"candida-fink","description":" <p><b>Candida Fink, MD</b> is a psychiatrist, board certified in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry, who specializes in working with people of all ages&mdash;and their loved ones&mdash;to manage bipolar disorder.</p> <p><b>Joe Kraynak</b> is a professional writer who deals with bipolar in his family.</p>","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9016"}},{"authorId":9017,"name":"Joe Kraynak","slug":"joe-kraynak","description":" <p><b>Candida Fink, MD</b> is a psychiatrist, board certified in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry, who specializes in working with people of all ages&mdash;and their loved ones&mdash;to manage bipolar disorder.</p> <p><b>Joe Kraynak</b> is a professional writer who deals with bipolar in his family.</p>","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9017"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":34060,"title":"Bipolar","slug":"bipolar","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34060"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[{"label":"Consider the cost","target":"#tab1"},{"label":"Similarities between name-brand and generic medications","target":"#tab2"},{"label":"Differences between name-brand and generic medications","target":"#tab3"},{"label":"Dealing with differences between generics of the same medication","target":"#tab4"}],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":207449,"title":"Bipolar Disorder For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"bipolar-disorder-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","bipolar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/207449"}},{"articleId":141012,"title":"Tracking Mood, Sleep, & Energy for Bipolar Disorder","slug":"chart-your-moods-sleep-and-energy-levels","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","bipolar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/141012"}},{"articleId":141014,"title":"The Difference between Bipolar Disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder","slug":"the-difference-between-bipolar-disorder-and-borderline-personality-disorder","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","bipolar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/141014"}},{"articleId":141001,"title":"Using Humor to Cope with Bipolar Disorder","slug":"using-humor-to-cope-with-bipolar-disorder","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","bipolar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/141001"}},{"articleId":141002,"title":"How To Help a Loved One with Bipolar Disorder","slug":"helping-a-loved-one-with-bipolar-disorder-7-key-principles","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","bipolar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/141002"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":207449,"title":"Bipolar Disorder For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"bipolar-disorder-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","bipolar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/207449"}},{"articleId":141012,"title":"Tracking Mood, Sleep, & Energy for Bipolar Disorder","slug":"chart-your-moods-sleep-and-energy-levels","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","bipolar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/141012"}},{"articleId":141014,"title":"The Difference between Bipolar Disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder","slug":"the-difference-between-bipolar-disorder-and-borderline-personality-disorder","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","bipolar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/141014"}},{"articleId":141001,"title":"Using Humor to Cope with Bipolar Disorder","slug":"using-humor-to-cope-with-bipolar-disorder","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","bipolar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/141001"}},{"articleId":141002,"title":"How To Help a Loved One with Bipolar Disorder","slug":"helping-a-loved-one-with-bipolar-disorder-7-key-principles","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","bipolar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/141002"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":282000,"slug":"bipolar-disorder-for-dummies-3rd-edition","isbn":"9781394168675","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","bipolar"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1394168675/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1394168675/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/1394168675-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1394168675/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/1394168675/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/bipolar-disorder-for-dummies-4th-edition-cover-9781394168675-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Bipolar Disorder For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":true,"authorsInfo":"<p><b><b data-author-id=\"9016\">Candida Fink</b>, MD</b> is a psychiatrist, board certified in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry, who specializes in working with people of all ages&mdash;and their loved ones&mdash;to manage bipolar disorder.</p> <p><b>Joe Kraynak</b> is a professional writer who deals with bipolar in his family.</p> <p><b>Candida Fink, MD</b> is a psychiatrist, board certified in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry, who specializes in working with people of all ages&mdash;and their loved ones&mdash;to manage bipolar disorder.</p> <p><b><b data-author-id=\"9017\">Joe Kraynak</b></b> is a professional writer who deals with bipolar in his family.</p> <p><b>Candida Fink, MD</b> is a psychiatrist, board certified in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry, who specializes in working with people of all ages&mdash;and their loved ones&mdash;to manage bipolar disorder.</p> <p><b>Joe Kraynak</b> is a professional writer who deals with bipolar in his family.</p>","authors":[{"authorId":9016,"name":"Candida Fink","slug":"candida-fink","description":" <p><b>Candida Fink, MD</b> is a psychiatrist, board certified in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry, who specializes in working with people of all ages&mdash;and their loved ones&mdash;to manage bipolar disorder.</p> <p><b>Joe Kraynak</b> is a professional writer who deals with bipolar in his family.</p>","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9016"}},{"authorId":9017,"name":"Joe Kraynak","slug":"joe-kraynak","description":" <p><b>Candida Fink, MD</b> is a psychiatrist, board certified in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry, who specializes in working with people of all ages&mdash;and their loved ones&mdash;to manage bipolar disorder.</p> <p><b>Joe Kraynak</b> is a professional writer who deals with bipolar in his family.</p>","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9017"}},{"authorId":35279,"name":"Joseph Kraynak","slug":"joseph-kraynak","description":" <p><b>Candida Fink, MD</b> is a psychiatrist, board certified in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry, who specializes in working with people of all ages&mdash;and their loved ones&mdash;to manage bipolar disorder.</p> <p><b>Joe Kraynak</b> is a professional writer who deals with bipolar in his family.</p>","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/35279"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;body-mind-spirit&quot;,&quot;emotional-health-psychology&quot;,&quot;psychology&quot;,&quot;diagnoses&quot;,&quot;bipolar&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781394168675&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-6452cb8f7a49e\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;body-mind-spirit&quot;,&quot;emotional-health-psychology&quot;,&quot;psychology&quot;,&quot;diagnoses&quot;,&quot;bipolar&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781394168675&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-6452cb8f7ac38\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Solve","lifeExpectancy":"Five years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2023-05-03T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":141013},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-26T07:13:54+00:00","modifiedTime":"2023-05-03T19:03:39+00:00","timestamp":"2023-05-03T21:01:03+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Body, Mind, & Spirit","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34038"},"slug":"body-mind-spirit","categoryId":34038},{"name":"Emotional Health & Psychology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34039"},"slug":"emotional-health-psychology","categoryId":34039},{"name":"Psychology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34053"},"slug":"psychology","categoryId":34053},{"name":"Diagnoses","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34057"},"slug":"diagnoses","categoryId":34057},{"name":"Bipolar","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34060"},"slug":"bipolar","categoryId":34060}],"title":"Bipolar Disorder vs. ODD in Children","strippedTitle":"bipolar disorder vs. odd in children","slug":"oppositional-defiant-disorder-odd-versus-bipolar-disorder","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is not just typical childhood rebellion. All children are oppositional at times; it's part of growing up and developing inde","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is not just typical childhood rebellion. All children are oppositional at times; it's part of growing up and developing independence and personality. For most kids, rebellious behaviors respond fairly well to the usual carrot-and-stick parenting techniques, but oppositional kids exhibit a much more tenacious defiance.\r\n\r\nParents describe the child as being stubborn, strong-willed, or simply a pain in the neck. When this pattern creates significant problems in function — at school, at home, with friends, or during activities — a doctor or therapist may suggest a diagnosis of ODD, which is described in the <em>Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition</em>, as:\r\n<blockquote>\"A pattern of angry/irritable mood, argumentative/defiant behavior, or vindictiveness lasting at least 6 months . . . and is not exclusively directed at siblings.\"</blockquote>\r\nODD's irritable mood and behavioral difficulties — not doing as one's told — can overlap with mania. Although this is often a confusing area, the child with ODD demonstrates these symptoms chronically and not episodically. Furthermore, ODD doesn't include other manic symptoms such as energy changes and grandiosity.\r\n<p class=\"Warning\">ODD is a problematic diagnosis in many regards, because its core symptoms are nonspecific. Irritable mood and defiant behavior can be associated with a wide range of developmental and psychiatric conditions.</p>\r\n<p class=\"Warning\">Your child needs a careful medical and psychiatric evaluation to help understand the mechanisms underlying these difficult symptoms. Bipolar disorder/mania is one possible explanation, but others can include unipolar depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, language disorders, autism spectrum disorder, and trauma, among others.</p>","description":"Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is not just typical childhood rebellion. All children are oppositional at times; it's part of growing up and developing independence and personality. For most kids, rebellious behaviors respond fairly well to the usual carrot-and-stick parenting techniques, but oppositional kids exhibit a much more tenacious defiance.\r\n\r\nParents describe the child as being stubborn, strong-willed, or simply a pain in the neck. When this pattern creates significant problems in function — at school, at home, with friends, or during activities — a doctor or therapist may suggest a diagnosis of ODD, which is described in the <em>Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition</em>, as:\r\n<blockquote>\"A pattern of angry/irritable mood, argumentative/defiant behavior, or vindictiveness lasting at least 6 months . . . and is not exclusively directed at siblings.\"</blockquote>\r\nODD's irritable mood and behavioral difficulties — not doing as one's told — can overlap with mania. Although this is often a confusing area, the child with ODD demonstrates these symptoms chronically and not episodically. Furthermore, ODD doesn't include other manic symptoms such as energy changes and grandiosity.\r\n<p class=\"Warning\">ODD is a problematic diagnosis in many regards, because its core symptoms are nonspecific. Irritable mood and defiant behavior can be associated with a wide range of developmental and psychiatric conditions.</p>\r\n<p class=\"Warning\">Your child needs a careful medical and psychiatric evaluation to help understand the mechanisms underlying these difficult symptoms. Bipolar disorder/mania is one possible explanation, but others can include unipolar depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, language disorders, autism spectrum disorder, and trauma, among others.</p>","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9016,"name":"Candida Fink","slug":"candida-fink","description":" <p><b>Candida Fink, MD</b> is a psychiatrist, board certified in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry, who specializes in working with people of all ages&mdash;and their loved ones&mdash;to manage bipolar disorder.</p> <p><b>Joe Kraynak</b> is a professional writer who deals with bipolar in his family.</p>","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9016"}},{"authorId":9017,"name":"Joe Kraynak","slug":"joe-kraynak","description":" <p><b>Candida Fink, MD</b> is a psychiatrist, board certified in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry, who specializes in working with people of all ages&mdash;and their loved ones&mdash;to manage bipolar disorder.</p> <p><b>Joe Kraynak</b> is a professional writer who deals with bipolar in his family.</p>","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9017"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":34060,"title":"Bipolar","slug":"bipolar","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34060"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":207449,"title":"Bipolar Disorder For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"bipolar-disorder-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","bipolar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/207449"}},{"articleId":141013,"title":"Brands vs. Generic Meds for Bipolar Disorder","slug":"name-brand-versus-generic-medications-for-bipolar-disorder","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","bipolar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/141013"}},{"articleId":141012,"title":"Tracking Mood, Sleep, & Energy for Bipolar Disorder","slug":"chart-your-moods-sleep-and-energy-levels","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","bipolar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/141012"}},{"articleId":141014,"title":"The Difference between Bipolar Disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder","slug":"the-difference-between-bipolar-disorder-and-borderline-personality-disorder","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","bipolar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/141014"}},{"articleId":141002,"title":"How To Help a Loved One with Bipolar Disorder","slug":"helping-a-loved-one-with-bipolar-disorder-7-key-principles","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","bipolar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/141002"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":207449,"title":"Bipolar Disorder For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"bipolar-disorder-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","bipolar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/207449"}},{"articleId":141013,"title":"Brands vs. Generic Meds for Bipolar Disorder","slug":"name-brand-versus-generic-medications-for-bipolar-disorder","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","bipolar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/141013"}},{"articleId":141012,"title":"Tracking Mood, Sleep, & Energy for Bipolar Disorder","slug":"chart-your-moods-sleep-and-energy-levels","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","bipolar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/141012"}},{"articleId":141014,"title":"The Difference between Bipolar Disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder","slug":"the-difference-between-bipolar-disorder-and-borderline-personality-disorder","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","bipolar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/141014"}},{"articleId":141002,"title":"How To Help a Loved One with Bipolar Disorder","slug":"helping-a-loved-one-with-bipolar-disorder-7-key-principles","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","bipolar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/141002"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":282000,"slug":"bipolar-disorder-for-dummies-3rd-edition","isbn":"9781394168675","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","bipolar"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1394168675/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1394168675/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/1394168675-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1394168675/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/1394168675/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/bipolar-disorder-for-dummies-4th-edition-cover-9781394168675-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Bipolar Disorder For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":true,"authorsInfo":"<p><b><b data-author-id=\"9016\">Candida Fink</b>, MD</b> is a psychiatrist, board certified in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry, who specializes in working with people of all ages&mdash;and their loved ones&mdash;to manage bipolar disorder.</p> <p><b>Joe Kraynak</b> is a professional writer who deals with bipolar in his family.</p> <p><b>Candida Fink, MD</b> is a psychiatrist, board certified in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry, who specializes in working with people of all ages&mdash;and their loved ones&mdash;to manage bipolar disorder.</p> <p><b><b data-author-id=\"9017\">Joe Kraynak</b></b> is a professional writer who deals with bipolar in his family.</p> <p><b>Candida Fink, MD</b> is a psychiatrist, board certified in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry, who specializes in working with people of all ages&mdash;and their loved ones&mdash;to manage bipolar disorder.</p> <p><b>Joe Kraynak</b> is a professional writer who deals with bipolar in his family.</p>","authors":[{"authorId":9016,"name":"Candida Fink","slug":"candida-fink","description":" <p><b>Candida Fink, MD</b> is a psychiatrist, board certified in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry, who specializes in working with people of all ages&mdash;and their loved ones&mdash;to manage bipolar disorder.</p> <p><b>Joe Kraynak</b> is a professional writer who deals with bipolar in his family.</p>","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9016"}},{"authorId":9017,"name":"Joe Kraynak","slug":"joe-kraynak","description":" <p><b>Candida Fink, MD</b> is a psychiatrist, board certified in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry, who specializes in working with people of all ages&mdash;and their loved ones&mdash;to manage bipolar disorder.</p> <p><b>Joe Kraynak</b> is a professional writer who deals with bipolar in his family.</p>","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9017"}},{"authorId":35279,"name":"Joseph Kraynak","slug":"joseph-kraynak","description":" <p><b>Candida Fink, MD</b> is a psychiatrist, board certified in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry, who specializes in working with people of all ages&mdash;and their loved ones&mdash;to manage bipolar disorder.</p> <p><b>Joe Kraynak</b> is a professional writer who deals with bipolar in his family.</p>","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/35279"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;body-mind-spirit&quot;,&quot;emotional-health-psychology&quot;,&quot;psychology&quot;,&quot;diagnoses&quot;,&quot;bipolar&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781394168675&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-6452cb8f61c42\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;body-mind-spirit&quot;,&quot;emotional-health-psychology&quot;,&quot;psychology&quot;,&quot;diagnoses&quot;,&quot;bipolar&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781394168675&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-6452cb8f622ef\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Solve","lifeExpectancy":"Six months","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2021-06-17T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":139246},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-26T22:09:42+00:00","modifiedTime":"2023-04-27T18:28:14+00:00","timestamp":"2023-04-27T21:01:03+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Body, Mind, & Spirit","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34038"},"slug":"body-mind-spirit","categoryId":34038},{"name":"Emotional Health & Psychology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34039"},"slug":"emotional-health-psychology","categoryId":34039},{"name":"Psychology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34053"},"slug":"psychology","categoryId":34053},{"name":"Diagnoses","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34057"},"slug":"diagnoses","categoryId":34057},{"name":"PTSD","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34065"},"slug":"ptsd","categoryId":34065}],"title":"The Signs of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder","strippedTitle":"the signs of post-traumatic stress disorder","slug":"symptoms-that-may-signal-post-traumatic-stress-disorder","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"If you’re battling with the idea that you are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), there are signs that you — and your medical professional — c","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"If you’re battling with the idea that you are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), there are signs that you — and your medical professional — can look for. Here’s an overview of symptoms that may point to a post-traumatic stress disorder diagnosis.\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Intrusive thoughts, emotions, or images: </b>These may include vivid nightmares and/or flashbacks in which you feel as if the event is occurring all over again.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Avoidance and/or numbing:</b> For instance, you may avoid people or things that remind you of your trauma, feel emotionally detached from the people around you, or block out parts of your traumatic experience.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Hyperarousal:</b> Hyperarousal means being on red alert all the time, being jumpy or easily startled, having panic attacks, being very irritable, and/or being unable to sleep.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nYou may also experience symptoms including body aches and pains, depression or other mental disorders, or problems with drugs or alcohol. If you have any or all of these symptoms, seek medical help — because if you <i>do</i> have PTSD, there’s help and hope!","description":"If you’re battling with the idea that you are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), there are signs that you — and your medical professional — can look for. Here’s an overview of symptoms that may point to a post-traumatic stress disorder diagnosis.\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Intrusive thoughts, emotions, or images: </b>These may include vivid nightmares and/or flashbacks in which you feel as if the event is occurring all over again.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Avoidance and/or numbing:</b> For instance, you may avoid people or things that remind you of your trauma, feel emotionally detached from the people around you, or block out parts of your traumatic experience.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Hyperarousal:</b> Hyperarousal means being on red alert all the time, being jumpy or easily startled, having panic attacks, being very irritable, and/or being unable to sleep.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nYou may also experience symptoms including body aches and pains, depression or other mental disorders, or problems with drugs or alcohol. If you have any or all of these symptoms, seek medical help — because if you <i>do</i> have PTSD, there’s help and hope!","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":10604,"name":"Mark Goulston","slug":"mark-goulston","description":" <p><b>Mark Goulston, MD,</b> an expert on PTSD, suicide prevention, and violence intervention, maintains a private clinical practice. He has taught or lectured at UCLA, USC, and Fortune 500 companies and has trained FBI and police hostage negotiators. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/10604"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":34065,"title":"PTSD","slug":"ptsd","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34065"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":209525,"title":"Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder for Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"post-traumatic-stress-disorder-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","ptsd"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/209525"}},{"articleId":196589,"title":"Is Your Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Medicine Working?","slug":"is-your-post-traumatic-stress-disorder-medicine-working","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","ptsd"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/196589"}},{"articleId":196590,"title":"How to Relieve Signs of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder","slug":"how-to-relieve-signs-of-post-traumatic-stress-disorder","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","ptsd"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/196590"}},{"articleId":196588,"title":"Truths to Embrace when Recovering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder","slug":"truths-to-embrace-when-recovering-from-post-traumatic-stress-disorder","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","ptsd"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/196588"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":209525,"title":"Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder for Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"post-traumatic-stress-disorder-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","ptsd"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/209525"}},{"articleId":196589,"title":"Is Your Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Medicine Working?","slug":"is-your-post-traumatic-stress-disorder-medicine-working","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","ptsd"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/196589"}},{"articleId":196590,"title":"How to Relieve Signs of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder","slug":"how-to-relieve-signs-of-post-traumatic-stress-disorder","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","ptsd"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/196590"}},{"articleId":196588,"title":"Truths to Embrace when Recovering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder","slug":"truths-to-embrace-when-recovering-from-post-traumatic-stress-disorder","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","ptsd"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/196588"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":282489,"slug":"post-traumatic-stress-disorder-for-dummies","isbn":"9780470049228","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","ptsd"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0470049227/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0470049227/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/0470049227-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0470049227/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/0470049227/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-for-dummies-cover-9780470049228-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":"<p><p><b><b data-author-id=\"10604\">Mark Goulston</b>, MD,</b> an expert on PTSD, suicide prevention, and violence intervention, maintains a private clinical practice. He has taught or lectured at UCLA, USC, and Fortune 500 companies and has trained FBI and police hostage negotiators.</p>","authors":[{"authorId":10604,"name":"Mark Goulston","slug":"mark-goulston","description":" <p><b>Mark Goulston, MD,</b> an expert on PTSD, suicide prevention, and violence intervention, maintains a private clinical practice. He has taught or lectured at UCLA, USC, and Fortune 500 companies and has trained FBI and police hostage negotiators. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/10604"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;body-mind-spirit&quot;,&quot;emotional-health-psychology&quot;,&quot;psychology&quot;,&quot;diagnoses&quot;,&quot;ptsd&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9780470049228&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-644ae28f1630f\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;body-mind-spirit&quot;,&quot;emotional-health-psychology&quot;,&quot;psychology&quot;,&quot;diagnoses&quot;,&quot;ptsd&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9780470049228&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-644ae28f16ae7\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Solve","lifeExpectancy":"Five years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2023-04-27T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":196591},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-26T07:13:49+00:00","modifiedTime":"2023-04-27T17:57:16+00:00","timestamp":"2023-04-27T18:01:02+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Body, Mind, & Spirit","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34038"},"slug":"body-mind-spirit","categoryId":34038},{"name":"Emotional Health & Psychology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34039"},"slug":"emotional-health-psychology","categoryId":34039},{"name":"Psychology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34053"},"slug":"psychology","categoryId":34053},{"name":"Diagnoses","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34057"},"slug":"diagnoses","categoryId":34057},{"name":"Bipolar","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34060"},"slug":"bipolar","categoryId":34060}],"title":"Brain Function of Those with Bipolar Disorder","strippedTitle":"brain function of those with bipolar disorder","slug":"brain-structure-and-function-of-those-with-bipolar-disorder","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"To understand bipolar disorder in the brain, it's important to know the different parts of the brain and how its cells communicate.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Pinpointing the location of bipolar disorder in your brain is almost as difficult as finding affordable health insurance. Brain imaging studies have found few consistent changes when looking at large brain structures. They've had much more success looking at changes at the cellular level and, in particular, at functional changes in cells and groups of cells in different brain areas.\r\n\r\nHere is some basic brain anatomy and physiology that helps explain the research.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Dissecting the brain</h2>\r\nLooking at a whole human brain from the outside, as shown, you see the <i>cerebral hemispheres</i> (the large sections, not labeled in the figure, that comprise most of the brain), the <i>cerebellum</i> (the small ball toward the back of the hemispheres), and the <i>brain stem</i> (a long, thin structure leaving the brain and connecting it to the spinal cord). The cerebral hemispheres are divided into four sections that serve broadly different functions — the frontal lobe, the parietal lobe, the temporal lobe, and the occipital lobe.\r\n<div class=\"imageBlock\" style=\"width: 535px;\">[caption id=\"\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"535\"]<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/498793.image0.jpg\" alt=\"The human brain from the outside looking in. [Credit: Illustration by Kathryn Born, MA]\" width=\"535\" height=\"301\" /> The human brain from the outside looking in <br />© Kathryn Born, MA[/caption]</div>\r\nWhen you open the brain up, pulling the two hemispheres apart into two equal parts, and look inside, you see a number of brain structures within the hemispheres. Within the outer layer, researchers have identified a number of cell areas related to different functions.\r\n\r\nSeveral of these areas appear frequently in studies of bipolar, including the <i>prefrontal cortex</i> and the <i>anterior cingulate cortex.</i> Below the large outer layer are a number of structures, some of which are quite important in bipolar disorder research, including the thalamus, hypothalamus, hippocampus, and amygdala.\r\n\r\n \r\n<div class=\"imageBlock\" style=\"width: 535px;\">[caption id=\"\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"535\"]<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/498794.image1.jpg\" alt=\"Inside the human brain. [Credit: Illustration by Kathryn Born, MA]\" width=\"535\" height=\"268\" /> Inside the human brain <br />© Kathryn Born, MA[/caption]\r\n<div class=\"imageCaption\"></div>\r\n</div>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Exploring the functions of different areas of the brain</h2>\r\nNow that you have a bird's-eye view of the brain, consider the functions of some of these areas:\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Cerebral hemispheres:</b> The cerebral hemispheres include most of the thinking and planning parts of the brain as well as areas important to sensory input and learning and memory. The areas are as follows:</p>\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"level-two\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The <i>frontal lobe</i> is the executive of the brain, serving to coordinate and manage the many functions within the body and brain.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The <i>parietal lobe</i> is involved in managing sensory experiences, in addition to playing a role in many other functions.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The <i>temporal lobe</i> is involved in smell and auditory sensory input, speech and language, and memory and learning.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The <i>occipital lobe</i> is the center for processing visual stimuli.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nAll of these areas perform many other functions, as well, and functions may overlap between areas.\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Cerebellum:</b> The <i>cerebellum</i> appears to manage the fine-tuning of complex movements and also seems to be involved in regulating thought, language, and mood responses.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Brain stem:</b> The <i>brain stem</i> manages basic survival mechanisms, such as breathing and the heartbeat, and is involved in the management of consciousness, alertness, and sleep/wake cycles.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Cerebral cortex:</b> The <i>cerebral cortex</i> is the outer layer of brain cells in the hemispheres. It's considered to be the site of higher level thinking, coordinating incoming information and generating movement, actions, and thoughts. It's broken down into a number of smaller areas associated with specific types of function.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Prefrontal cortex:</b> The <i>prefrontal cortex</i> is a section of the cerebral cortex that is highly developed and is involved in regulating complex thinking and behavior; it's considered a center of judgment and planning.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Hippocampus:</b> The <i>hippocampus</i> is located in the cortex <i>(subcortical)</i> and is especially important in learning and memory.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Thalamus:</b> The <i>thalamus</i> is a structure that sits below the cortex <i>(subcortical)</i> that serves as a relay station for sensorimotor input, conveying it to areas of the cortex. It also regulates sleep, consciousness, and levels of alertness.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Hypothalamus:</b> The <i>hypothalamus</i> is also subcortical and regulates many survival mechanisms such as hunger/thirst and sleep/wake and energy cycles, all components of <i>circadian rhythms</i> — physical, mental, and behavioral patterns that occur in approximately 24-hour cycles.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Amygdala:</b> The <i>amygdala,</i> another subcortical area, is a major player in the brain's reaction to emotions.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Limbic system:</b> The term <i>limbic system</i> is used to describe a number of brain areas important to emotional function. The list of areas can be different in different textbooks but the hippocampus, thalamus, hypothalamus, and amygdala are considered main components of this system.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Anterior cingulate cortex:</b> The <i>anterior cingulate cortex</i> is a part of the cortex that has strong associations between the prefrontal cortex and the limbic system and is thought to play an important role in regulation of strong emotions.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab3\" >Viewing the brain under a microscope</h2>\r\nThe brain has several layers. The outer layer of the brain is called the <i>cortex,</i> often referred to as the gray matter. The layer beneath the cortex is a network of fibers that connect different areas of the brain, often referred to as the white matter. The fibers are protected and insulated by a layer called the <i>myelin sheath.</i>\r\n\r\nWithin the brain is a system of cavities, including spaces called the ventricles, that make, circulate, and then reabsorb <i>cerebrospinal fluid.</i> This fluid serves as a mechanical shock absorber to the brain but also brings nutrients from and filters waste back into the blood stream.\r\n\r\nAnother important component of brain anatomy is comprised of cells that make up all of these structures. Brain cells include neurons and glia<i>.</i>\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><i>Neurons</i> form the telecommunications system in the brain and body, dictating body functions by generating, sending, and reacting to electrochemical signals.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><i>Glial cells,</i> once thought to be just a support network for neurons, play a major role in brain function and in the brain's communications and reaction systems.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nThe gray matter of the cortex includes the <i>cell bodies</i> (central section) and <i>dendrites</i> (one of the connecting ends) of neurons, as well as glial cells. The white matter is made up of the <i>axons</i> (another type of connecting end) of neurons.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab4\" >Understanding how brain cells communicate</h2>\r\nNeurons communicate with one another in many different ways, but communication occurs primarily across the <i>synapse —</i> the space between neurons or between neurons and other cells, such as a gland or muscle cell. The most common type of communication occurs when one end of the neuron (often the axon, but not always) releases a chemical messenger into the synapse (as shown in the figure below). The next cell (often the dendrite of another neuron) receives the chemical messenger.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"535\"]<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/498795.image2.jpg\" alt=\"Cell-to-cell communication via neurotransmitters. [Credit: Illustration by Kathryn Born, MA]\" width=\"535\" height=\"294\" /> Cell-to-cell communication via neurotransmitters <br />© Kathryn Born, MA[/caption]Receptors on the outside of the second cell latch onto the chemical messenger. Cells have many different types of receptors for all of the chemical messengers; the type of receptor influences how the message is received and processed and how the instructions are transmitted to the second cell.\r\n\r\nAfter a chemical messenger occupies the receptor, it can generate many different responses in the receiving cell, depending on the chemical messenger and the receptor type. After the messenger has done its job, it's released from the receptor and then taken back into the first cell, a process called <i>reuptake.</i> In the brain, the chemical messengers are often referred to as <i>neurotransmitters.</i>\r\n\r\nNervous system cells communicate in ways beyond the synapse. For example, chemicals called <i>neuropeptides</i> communicate between cells but not across synapses. Of great importance in the current research on bipolar disorder is the communication between glial cells and neurons.\r\n\r\nDisruptions in these communication systems may be at least as important as problems in neuron-to-neuron transmissions. <i>Intracellular</i> (within-cell) communication may also play a role.","description":"Pinpointing the location of bipolar disorder in your brain is almost as difficult as finding affordable health insurance. Brain imaging studies have found few consistent changes when looking at large brain structures. They've had much more success looking at changes at the cellular level and, in particular, at functional changes in cells and groups of cells in different brain areas.\r\n\r\nHere is some basic brain anatomy and physiology that helps explain the research.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Dissecting the brain</h2>\r\nLooking at a whole human brain from the outside, as shown, you see the <i>cerebral hemispheres</i> (the large sections, not labeled in the figure, that comprise most of the brain), the <i>cerebellum</i> (the small ball toward the back of the hemispheres), and the <i>brain stem</i> (a long, thin structure leaving the brain and connecting it to the spinal cord). The cerebral hemispheres are divided into four sections that serve broadly different functions — the frontal lobe, the parietal lobe, the temporal lobe, and the occipital lobe.\r\n<div class=\"imageBlock\" style=\"width: 535px;\">[caption id=\"\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"535\"]<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/498793.image0.jpg\" alt=\"The human brain from the outside looking in. [Credit: Illustration by Kathryn Born, MA]\" width=\"535\" height=\"301\" /> The human brain from the outside looking in <br />© Kathryn Born, MA[/caption]</div>\r\nWhen you open the brain up, pulling the two hemispheres apart into two equal parts, and look inside, you see a number of brain structures within the hemispheres. Within the outer layer, researchers have identified a number of cell areas related to different functions.\r\n\r\nSeveral of these areas appear frequently in studies of bipolar, including the <i>prefrontal cortex</i> and the <i>anterior cingulate cortex.</i> Below the large outer layer are a number of structures, some of which are quite important in bipolar disorder research, including the thalamus, hypothalamus, hippocampus, and amygdala.\r\n\r\n \r\n<div class=\"imageBlock\" style=\"width: 535px;\">[caption id=\"\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"535\"]<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/498794.image1.jpg\" alt=\"Inside the human brain. [Credit: Illustration by Kathryn Born, MA]\" width=\"535\" height=\"268\" /> Inside the human brain <br />© Kathryn Born, MA[/caption]\r\n<div class=\"imageCaption\"></div>\r\n</div>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Exploring the functions of different areas of the brain</h2>\r\nNow that you have a bird's-eye view of the brain, consider the functions of some of these areas:\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Cerebral hemispheres:</b> The cerebral hemispheres include most of the thinking and planning parts of the brain as well as areas important to sensory input and learning and memory. The areas are as follows:</p>\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"level-two\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The <i>frontal lobe</i> is the executive of the brain, serving to coordinate and manage the many functions within the body and brain.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The <i>parietal lobe</i> is involved in managing sensory experiences, in addition to playing a role in many other functions.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The <i>temporal lobe</i> is involved in smell and auditory sensory input, speech and language, and memory and learning.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The <i>occipital lobe</i> is the center for processing visual stimuli.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nAll of these areas perform many other functions, as well, and functions may overlap between areas.\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Cerebellum:</b> The <i>cerebellum</i> appears to manage the fine-tuning of complex movements and also seems to be involved in regulating thought, language, and mood responses.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Brain stem:</b> The <i>brain stem</i> manages basic survival mechanisms, such as breathing and the heartbeat, and is involved in the management of consciousness, alertness, and sleep/wake cycles.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Cerebral cortex:</b> The <i>cerebral cortex</i> is the outer layer of brain cells in the hemispheres. It's considered to be the site of higher level thinking, coordinating incoming information and generating movement, actions, and thoughts. It's broken down into a number of smaller areas associated with specific types of function.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Prefrontal cortex:</b> The <i>prefrontal cortex</i> is a section of the cerebral cortex that is highly developed and is involved in regulating complex thinking and behavior; it's considered a center of judgment and planning.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Hippocampus:</b> The <i>hippocampus</i> is located in the cortex <i>(subcortical)</i> and is especially important in learning and memory.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Thalamus:</b> The <i>thalamus</i> is a structure that sits below the cortex <i>(subcortical)</i> that serves as a relay station for sensorimotor input, conveying it to areas of the cortex. It also regulates sleep, consciousness, and levels of alertness.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Hypothalamus:</b> The <i>hypothalamus</i> is also subcortical and regulates many survival mechanisms such as hunger/thirst and sleep/wake and energy cycles, all components of <i>circadian rhythms</i> — physical, mental, and behavioral patterns that occur in approximately 24-hour cycles.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Amygdala:</b> The <i>amygdala,</i> another subcortical area, is a major player in the brain's reaction to emotions.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Limbic system:</b> The term <i>limbic system</i> is used to describe a number of brain areas important to emotional function. The list of areas can be different in different textbooks but the hippocampus, thalamus, hypothalamus, and amygdala are considered main components of this system.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Anterior cingulate cortex:</b> The <i>anterior cingulate cortex</i> is a part of the cortex that has strong associations between the prefrontal cortex and the limbic system and is thought to play an important role in regulation of strong emotions.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab3\" >Viewing the brain under a microscope</h2>\r\nThe brain has several layers. The outer layer of the brain is called the <i>cortex,</i> often referred to as the gray matter. The layer beneath the cortex is a network of fibers that connect different areas of the brain, often referred to as the white matter. The fibers are protected and insulated by a layer called the <i>myelin sheath.</i>\r\n\r\nWithin the brain is a system of cavities, including spaces called the ventricles, that make, circulate, and then reabsorb <i>cerebrospinal fluid.</i> This fluid serves as a mechanical shock absorber to the brain but also brings nutrients from and filters waste back into the blood stream.\r\n\r\nAnother important component of brain anatomy is comprised of cells that make up all of these structures. Brain cells include neurons and glia<i>.</i>\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><i>Neurons</i> form the telecommunications system in the brain and body, dictating body functions by generating, sending, and reacting to electrochemical signals.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><i>Glial cells,</i> once thought to be just a support network for neurons, play a major role in brain function and in the brain's communications and reaction systems.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nThe gray matter of the cortex includes the <i>cell bodies</i> (central section) and <i>dendrites</i> (one of the connecting ends) of neurons, as well as glial cells. The white matter is made up of the <i>axons</i> (another type of connecting end) of neurons.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab4\" >Understanding how brain cells communicate</h2>\r\nNeurons communicate with one another in many different ways, but communication occurs primarily across the <i>synapse —</i> the space between neurons or between neurons and other cells, such as a gland or muscle cell. The most common type of communication occurs when one end of the neuron (often the axon, but not always) releases a chemical messenger into the synapse (as shown in the figure below). The next cell (often the dendrite of another neuron) receives the chemical messenger.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"535\"]<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/498795.image2.jpg\" alt=\"Cell-to-cell communication via neurotransmitters. [Credit: Illustration by Kathryn Born, MA]\" width=\"535\" height=\"294\" /> Cell-to-cell communication via neurotransmitters <br />© Kathryn Born, MA[/caption]Receptors on the outside of the second cell latch onto the chemical messenger. Cells have many different types of receptors for all of the chemical messengers; the type of receptor influences how the message is received and processed and how the instructions are transmitted to the second cell.\r\n\r\nAfter a chemical messenger occupies the receptor, it can generate many different responses in the receiving cell, depending on the chemical messenger and the receptor type. After the messenger has done its job, it's released from the receptor and then taken back into the first cell, a process called <i>reuptake.</i> In the brain, the chemical messengers are often referred to as <i>neurotransmitters.</i>\r\n\r\nNervous system cells communicate in ways beyond the synapse. For example, chemicals called <i>neuropeptides</i> communicate between cells but not across synapses. Of great importance in the current research on bipolar disorder is the communication between glial cells and neurons.\r\n\r\nDisruptions in these communication systems may be at least as important as problems in neuron-to-neuron transmissions. <i>Intracellular</i> (within-cell) communication may also play a role.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9016,"name":"Candida Fink","slug":"candida-fink","description":" <p><b>Candida Fink, MD</b> is a psychiatrist, board certified in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry, who specializes in working with people of all ages&mdash;and their loved ones&mdash;to manage bipolar disorder.</p> <p><b>Joe Kraynak</b> is a professional writer who deals with bipolar in his family.</p>","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9016"}},{"authorId":9017,"name":"Joe Kraynak","slug":"joe-kraynak","description":" <p><b>Candida Fink, MD</b> is a psychiatrist, board certified in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry, who specializes in working with people of all ages&mdash;and their loved ones&mdash;to manage bipolar disorder.</p> <p><b>Joe Kraynak</b> is a professional writer who deals with bipolar in his family.</p>","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9017"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":34060,"title":"Bipolar","slug":"bipolar","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34060"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[{"label":"Dissecting the brain","target":"#tab1"},{"label":"Exploring the functions of different areas of the brain","target":"#tab2"},{"label":"Viewing the brain under a microscope","target":"#tab3"},{"label":"Understanding how brain cells communicate","target":"#tab4"}],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":207449,"title":"Bipolar Disorder For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"bipolar-disorder-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","bipolar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/207449"}},{"articleId":141013,"title":"Name Brand versus Generic Medications for Bipolar Disorder","slug":"name-brand-versus-generic-medications-for-bipolar-disorder","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","bipolar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/141013"}},{"articleId":141012,"title":"Bipolar Disorder: Chart Your Moods, Sleep, and Energy Levels","slug":"chart-your-moods-sleep-and-energy-levels","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","bipolar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/141012"}},{"articleId":141014,"title":"The Difference between Bipolar Disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder","slug":"the-difference-between-bipolar-disorder-and-borderline-personality-disorder","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","bipolar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/141014"}},{"articleId":141002,"title":"How To Help a Loved One with Bipolar Disorder","slug":"helping-a-loved-one-with-bipolar-disorder-7-key-principles","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","bipolar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/141002"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":207449,"title":"Bipolar Disorder For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"bipolar-disorder-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","bipolar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/207449"}},{"articleId":141013,"title":"Name Brand versus Generic Medications for Bipolar Disorder","slug":"name-brand-versus-generic-medications-for-bipolar-disorder","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","bipolar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/141013"}},{"articleId":141012,"title":"Bipolar Disorder: Chart Your Moods, Sleep, and Energy Levels","slug":"chart-your-moods-sleep-and-energy-levels","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","bipolar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/141012"}},{"articleId":141014,"title":"The Difference between Bipolar Disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder","slug":"the-difference-between-bipolar-disorder-and-borderline-personality-disorder","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","bipolar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/141014"}},{"articleId":141002,"title":"How To Help a Loved One with Bipolar Disorder","slug":"helping-a-loved-one-with-bipolar-disorder-7-key-principles","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","bipolar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/141002"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":282000,"slug":"bipolar-disorder-for-dummies-3rd-edition","isbn":"9781394168675","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","bipolar"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1394168675/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1394168675/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/1394168675-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1394168675/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/1394168675/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/bipolar-disorder-for-dummies-4th-edition-cover-9781394168675-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Bipolar Disorder For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":true,"authorsInfo":"<p><b><b data-author-id=\"9016\">Candida Fink</b>, MD</b> is a psychiatrist, board certified in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry, who specializes in working with people of all ages&mdash;and their loved ones&mdash;to manage bipolar disorder.</p> <p><b>Joe Kraynak</b> is a professional writer who deals with bipolar in his family.</p> <p><b>Candida Fink, MD</b> is a psychiatrist, board certified in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry, who specializes in working with people of all ages&mdash;and their loved ones&mdash;to manage bipolar disorder.</p> <p><b><b data-author-id=\"9017\">Joe Kraynak</b></b> is a professional writer who deals with bipolar in his family.</p> <p><b>Candida Fink, MD</b> is a psychiatrist, board certified in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry, who specializes in working with people of all ages&mdash;and their loved ones&mdash;to manage bipolar disorder.</p> <p><b>Joe Kraynak</b> is a professional writer who deals with bipolar in his family.</p>","authors":[{"authorId":9016,"name":"Candida Fink","slug":"candida-fink","description":" <p><b>Candida Fink, MD</b> is a psychiatrist, board certified in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry, who specializes in working with people of all ages&mdash;and their loved ones&mdash;to manage bipolar disorder.</p> <p><b>Joe Kraynak</b> is a professional writer who deals with bipolar in his family.</p>","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9016"}},{"authorId":9017,"name":"Joe Kraynak","slug":"joe-kraynak","description":" <p><b>Candida Fink, MD</b> is a psychiatrist, board certified in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry, who specializes in working with people of all ages&mdash;and their loved ones&mdash;to manage bipolar disorder.</p> <p><b>Joe Kraynak</b> is a professional writer who deals with bipolar in his family.</p>","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9017"}},{"authorId":35279,"name":"Joseph Kraynak","slug":"joseph-kraynak","description":" <p><b>Candida Fink, MD</b> is a psychiatrist, board certified in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry, who specializes in working with people of all ages&mdash;and their loved ones&mdash;to manage bipolar disorder.</p> <p><b>Joe Kraynak</b> is a professional writer who deals with bipolar in his family.</p>","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/35279"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = 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Spirit","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34038"},"slug":"body-mind-spirit","categoryId":34038},{"name":"Emotional Health & Psychology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34039"},"slug":"emotional-health-psychology","categoryId":34039},{"name":"Psychology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34053"},"slug":"psychology","categoryId":34053},{"name":"Diagnoses","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34057"},"slug":"diagnoses","categoryId":34057},{"name":"Bipolar","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34060"},"slug":"bipolar","categoryId":34060}],"title":"How To Help a Loved One with Bipolar Disorder","strippedTitle":"how to help a loved one with bipolar disorder","slug":"helping-a-loved-one-with-bipolar-disorder-7-key-principles","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"When you love a person with bipolar disorder and want to support him or her, you will get a lot of suggestions from a lot of sources, some of which are more rel","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"When you love a person with bipolar disorder and want to support him or her, you will get a lot of suggestions from a lot of sources, some of which are more reliable than others. This article presents advice you can count on: seven ways to help a loved one with bipolar while retaining your own composure.\r\n\r\nThese ideas have evolved from medical research and practice, along with personal stories and experience, and they can be powerful tools. Many of the suggestions are based on the few common principles covered here. With these in mind, you can begin to develop your own personal toolkit tailor-made for you and your loved one's needs.\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Don't take it personally.</b> This principle is one of the hardest to put into action. Bipolar disorder symptoms include many behaviors that hurt your loved one and the people around him or her. It can seem clear to you that your loved one isn't trying hard enough or is just trying make things difficult. Don't give in to those thoughts. Blame the illness, not the person. What gets said or done to you isn't about you; it's about your loved one's distress and disrupted nervous system.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Accept that</b> <b>you can't control your loved one or the illness. </b>Your support is most effective when you let go of any ideas that you can force your loved one to do the things you think he or she needs to do. Empathizing rather than shaming, observing rather than criticizing, expressing feelings rather than demands, and trying to collaborate instead of control are some of the strategies that grow out of this principle.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Keep cool. </b>Bipolar disorder generates a lot of heat and high emotions. Responding with your own high emotions feeds the fire. Following this principle means figuring out how to refrain from yelling and screaming and how to walk away (disengage) from an interaction when necessary. You may want to explore ways to help you do this, such as mindfulness practices or regular exercise. Your lower tone can make a big difference for your loved one.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Engage in discussion to create solutions. </b>Effective communication is at the heart of helping your loved one. Listening attentively more than talking is one of your best tools in following this principle. Asking questions and really focusing on the answers opens up dialogue. Thoughts and feelings expressed clearly and compassionately are much more likely to yield positive outcomes than are blanket pronouncements and rambling lectures.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Avoid the four big communication no-nos.</b> Criticism, blame, judgment, and demand are likely to drive a wedge between you and your loved one. Work as a team to solve problems and address issues in ways that serve everyone's interests.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Put safety first. </b>Bipolar disorder can cause symptoms that are dangerous or even deadly. Being ready and able to call for help for your loved one is critical for everyone's safety and wellbeing. Your loved one may be unhappy, even angry, when you take action, but you can sort that out when they're feeling better. Planning ahead for crises — anticipating them, understanding that the risks are real, and being prepared to take action when needed — are strategies born out of this principle.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Take care of yourself. </b>You're in a better position to help others when you're physically and emotionally well. Discover how to leave a situation if you anticipate or observe danger. Care for your own health by paying attention to sleep, nutrition, and exercise, for example. This principle can feel hard to practice when you're exhausted by managing day-to-day crises, but caring for yourself alleviates the exhaustion and helps you maintain your role as a patient and effective caregiver.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>","description":"When you love a person with bipolar disorder and want to support him or her, you will get a lot of suggestions from a lot of sources, some of which are more reliable than others. This article presents advice you can count on: seven ways to help a loved one with bipolar while retaining your own composure.\r\n\r\nThese ideas have evolved from medical research and practice, along with personal stories and experience, and they can be powerful tools. Many of the suggestions are based on the few common principles covered here. With these in mind, you can begin to develop your own personal toolkit tailor-made for you and your loved one's needs.\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Don't take it personally.</b> This principle is one of the hardest to put into action. Bipolar disorder symptoms include many behaviors that hurt your loved one and the people around him or her. It can seem clear to you that your loved one isn't trying hard enough or is just trying make things difficult. Don't give in to those thoughts. Blame the illness, not the person. What gets said or done to you isn't about you; it's about your loved one's distress and disrupted nervous system.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Accept that</b> <b>you can't control your loved one or the illness. </b>Your support is most effective when you let go of any ideas that you can force your loved one to do the things you think he or she needs to do. Empathizing rather than shaming, observing rather than criticizing, expressing feelings rather than demands, and trying to collaborate instead of control are some of the strategies that grow out of this principle.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Keep cool. </b>Bipolar disorder generates a lot of heat and high emotions. Responding with your own high emotions feeds the fire. Following this principle means figuring out how to refrain from yelling and screaming and how to walk away (disengage) from an interaction when necessary. You may want to explore ways to help you do this, such as mindfulness practices or regular exercise. Your lower tone can make a big difference for your loved one.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Engage in discussion to create solutions. </b>Effective communication is at the heart of helping your loved one. Listening attentively more than talking is one of your best tools in following this principle. Asking questions and really focusing on the answers opens up dialogue. Thoughts and feelings expressed clearly and compassionately are much more likely to yield positive outcomes than are blanket pronouncements and rambling lectures.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Avoid the four big communication no-nos.</b> Criticism, blame, judgment, and demand are likely to drive a wedge between you and your loved one. Work as a team to solve problems and address issues in ways that serve everyone's interests.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Put safety first. </b>Bipolar disorder can cause symptoms that are dangerous or even deadly. Being ready and able to call for help for your loved one is critical for everyone's safety and wellbeing. Your loved one may be unhappy, even angry, when you take action, but you can sort that out when they're feeling better. Planning ahead for crises — anticipating them, understanding that the risks are real, and being prepared to take action when needed — are strategies born out of this principle.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Take care of yourself. </b>You're in a better position to help others when you're physically and emotionally well. Discover how to leave a situation if you anticipate or observe danger. Care for your own health by paying attention to sleep, nutrition, and exercise, for example. This principle can feel hard to practice when you're exhausted by managing day-to-day crises, but caring for yourself alleviates the exhaustion and helps you maintain your role as a patient and effective caregiver.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9016,"name":"Candida Fink","slug":"candida-fink","description":" <p><b>Candida Fink, MD</b> is a psychiatrist, board certified in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry, who specializes in working with people of all ages&mdash;and their loved ones&mdash;to manage bipolar disorder.</p> <p><b>Joe Kraynak</b> is a professional writer who deals with bipolar in his family.</p>","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9016"}},{"authorId":9017,"name":"Joe Kraynak","slug":"joe-kraynak","description":" <p><b>Candida Fink, MD</b> is a psychiatrist, board certified in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry, who specializes in working with people of all ages&mdash;and their loved 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Disorder For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":true,"authorsInfo":"<p><b><b data-author-id=\"9016\">Candida Fink</b>, MD</b> is a psychiatrist, board certified in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry, who specializes in working with people of all ages&mdash;and their loved ones&mdash;to manage bipolar disorder.</p> <p><b>Joe Kraynak</b> is a professional writer who deals with bipolar in his family.</p> <p><b>Candida Fink, MD</b> is a psychiatrist, board certified in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry, who specializes in working with people of all ages&mdash;and their loved ones&mdash;to manage bipolar disorder.</p> <p><b><b data-author-id=\"9017\">Joe Kraynak</b></b> is a professional writer who deals with bipolar in his family.</p> <p><b>Candida Fink, MD</b> is a psychiatrist, board certified in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry, who specializes in working with people of all ages&mdash;and their loved ones&mdash;to manage bipolar disorder.</p> <p><b>Joe Kraynak</b> is a professional writer who deals with bipolar in his family.</p>","authors":[{"authorId":9016,"name":"Candida Fink","slug":"candida-fink","description":" <p><b>Candida Fink, MD</b> is a psychiatrist, board certified in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry, who specializes in working with people of all ages&mdash;and their loved ones&mdash;to manage bipolar disorder.</p> <p><b>Joe Kraynak</b> is a professional writer who deals with bipolar in his family.</p>","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9016"}},{"authorId":9017,"name":"Joe Kraynak","slug":"joe-kraynak","description":" <p><b>Candida Fink, MD</b> is a psychiatrist, board certified in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry, who specializes in working with people of all ages&mdash;and their loved ones&mdash;to manage bipolar disorder.</p> <p><b>Joe Kraynak</b> is a professional writer who deals with bipolar in his 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Then you can develop and follow a treatment plan, which usually includes a combination of medication, therapy, self-help, and support from a network of understanding and committed friends and family members.\r\n\r\nThis Cheat Sheet can help you get up to speed on the basics of bipolar disorder in a hurry.","description":"To manage bipolar disorder effectively, you first need to know what it is. Then you can develop and follow a treatment plan, which usually includes a combination of medication, therapy, self-help, and support from a network of understanding and committed friends and family members.\r\n\r\nThis Cheat Sheet can help you get up to speed on the basics of bipolar disorder in a hurry.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9016,"name":"Candida Fink","slug":"candida-fink","description":"<b>Candida Fink, MD</b> is a psychiatrist, board certified in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry, who specializes in working with people of all ages — and their loved ones — to manage bipolar disorder.","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9016"}},{"authorId":9017,"name":"Joe Kraynak","slug":"joe-kraynak","description":"<b>Joe Kraynak</b> is a professional writer who deals with bipolar in his 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A bipolar diagnosis requires at least one episode of <em>mania</em> (often characterized by high energy, racing thoughts, irritability, and rapid speech that negatively affect one’s ability to function) or <em>hypomania</em> (a less severe form of mania.)</p>\n<p>Also, the disorder typically includes episodes of depression that alternate with the mania or hypomania. Your specific diagnosis depends on your symptoms.</p>\n<h3>Bipolar disorder diagnostic categories</h3>\n<p>In the U.S., doctors refer to the <em>Diagnostic and</em> <em>Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders</em> <em>(DSM),</em> which provides several different categories for bipolar disorder:</p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Bipolar I:</strong> The classic form of bipolar disorder is diagnosed when someone experiences at least one manic episode. Most people with Bipolar I also experience periods of major depression, and these are referred to as bipolar depressive episodes.</li>\n<li><strong>Bipolar II: </strong>People with bipolar II experience hypomanic episodes and recurrent major depressive episodes. If mania enters the picture, the diagnosis changes to bipolar I.</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><strong>Cyclothymic disorder: </strong>This is a chronic cycling mood disorder characterized by numerous periods with hypomanic symptoms that aren’t enough to qualify as hypomanic episodes and numerous periods with depressive symptoms that aren’t enough to qualify as depressive episodes.</p>\n<p class=\"child-para\">Symptoms must last at least two years in adults and one year in children and adolescents. These symptoms must be present at least half the time with no symptom-free period lasting longer than two months.</p>\n<p class=\"child-para\">Additionally, for a diagnosis of Bipolar I or II or cyclothymic disorder, symptoms must not be caused by substances or a medical condition, cannot be attributed to schizoaffective disorder, and the pattern of shifting mood states must cause significant distress or impairment in important areas of function.</p>\n</li>\n<li><strong>Substance/medication-induced bipolar disorder:</strong> Bipolar symptoms can be attributed to intoxication or withdrawal from drugs or alcohol or medication side effects.</li>\n<li><a name=\"_Toc414459846\"></a><a name=\"_Toc414462927\"></a><strong>Bipolar and related disorder due to another medical condition</strong><strong>: </strong>Bipolar symptoms can be attributed to another medical condition, such as <em>hyperthyroidism</em> (overactive thyroid).</li>\n<li><a name=\"_Toc414362692\"></a><a name=\"_Toc414459847\"></a><a name=\"_Toc414462928\"></a><strong>Other specified bipolar and related disorder</strong><strong>:</strong> Introduced in DSM-5, this category enables doctors to diagnose bipolar disorder when symptoms characteristic of bipolar disorder significantly impair normal function or cause considerable distress but don’t quite meet the full diagnostic criteria for the other bipolar diagnostic classes.</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><strong>Unspecified bipolar disorder: </strong>This form of bipolar involves variations of cycling moods that resemble manic or depressive episodes and interfere with daily routines but don’t fulfill the complete diagnostic requirements for the other classifications of bipolar disorder in this list.</p>\n<p class=\"child-para\">This diagnosis is used instead of <em>other specified bipolar and related disorder</em> when a doctor, for whatever reason, doesn’t want to go into detail about why the criteria for a specific bipolar diagnosis hasn’t been met; for example, in emergency room settings.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n<h3>Bipolar disorder specifiers</h3>\n<p>The DSM provides <em>specifiers</em> that enable doctors to more fully describe the person’s condition:</p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Current or most recent episode: </strong>Manic, hypomanic, or depressed</li>\n<li><strong>Severity of illness: </strong>Mild, moderate, or severe</li>\n<li><strong>Presence or absence of psychosis: </strong>Delusional thinking, paranoia, or hallucinations that may accompany depression or mania</li>\n<li><strong>Course of illness: </strong>Active (with or without psychosis), in partial remission, or in full remission</li>\n<li><strong>With anxious distress: </strong>If symptoms include significant anxiety symptoms</li>\n<li><strong>With mixed features: </strong>For example, mania with symptoms of depression, such as guilt, hopelessness, or suicidal thoughts; or depression with symptoms of mania, such as physical agitation and racing thoughts</li>\n<li><strong>With rapid cycling: </strong>Characterized by four or more mood episodes in a 12-month period</li>\n<li><strong>With melancholic features: </strong>Extreme depression with very low mood and energy</li>\n<li><strong>With atypical features: </strong>Symptoms that used to be considered less typical of depression but are now recognized as frequent features of depression (for example, sleeping too much)</li>\n<li><strong>With catatonia: </strong>A state of minimal responsiveness to the environment and abnormal movement</li>\n<li><strong>With peripartum onset: </strong>The bipolar mood episode occurs any time during pregnancy or in the four weeks after delivery</li>\n<li><strong>With seasonal pattern: </strong>Mood episodes follow a pattern corresponding to the seasons or specific times of year</li>\n</ul>\n<p>If left untreated, bipolar disorder (and other mental health disorders) could become so severe that a person suffering from them might experience thoughts of self-harm. If this is happening to you or a loved one, call the <a href=\"https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">National Suicide Prevention Lifeline</a> at <strong>(800) 273-8255</strong>, or your local suicide prevention hotline.</p>\n"},{"title":"Treating the brain: Medications","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>The primary treatment for bipolar disorder is medication with the goal of restoring normal brain function. Medications can be categorized by the conditions they’re commonly used to treat. See below.</p>\n<h3><strong>Medications for t</strong><strong>reating mania</strong></h3>\n<p>Medications that target mania include lithium; certain anticonvulsants, such as valproate (Depakote); second generation antipsychotics, such as olanzapine (Zyprexa) and aripiprazole (Abilify); and the first-generation antipsychotic haloperidol (Haldol). Acute mania is a medical emergency, and doctors often layer antimanic agents to help resolve symptoms quickly.</p>\n<h3><strong>Medications for</strong> <strong>treating bipolar depression</strong></h3>\n<p>Bipolar depression doesn’t respond to medications the same way that unipolar depression does. Medications that specifically treat bipolar depression include quetiapine (Seroquel), lurasidone (Latuda), and a combination of fluoxetine (Prozac) and olanzapine (Zyprexa) called Symbyax.</p>\n<p>However, treating bipolar depression is challenging and treatments can expand to include other medications, such as lithium; the anticonvulsant lamotrigine (Lamictal); valproate (Depakote); and newer second-generation antipsychotics including caripraszine (Vraylar) and lumateperone (Caplyta).</p>\n<p>Antidepressants can be less effective in bipolar depression and can trigger manic symptoms, but they are still used in many situations. These include the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), escitalopram (Lexapro), and citalopram (Celexa); and the serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), such as venlafaxine (Effexor), duloxetine (Cymbalta), and desvenlafaxine (Pristiq).</p>\n<p>Bupropion (Wellbutrin) is another antidepressant that is sometimes used to treat bipolar depression.</p>\n<h3><strong>Antipsychotics</strong></h3>\n<p>Antipsychotics were originally developed to help treat schizophrenia, but they’re often also useful in treating psychosis that sometimes accompanies acute mania or depression.</p>\n<p>Some medications in this category also have antidepressant effects. This group includes the first-generation antipsychotic haloperidol (Haldol) and second-generation antipsychotics, including aripiprazole (Abilify), olanzapine (Zyprexa), quetiapine (Seroquel), and risperidone (Risperdal).</p>\n<p>Others include asenapine (Saphris), ziprasidone (Geodon), paliperidone (Invega), cariprazine (Vraylar), and lumateperone (Caplyta).</p>\n<h3><strong>Maintenance/prevention medications</strong></h3>\n<p>These are medications that are continued after an acute mood episode to reduce the likelihood that another mood cycle will occur. Usually, the doctor will continue whatever medication(s) that helped to reduce the mania and/or depression, such as lithium and valproate (Depakote), often with an antipsychotic.</p>\n<p>One of the goals in preventive management is to reduce medications when possible, and sometimes the antipsychotics can be removed at some point.</p>\n<p>The anti-convulsant lamotrigine (Lamictal) is an effective maintenance medication for some people, but it doesn’t treat acute mania.</p>\n<h3><strong>Antianxiety medications</strong></h3>\n<p>Antianxiety medications (sometimes called <em>anxiolytics</em>, pronounced ang-zy-oh-lit-ics) include alprazolam (Xanax), lorazepam (Ativan), and clonazepam (Klonopin).</p>\n<p>Antianxiety medications aren’t used to treat the bipolar disorder itself but to help with the commonly co-occurring symptoms of anxiety or agitation.</p>\n<h3><strong>Sleep aids</strong></h3>\n<p>Because sleeplessness often accompanies mania or depression and may exacerbate it, doctors may prescribe sedative/hypnotics, such as zolpidem (Ambien), eszopiclone (Lunesta), and zaleplon (Sonata). They may also prescribe melatonin or the melatonin receptor antagonist ramelteon (Rozerem); or a newer class of sleep medications called dual orexin receptor antagonists, such as suvorexant (Belsomra).</p>\n<p>Sometimes, doctors prescribe other medications to use their sedating side effects, such as the older antidepressants trazodone (Desyrel) and mirtazapine (Remeron); or the anticonvulsant gabapentin (Neurontin). These aren’t used to treat bipolar symptoms, but rather to help manage sleep issues that often affect people with bipolar and that can complicate the illness.</p>\n<p><strong>Note<em>:</em></strong> Other treatments target the biology of the brain, including light therapy, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), and deep brain stimulation (DBS).</p>\n<p>These therapies, like medication, are designed to treat bipolar from the inside out via the brain. Other therapies and self-help strategies, including interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT), mindfulness training, and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), help manage bipolar from the outside in.</p>\n"},{"title":"Maintaining mood stability","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>The overall treatment plan for helping a person with bipolar disorder achieve and maintain mood stability is fairly straightforward:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Take your medications as prescribed, even when you’re feeling well, and consult your doctor before making any medication changes.</li>\n<li>Establish routines that ensure a regular sleep-wake schedule. Lack of quality sleep is related to mood instability and is often a warning sign of an impending mood episode.</li>\n<li>Ingest more of the stuff that nourishes and supports you and less of the stuff that increase the risks of mood episodes. Heavy use of cannabis and alcohol are particularly high risk when managing bipolar disorder.</li>\n<li>Exercise. Try to remain physically active. Even a relaxing 30-minute walk or 1 to 5 minutes of intensive exercise a few times a week can help health and mood.</li>\n<li>Monitor your moods and seek help sooner rather than later. Early intervention can prevent major mood meltdowns.</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"10 ways to help a loved-one with bipolar disorder","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>If a loved one has bipolar disorder, you’re probably wondering what you can do to help. Although your loved one ultimately decides what your level of involvement will be, the two of you may want to consider the following ways you can help:</p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Get educated.</strong> Knowing what your loved one is dealing with leads to understanding and empathy, which are essential to becoming an effective support person.</li>\n<li><strong>Establish a structured schedule.</strong> Daily routines, especially consistent sleep-wake cycles, are important for mood stability and are much easier for your loved one to maintain in a supportive, structured household.</li>\n<li><strong>Tone down the volume and emotions.</strong> Intense emotional reactions, in particular criticism and hostility may contribute to mood instability, so try to maintain a relatively calm atmosphere.</li>\n<li><strong>Avoid the four big communication no-nos.</strong> Criticism, blame, judgment, and demand are likely to drive a wedge between you and your loved one. Ban them from your interactions.</li>\n<li><strong>Hone your communication skills.</strong> <em>How</em> you say something is often as important as <em>what</em> you say when talking with others. Establish a receptive forum by using effective communication techniques.</li>\n<li><strong>Establish boundaries and respect autonomy.</strong> Loved ones with bipolar disorder maintain their autonomy to make decisions, except in extreme circumstances — when their symptoms create a risk of harm to themselves or others. Bipolar often limits insight into the illness, and your loved one’s decisions may frustrate you. Try to stay connected without trying to control them. The long-term picture is best served by respecting their humanity and sitting with their struggle rather than taking a win/lose approach.</li>\n<li><strong>Become a problem solver.</strong> When conflict arises, approach the issue as a mutual problem to be solved together instead of as a disagreement in which one person is right and the other is wrong. Work together to find ways to meet everyone’s needs.</li>\n<li><strong>Reschedule when discussion becomes unproductive.</strong> Take a timeout when discussion begins to heat up and then return to the negotiating table when emotions have cooled.</li>\n<li><strong>Take care of yourself.</strong> One of the burdens that your loved one with bipolar carries is seeing how miserable it makes you. Feeling sorry for yourself is natural and understandable, but try as much as possible to focus on more pleasant aspects of your life, such as friends, hobbies, and managing your own well-being.</li>\n<li><strong>Have fun together.</strong> At times, bipolar disorder may be your life, but it doesn’t always have to be. When symptoms subside, make enjoyable times together a priority.</li>\n</ul>\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\">Ask your loved one for specific ways you can help, such as attending doctor visits, assuming management of the family finances, or even cooking or doing the laundry. You don’t want to do everything for your loved one — daily chores provide routine and a sense of accomplishment — but try to ease the burden, especially during times of mood instability.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Solve","lifeExpectancy":"Five years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2023-04-11T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":207449},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-27T16:55:55+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-10-24T19:59:48+00:00","timestamp":"2022-10-24T21:01:02+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Body, Mind, & Spirit","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34038"},"slug":"body-mind-spirit","categoryId":34038},{"name":"Emotional Health & Psychology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34039"},"slug":"emotional-health-psychology","categoryId":34039},{"name":"Psychology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34053"},"slug":"psychology","categoryId":34053},{"name":"Diagnoses","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34057"},"slug":"diagnoses","categoryId":34057},{"name":"OCD","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34064"},"slug":"ocd","categoryId":34064}],"title":"OCD For Dummies Cheat Sheet","strippedTitle":"ocd for dummies cheat sheet","slug":"obsessive-compulsive-disorder-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"It's not just a need to be organized. Discover a true definition of obsessive-compulsive disorder and get tips for living with this condition.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Living with obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD, poses challenges, not the least of which is making sure you don’t let your OCD define you. If OCD is part of your life, make the effort to focus on other health needs as well. Learn about what the disorder is and the many forms it takes so that you can start overcoming the disorder.","description":"Living with obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD, poses challenges, not the least of which is making sure you don’t let your OCD define you. If OCD is part of your life, make the effort to focus on other health needs as well. Learn about what the disorder is and the many forms it takes so that you can start overcoming the disorder.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9101,"name":"Laura L. Smith","slug":"laura-l-smith","description":" <P><B>Laura L. Smith, PhD, </B>is a clinical psychologist and former President of the New Mexico Psychological Association. She presents workshops and classes on cognitive therapy and mental health issues for national and international audiences.</P> ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9101"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":34064,"title":"OCD","slug":"ocd","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34064"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":191926,"title":"Defining Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, or OCD","slug":"defining-obsessive-compulsive-disorder-or-ocd","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","ocd"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/191926"}},{"articleId":191927,"title":"The Many Forms of OCD","slug":"the-many-forms-of-ocd","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","ocd"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/191927"}},{"articleId":191921,"title":"Tips for Living with OCD","slug":"tips-for-living-with-ocd","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","ocd"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/191921"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":207395,"title":"Managing OCD with CBT For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"managing-ocd-with-cbt-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","ocd"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/207395"}},{"articleId":191926,"title":"Defining Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, or OCD","slug":"defining-obsessive-compulsive-disorder-or-ocd","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","ocd"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/191926"}},{"articleId":191927,"title":"The Many Forms of OCD","slug":"the-many-forms-of-ocd","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","ocd"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/191927"}},{"articleId":191921,"title":"Tips for Living with OCD","slug":"tips-for-living-with-ocd","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","ocd"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/191921"}},{"articleId":138480,"title":"Exposure and Response Prevention Exercises for Managing OCD","slug":"exposure-and-response-prevention-erp-examples-for-managing-ocd","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","ocd"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/138480"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":282426,"slug":"obsessive-compulsive-disorder-for-dummies","isbn":"9781119903147","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","ocd"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1119903149/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1119903149/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/1119903149-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1119903149/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/1119903149/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"title":"OCD For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":true,"authorsInfo":"<p><p><b><b data-author-id=\"9100\">Charles H. Elliott</b>, Ph.D.&nbsp;</b> (Corrales, New Mexico) is a clinical psychologist and a Founding Fellow in the Academy of Cognitive Therapy. He is also a member of the faculty at Fielding Graduate University. He specializes in the treatment of adolescents and adults with obsessive compulsive disorder, anxiety, anger, depression, and personality disorders. He presents nationally and internationally on new developments in the assessment and therapy of emotional disorders.</p> <p><b>Laura L. Smith, Ph.D.</b> (Corrales, New Mexico) is a clinical psychologist who specializes in the assessment and treatment of adults and children with obsessive compulsive disorder, as well as personality disorders, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and learning disorders. She is often asked to provide consultations to attorneys, school districts, and governmental agencies. She presents workshops on cognitive therapy and mental health issues to national and international audiences.</p> <P><B><b data-author-id=\"9101\">Laura L. Smith</b>, PhD, </B>is a clinical psychologist and former President of the New Mexico Psychological Association. She presents workshops and classes on cognitive therapy and mental health issues for national and international audiences.</P></p>","authors":[{"authorId":9100,"name":"Charles H. Elliott","slug":"charles-h-elliott","description":" <p><b>Charles H. Elliott, Ph.D.&nbsp;</b> (Corrales, New Mexico) is a clinical psychologist and a Founding Fellow in the Academy of Cognitive Therapy. He is also a member of the faculty at Fielding Graduate University. He specializes in the treatment of adolescents and adults with obsessive compulsive disorder, anxiety, anger, depression, and personality disorders. He presents nationally and internationally on new developments in the assessment and therapy of emotional disorders.</p> <p><b>Laura L. Smith, Ph.D.</b> (Corrales, New Mexico) is a clinical psychologist who specializes in the assessment and treatment of adults and children with obsessive compulsive disorder, as well as personality disorders, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and learning disorders. She is often asked to provide consultations to attorneys, school districts, and governmental agencies. She presents workshops on cognitive therapy and mental health issues to national and international audiences.</p>","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9100"}},{"authorId":9101,"name":"Laura L. Smith","slug":"laura-l-smith","description":" <P><B>Laura L. Smith, PhD, </B>is a clinical psychologist and former President of the New Mexico Psychological Association. She presents workshops and classes on cognitive therapy and mental health issues for national and international audiences.</P> ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9101"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;body-mind-spirit&quot;,&quot;emotional-health-psychology&quot;,&quot;psychology&quot;,&quot;diagnoses&quot;,&quot;ocd&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119903147&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-6356fd0ead052\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;body-mind-spirit&quot;,&quot;emotional-health-psychology&quot;,&quot;psychology&quot;,&quot;diagnoses&quot;,&quot;ocd&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119903147&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-6356fd0eada59\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Cheat Sheet","articleList":[{"articleId":191926,"title":"Defining Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, or OCD","slug":"defining-obsessive-compulsive-disorder-or-ocd","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","ocd"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/191926"}},{"articleId":191927,"title":"The Many Forms of OCD","slug":"the-many-forms-of-ocd","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","ocd"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/191927"}},{"articleId":191921,"title":"Tips for Living with OCD","slug":"tips-for-living-with-ocd","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","ocd"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/191921"}}],"content":[{"title":"Defining OCD","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>People with OCD have recurring <i>obsessions</i> — intrusive thoughts, images, or urges that are disturbing and cause distress. OCD sufferers also have <i>compulsions </i>— actions or words they use to reduce the distress brought on by their obsessive worries. Compulsions can include repetitive prayers, counting, touching things in certain ways, checking, and arranging items in special symmetrical ways.</p>\n<p>Other features of OCD include:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Obsessions are unwanted and generally inconsistent with the sufferer’s morals and values.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">OCD significantly interferes with daily life.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">OCD sufferers attempt to suppress distressing thoughts but can’t.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">The thoughts are coming from inside, not being broadcast by space aliens.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">The compulsions must be done “correctly,” or they must be repeated.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">The compulsions don’t really make a lot of sense.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">OCD sufferers usually know that their obsessions and compulsions are unreasonable, but can’t stop them.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"The many forms of OCD","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>OCD can be categorized in quite a few ways, and no clear consensus exists among professionals. However, the following list shows some of the most common forms that this strange disorder takes:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Contamination:</b> Fears of dirt, germs, and various kinds of toxins. Contamination worries frequently lead to excessive focus on cleanliness and hand-washing.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Doubting and</b> <b>checking:</b> Fears of having caused harm to one’s house or someone else through negligence. Doubting and Checking OCD often leads to compulsive checking of locks, appliances, and possible victims.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Inappropriate thoughts:</b> Fears of acting extremely inappropriately by engaging in shameful acts, or displeasing God. This type of OCD often causes people to engage in various rituals in order to stop them from losing control.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Symmetry:</b> Discomfort with asymmetry and having things out of place. Symmetry concerns lead to a compulsive need to have everything arranged “just so.”</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Superstitions:</b> Obsessional fears about unlucky numbers, anything related to death, and specific words. Superstitious OCD leads to avoidance of these superstitions or attempts to neutralize their effects.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n<p class=\"Remember\">Various forms of OCD sometimes overlap and co-occur. If you have several of them, it doesn’t necessarily mean that your treatment won’t succeed.</p>\n"},{"title":"Tips for living with OCD","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>If you live with OCD, you may feel frustrated, isolated, and just plain strange. Keep the following facts in mind, or on a card to carry with you, as you go about your daily life:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">OCD obsessions and compulsions do not define who you are; you are not your OCD.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Seeking reassurance when you have obsessional worries only makes things worse. Try to avoid asking other people whether everything will be okay. Instead, wait a while and see how things turn out.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Overcoming OCD requires you to work hard and accept a little discomfort. Remember that your tolerance for discomfort will increase slowly over time.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Changing compulsions in some important way (such as washing your hands differently or arranging things in a new way) helps prepare you to overcome the compulsions. When you change your compulsions, they won’t feel as satisfying, but that’s actually a good thing.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Every time you hold off a compulsion, you are taking a step toward overcoming your OCD. Even waiting just 15 or 20 minutes is an accomplishment.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Don’t forget that unpleasant feelings always lessen if you give them enough time.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Don’t try to suppress your obsessive thoughts. Just remind yourself that they are merely coming from the OCD part of your mind.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Reward yourself whenever you take a step forward — do something special, take a break from work, or eat a piece of chocolate.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n<p>OCD affects both your emotional and physical health. Many people are so consumed by their OCD that they fail to live a healthy lifestyle in other ways. The following tips can remind you to take care of yourself.</p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Get regular exercise.</td>\n<td>Join a self-help group.</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Get enough sleep.</td>\n<td>Have patience.</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Eat a healthy diet.</td>\n<td>Treat yourself with kindness and compassion.</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Don’t isolate yourself.</td>\n<td>Get professional help if your efforts stall.</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Consider getting support from some friends or family.</td>\n<td></td>\n</tr>\n</tbody>\n</table>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Solve","lifeExpectancy":"Two years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-04-08T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":208937},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-27T16:58:50+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-04-12T19:31:49+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:19:36+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Body, Mind, & Spirit","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34038"},"slug":"body-mind-spirit","categoryId":34038},{"name":"Emotional Health & Psychology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34039"},"slug":"emotional-health-psychology","categoryId":34039},{"name":"Psychology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34053"},"slug":"psychology","categoryId":34053},{"name":"Diagnoses","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34057"},"slug":"diagnoses","categoryId":34057},{"name":"PTSD","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34065"},"slug":"ptsd","categoryId":34065}],"title":"Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder for Dummies Cheat Sheet","strippedTitle":"post-traumatic stress disorder for dummies cheat sheet","slug":"post-traumatic-stress-disorder-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Learn to recognize symptoms of PTSD, how to gain relief, and how to diagnose if your medication is working as it should be.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) give medical professionals clues to help make proper diagnosis of the disabling condition. The right medications, a good attitude, and positive affirmations can help to relieve the overwhelming signs of PTSD.","description":"Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) give medical professionals clues to help make proper diagnosis of the disabling condition. The right medications, a good attitude, and positive affirmations can help to relieve the overwhelming signs of PTSD.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":10604,"name":"Mark Goulston","slug":"mark-goulston","description":" <p><b>Mark Goulston, MD,</b> an expert on PTSD, suicide prevention, and violence intervention, maintains a private clinical practice. He has taught or lectured at UCLA, USC, and Fortune 500 companies and has trained FBI and police hostage negotiators. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/10604"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":34065,"title":"PTSD","slug":"ptsd","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34065"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":196589,"title":"Is Your Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Medicine Working?","slug":"is-your-post-traumatic-stress-disorder-medicine-working","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","ptsd"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/196589"}},{"articleId":196590,"title":"How to Relieve Signs of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder","slug":"how-to-relieve-signs-of-post-traumatic-stress-disorder","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","ptsd"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/196590"}},{"articleId":196591,"title":"Symptoms That May Signal Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder","slug":"symptoms-that-may-signal-post-traumatic-stress-disorder","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","ptsd"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/196591"}},{"articleId":196588,"title":"Truths to Embrace when Recovering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder","slug":"truths-to-embrace-when-recovering-from-post-traumatic-stress-disorder","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","ptsd"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/196588"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":196589,"title":"Is Your Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Medicine Working?","slug":"is-your-post-traumatic-stress-disorder-medicine-working","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","ptsd"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/196589"}},{"articleId":196590,"title":"How to Relieve Signs of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder","slug":"how-to-relieve-signs-of-post-traumatic-stress-disorder","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","ptsd"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/196590"}},{"articleId":196591,"title":"Symptoms That May Signal Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder","slug":"symptoms-that-may-signal-post-traumatic-stress-disorder","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","ptsd"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/196591"}},{"articleId":196588,"title":"Truths to Embrace when Recovering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder","slug":"truths-to-embrace-when-recovering-from-post-traumatic-stress-disorder","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","ptsd"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/196588"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":282489,"slug":"post-traumatic-stress-disorder-for-dummies","isbn":"9780470049228","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","ptsd"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0470049227/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0470049227/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/0470049227-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0470049227/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/0470049227/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-for-dummies-cover-9780470049228-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":"<p><p><b><b data-author-id=\"10604\">Mark Goulston</b>, MD,</b> an expert on PTSD, suicide prevention, and violence intervention, maintains a private clinical practice. He has taught or lectured at UCLA, USC, and Fortune 500 companies and has trained FBI and police hostage negotiators.</p>","authors":[{"authorId":10604,"name":"Mark Goulston","slug":"mark-goulston","description":" <p><b>Mark Goulston, MD,</b> an expert on PTSD, suicide prevention, and violence intervention, maintains a private clinical practice. He has taught or lectured at UCLA, USC, and Fortune 500 companies and has trained FBI and police hostage negotiators. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/10604"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;body-mind-spirit&quot;,&quot;emotional-health-psychology&quot;,&quot;psychology&quot;,&quot;diagnoses&quot;,&quot;ptsd&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9780470049228&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b3885a5e\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;body-mind-spirit&quot;,&quot;emotional-health-psychology&quot;,&quot;psychology&quot;,&quot;diagnoses&quot;,&quot;ptsd&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9780470049228&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b388651e\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Cheat Sheet","articleList":[{"articleId":196591,"title":"Symptoms That May Signal Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder","slug":"symptoms-that-may-signal-post-traumatic-stress-disorder","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","ptsd"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/196591"}},{"articleId":196590,"title":"How to Relieve Signs of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder","slug":"how-to-relieve-signs-of-post-traumatic-stress-disorder","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","ptsd"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/196590"}},{"articleId":196588,"title":"Truths to Embrace when Recovering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder","slug":"truths-to-embrace-when-recovering-from-post-traumatic-stress-disorder","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","ptsd"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/196588"}},{"articleId":196589,"title":"Is Your Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Medicine Working?","slug":"is-your-post-traumatic-stress-disorder-medicine-working","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","ptsd"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/196589"}}],"content":[{"title":"Symptoms that may signal post-traumatic stress disorder","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>If you’re battling with the idea that you are suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), there are signs that you — and your medical professional — can look for. Here’s an overview of symptoms that may point to a post-traumatic stress disorder diagnosis.</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Intrusive thoughts, emotions, or images: </b>These may include vivid nightmares and/or flashbacks in which you feel as if the event is occurring all over again.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Avoidance and/or numbing:</b> For instance, you may avoid people or things that remind you of your trauma, feel emotionally detached from the people around you, or block out parts of your traumatic experience.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Hyperarousal:</b> Hyperarousal means being on red alert all the time, being jumpy or easily startled, having panic attacks, being very irritable, and/or being unable to sleep.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n<p>You may also experience symptoms including body aches and pains, depression or other mental disorders, or problems with drugs or alcohol. If you have any or all of these symptoms, seek medical help — because if you <i>do</i> have PTSD, there’s help and hope!</p>\n"},{"title":"How to relieve signs of post-traumatic stress disorder","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>You can work to get your Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms under control — and calm the signs of distress when they intensify — by taking some of these quick and easy stress-busting steps:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Starting with your feet and working upward, tense each part of your body for a few seconds and then relax it.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Visualize a wonderful, relaxing place — for instance, a deserted beach or a cozy chair by the fireplace — and go there in your mind. If you become distracted, think about a parent, sibling, friend, teacher or other person who was there for you during a tough time and imagine that person saying to you, “Hang in there. You can get through this. You can handle this.” Then, gently bring your attention back to your mental paradise.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Think of three big or little things you’re grateful for in your life — for example, your best friend, your cat, or even your favorite CD.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Give your confidence a boost by thinking of something important you’ve learned, accomplished, or overcome, such as learning how to create a Web site, running your first 5K race, or passing a hard class in school.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Do 20 to 30 minutes of vigorous exercise. If you find yourself getting distracted or not being able to keep going, imagine a close friend or family member rooting you on.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Use an anchor — an object you can touch or look at, such as a ring or a photo, that reminds you of a happy place or time or of a person you love. Think of the place you went to when you were growing up to calm yourself down — was it your room? Your yard? A park? A long drive in a car? The beach?</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Distract yourself — read a book, clean out a closet, plant some tomatoes, or exercise your creative interests. Better yet, watch a funny movie (because laughter really is good medicine).</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Truths to embrace when recovering from post-traumatic stress disorder","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>You may hit some rough patches on the road to recovery from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Sometimes, setbacks stem from low expectations of yourself and negative self-talk. Here are some statements that can point you toward the positive side when your spirits are low.</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Persevering through this time and continuing with my healing is courageous.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Setbacks are just bumps in the road — I <i>can</i> get past them and continue my journey.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Taking care of myself is important for me and for my loved ones.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">The stronger I become over time, the easier my road to recovery will be. The beginning of this journey is the hardest part.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">I’m doing my best each day, and I don’t need to be perfect.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">I have supportive people in my life who will help me overcome this problem.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Just because I feel afraid doesn’t mean I’m in any danger.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Often when I feel afraid, it’s because I haven&#8217;t processed my emotional trauma, putting it behind me, and moving on. After I do this, I’ll be less afraid. I can look forward to that time in the future, even if I’m afraid today.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Is your post-traumatic stress disorder medicine working?","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Medications prescribed to help to manage symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) work to differing degrees among patients. Here are some of the ways you can tell if your doctor-ordered medicine is relieving common signs of PTSD:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">You begin to fall asleep more easily and begin to sleep through the night (if sleep has been a problem for you).</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">You start to get your appetite back.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">You find it easier to do the daily activities that you didn’t have the energy or motivation to do before.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">You look forward to each day instead of dreading it, and you feel more hopeful.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">You start wanting to be around people instead of wanting to avoid them.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">You’re able to bounce back from little annoyances instead of crumbling when they happen.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">You’re less jumpy when you hear loud noises.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">You can handle being in situations that used to freak you out.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n<p>While you’re looking for the positive effects of your medication, you also need to take notice of any negative reactions, such as a poor interaction with another med you’re taking. The med might not be working for you at all, or the dosage may require adjustment to deliver better results.</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">If your sleeping, eating, or mood doesn’t improve at all after you’ve taken an adequate dosage for a period of ten days to two weeks, you may need a higher dosage or another med.</p>\n<p class=\"child-para Tip\">Non-psychiatric doctors are often hesitant to prescribe the necessary amount, because psychiatric meds aren’t their specialty. So if you think you may need a higher dosage, consult a psychiatrist.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">If you feel one or more of the many nonspecific side effects listed in your medication’s instructions for more than three days, you may need a lower dosage or another drug.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">If you have abnormal laboratory tests — such as blood count abnormalities, liver function tests, or a kidney function test — you probably need another medication.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">If you develop allergic reactions, such as skin conditions or difficulty breathing, you probably need a different med.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n<p class=\"Remember\">If several professionals are treating your PTSD, other mental disorders, and/or substance abuse issues, be sure that each professional knows about every medication you’re taking.</p>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Solve","lifeExpectancy":"Two years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-04-12T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":209525},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-27T16:57:59+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-03-23T20:39:21+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:19:29+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Body, Mind, & Spirit","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34038"},"slug":"body-mind-spirit","categoryId":34038},{"name":"Emotional Health & Psychology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34039"},"slug":"emotional-health-psychology","categoryId":34039},{"name":"Psychology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34053"},"slug":"psychology","categoryId":34053},{"name":"Diagnoses","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34057"},"slug":"diagnoses","categoryId":34057},{"name":"Autism","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34059"},"slug":"autism","categoryId":34059}],"title":"Understanding Autism For Dummies Cheat Sheet","strippedTitle":"understanding autism for dummies cheat sheet","slug":"understanding-autism-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"As you're learning more about autism, this Cheat Sheet can serve as a handy reference to the related acronyms and helpful websites. It also provides tips on how","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"As you're learning more about autism, this Cheat Sheet can serve as a handy reference to the related acronyms and helpful websites. It also provides tips on how to communicate with a person who has autism, make sure they get the most from their education, and ensure they are properly prepared for emergencies.","description":"As you're learning more about autism, this Cheat Sheet can serve as a handy reference to the related acronyms and helpful websites. It also provides tips on how to communicate with a person who has autism, make sure they get the most from their education, and ensure they are properly prepared for emergencies.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9967,"name":"Stephen Shore","slug":"stephen-shore","description":" <p><b>Stephen M. Shore, EdD,</b> who was diagnosed on the autism spectrum, is a college professor and an international lecturer and consultant on autism.</p> <p><b>Linda G. Rastelli, MA,</b> is an award-winning writer with 20 years of experience writing about health, education, and business topics. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9967"}},{"authorId":9968,"name":"Linda G. Rastelli","slug":"linda-g-rastelli","description":" <p><b>Stephen M. Shore, EdD,</b> who was diagnosed on the autism spectrum, is a college professor and an international lecturer and consultant on autism.</p> <p><b>Linda G. Rastelli, MA,</b> is an award-winning writer with 20 years of experience writing about health, education, and business topics. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9968"}},{"authorId":9969,"name":"Temple Grandin","slug":"temple-grandin","description":" <p><b>Stephen M. Shore, EdD,</b> who was diagnosed on the autism spectrum, is a college professor and an international lecturer and consultant on autism.</p> <p><b>Linda G. Rastelli, MA,</b> is an award-winning writer with 20 years of experience writing about health, education, and business topics. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9969"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":34059,"title":"Autism","slug":"autism","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34059"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":194871,"title":"Getting the Most from Your Autistic Child's Educational Experience","slug":"getting-the-most-from-your-autistic-childs-educational-experience","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","autism"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/194871"}},{"articleId":194869,"title":"How to Prepare for Emergencies with an Autistic Loved One","slug":"how-to-prepare-for-emergencies-with-an-autistic-loved-one","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","autism"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/194869"}},{"articleId":194870,"title":"Helpful Autism Web Sites","slug":"helpful-autism-web-sites","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","autism"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/194870"}},{"articleId":194868,"title":"Sample Emergency ID Card for a Person with Autism","slug":"sample-emergency-id-card-for-a-person-with-autism","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","autism"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/194868"}},{"articleId":194834,"title":"How to Communicate with a Person with Autism","slug":"how-to-communicate-with-a-person-with-autism","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","autism"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/194834"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":194871,"title":"Getting the Most from Your Autistic Child's Educational Experience","slug":"getting-the-most-from-your-autistic-childs-educational-experience","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","autism"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/194871"}},{"articleId":194870,"title":"Helpful Autism Web Sites","slug":"helpful-autism-web-sites","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","autism"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/194870"}},{"articleId":194869,"title":"How to Prepare for Emergencies with an Autistic Loved One","slug":"how-to-prepare-for-emergencies-with-an-autistic-loved-one","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","autism"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/194869"}},{"articleId":194868,"title":"Sample Emergency ID Card for a Person with Autism","slug":"sample-emergency-id-card-for-a-person-with-autism","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","autism"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/194868"}},{"articleId":194835,"title":"Acronyms Associated with Autism","slug":"acronyms-associated-with-autism","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","autism"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/194835"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":282648,"slug":"understanding-autism-for-dummies","isbn":"9780764525476","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","autism"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0764525476/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0764525476/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/0764525476-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0764525476/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/0764525476/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/understanding-autism-for-dummies-cover-9780764525476-201x255.jpg","width":201,"height":255},"title":"Understanding Autism For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":"<b data-author-id=\"9967\">Stephen M. Shore</b> received a regressive autism diagnosis at age 18 months, became nonverbal, and was deemed “too sick” to be treated on an outpatient basis. Today, he’s finishing a doctoral degree focused on helping people with autism lead fulfilling and productive lives. When not teaching college-level courses in special education and teaching children with autism how to play musical instruments, he consults and presents on autism-related issues internationally. Some topics of particular interest to him include comparative approaches for helping people with autism, education, and disaster preparedness for people with disabilities. He also focuses on challenges faced by adults in terms of self-advocacy, disclosure, post-secondary education, employment, interdependent living, and relationships.<br> Stephen holds bachelor degrees in music and accounting and information systems from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. He also holds a masters degree in music education and is on the cusp of finishing his doctorate in education from Boston University. Although he seems to spend most of his time traveling in airplanes (Boeing 747-400 preferred), he resides in Brookline, Massachusetts, with his wife on the rare occasions when he’s home. <p><b data-author-id=\"9968\">Linda G. Rastelli</b> is an award-winning journalist, instructional designer, and author with 20 years of experience in writing and designing instruction for health, education, and business topics. In her career, she has focused on making complex and technical information understandable to the layperson. Although she has covered subjects ranging from financial ratio analysis to educational reform, her most challenging inquiry to date — an undertaking that has made her other projects look like finger painting in comparison — has been autism.<br> Linda holds a bachelor of arts degree from the University of Delaware and a masters degree from Columbia University. She lives on the New Jersey coast with her husband and her cat, who have reached a blissful state of detente. She hopes to keep her day job.</p>","authors":[{"authorId":9967,"name":"Stephen Shore","slug":"stephen-shore","description":" <p><b>Stephen M. Shore, EdD,</b> who was diagnosed on the autism spectrum, is a college professor and an international lecturer and consultant on autism.</p> <p><b>Linda G. Rastelli, MA,</b> is an award-winning writer with 20 years of experience writing about health, education, and business topics. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9967"}},{"authorId":9968,"name":"Linda G. Rastelli","slug":"linda-g-rastelli","description":" <p><b>Stephen M. Shore, EdD,</b> who was diagnosed on the autism spectrum, is a college professor and an international lecturer and consultant on autism.</p> <p><b>Linda G. Rastelli, MA,</b> is an award-winning writer with 20 years of experience writing about health, education, and business topics. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9968"}},{"authorId":9969,"name":"Temple Grandin","slug":"temple-grandin","description":" <p><b>Stephen M. Shore, EdD,</b> who was diagnosed on the autism spectrum, is a college professor and an international lecturer and consultant on autism.</p> <p><b>Linda G. Rastelli, MA,</b> is an award-winning writer with 20 years of experience writing about health, education, and business topics. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9969"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;body-mind-spirit&quot;,&quot;emotional-health-psychology&quot;,&quot;psychology&quot;,&quot;diagnoses&quot;,&quot;autism&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9780764525476&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b3207596\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;body-mind-spirit&quot;,&quot;emotional-health-psychology&quot;,&quot;psychology&quot;,&quot;diagnoses&quot;,&quot;autism&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9780764525476&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b3208017\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Cheat Sheet","articleList":[{"articleId":194836,"title":"Autism Intervention Questions to Ask","slug":"autism-intervention-questions-to-ask","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","autism"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/194836"}},{"articleId":194835,"title":"Acronyms Associated with Autism","slug":"acronyms-associated-with-autism","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","autism"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/194835"}},{"articleId":194870,"title":"Helpful Autism Web Sites","slug":"helpful-autism-web-sites","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","autism"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/194870"}},{"articleId":194834,"title":"How to Communicate with a Person with Autism","slug":"how-to-communicate-with-a-person-with-autism","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","autism"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/194834"}},{"articleId":194871,"title":"Getting the Most from Your Autistic Child's Educational Experience","slug":"getting-the-most-from-your-autistic-childs-educational-experience","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","autism"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/194871"}},{"articleId":194869,"title":"How to Prepare for Emergencies with an Autistic Loved One","slug":"how-to-prepare-for-emergencies-with-an-autistic-loved-one","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","autism"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/194869"}},{"articleId":194868,"title":"Sample Emergency ID Card for a Person with Autism","slug":"sample-emergency-id-card-for-a-person-with-autism","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","autism"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/194868"}}],"content":[{"title":"Questions to ask about autism interventions","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p class=\"SortTitle\">Many “entrepreneurs” are only too happy to accept your money for their “miracle cures” or interventions for your loved one with autism. Keep your eyes open, and ask these questions to help you decide whether the intervention is genuine and effective:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">What evidence supports the intervention’s effectiveness? Is the evidence <i>independent</i> research or just case studies? What’s the success rate of the intervention? Are there side effects or interactions?</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Who else is offering the intervention, and how is yours better?</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">What other interventions are available? Can they be combined?</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">What’s the total cost? Will my health insurance or a government program cover the cost, or is it tax deductible?</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Can I speak with other people who have tried this already?</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">How will the treatment help, specifically? How can I measure progress? What timeframe does the treatment call for?</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Acronyms associated with autism","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p class=\"SortTitle\">As with every other condition, autism has its own set of acronyms that it pays to become familiar with. The following table helps you translate some of the acronyms you’ll see and hear over and over during your life as a caregiver of or a person with autism.</p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th>Acronym</th>\n<th>What It Stands For</th>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>ABA</td>\n<td>Applied behavioral analysis</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>AS</td>\n<td>Asperger syndrome</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>ASD</td>\n<td>Autism spectrum disorder</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>BIP</td>\n<td>Behavior intervention plan</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>BMP</td>\n<td>Behavior management plan</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>ESY</td>\n<td>Extended school year</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>FAPE</td>\n<td>Free and appropriate public education</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>FERPA</td>\n<td>Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>IDEA</td>\n<td>Individuals with Disabilities Education Act</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>IEP</td>\n<td>Individualized education program</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>IFSP</td>\n<td>Individualized family service plan</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>IPP</td>\n<td>Individual program plan</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>ISP</td>\n<td>Individual service plan</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>LRE</td>\n<td>Least restrictive environment</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>NT</td>\n<td>Neurotypical</td>\n</tr>\n</tbody>\n</table>\n"},{"title":"Helpful autism website","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p class=\"SortTitle\">If you have autism or are caring for someone with autism, you can find resources, information, and legal support online. The links in the following list can help open new vistas of aid and support:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><a href=\"http://www.autism-resources.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Autism Resources</a></p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><a href=\"http://www.autism-society.org\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Autism Society</a></p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><a href=\"http://www.wrightslaw.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Wrightslaw</a></p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"How to communicate with a person who has autism","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p class=\"SortTitle\">Communication is one of the biggest challenges for people with autism. To engage in conversation with someone with autism, you need to shift your expectations and perhaps your style of communication a bit. The tips in the following list can help you understand and be understood by a person with autism:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Speak slowly and clearly, and don’t expect an immediate response.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Be gentle, persistent, and patient. Don’t rush the person.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Provide direct instruction in social rules. Teach an emotional vocabulary.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Keep your communications simple. Don’t overwhelm.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Don’t force eye contact or touch.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Encourage special interests, but teach give-and-take in conversation.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Demonstrate behaviors, allowing time for observation and reflection.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Pay attention to non-verbal signals.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Ensuring your child gets the most out of their educational system","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p class=\"SortTitle\">Your child with autism can thrive in school. To ensure that happens, you may need to be more involved in the educational process than parents whose children don&#8217;t have autism. However, the rewards of that extra investment can really pay off for you and your child.</p>\n<p class=\"Tip\">The following tips can guide you and your child’s teachers to a good educational experience:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Insist on specific and measurable goals for your child’s IEP (individualized education program). Involve your child in the process.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Develop strong relationships with educational professionals. Keep it friendly, not adversarial.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Stay informed about educational laws, your district’s policies, and your child’s progress. Know your options.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Visit your child’s classroom to confirm that it’s an effective learning environment. It should have distinct areas for different subjects, comfortable lighting, good ventilation, appropriate noise level, and right-sized furniture, and the teacher should be approachable and fair.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Support your child at home by reinforcing what educators are teaching at school. Develop your child’s strengths; don’t just remediate.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">If possible, make sure your child gets at least 25 hours a week of early intervention before age 3.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"How to prepare for emergencies with an autistic loved one","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p class=\"SortTitle\">For many people with autism any disruption of their routine is overwhelming. We know that a serious emergency situation is enough to throw anyone off-balance. So, if you have a loved one with autism, it pays to prepare as best you can before an emergency arises. Use the following tips to prepare your autistic loved one and your whole family:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Consider attaching an identification sticker to the door or window of an autistic person’s home to prepare a person coming in to help.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Create or purchase a medical alert tag, bracelet, or other notification that identifies a person with autism.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Network with relatives, friends, and others to establish a web of contacts for assistance if needed.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Register the person on the autism spectrum with the community 911 service as a person with a disability.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Have an evacuation plan, and review and practice it frequently with the person on the autism spectrum.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Project a sense of calm. People with autism often sense and reflect your emotion.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Learn more about emergency preparedness on the following sites:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-two\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><a href=\"https://www.ready.gov/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Ready.gov</a></p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><a href=\"https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">American Red Cross</a></p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Making an emergency ID card for a person with autism","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p class=\"SortTitle\">If you have autism or you care for a person with autism, making an emergency ID card is a good idea. If you make a card for someone else, educate the person with autism to keep it on hand to share with people in confusing situations, such as when they’re approached by a uniformed person or when they have difficulty interacting with others they don’t know.</p>\n<p>The front side of wallet-size card should give the name of the person with autism and two or three contact names and numbers. The next paragraph would be a good one to copy:</p>\n<p>My name is ___________________ and I have autism, which causes me to behave in unexpected ways. Please contact one of the people listed here: (List names and phone numbers for two or three people.)</p>\n<p>On the back of the card, you can include information on autism and offer tips for dealing with the person who has autism. Here are some ideas:</p>\n<table>\n<caption><strong>Autism Information</strong></caption>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th>I may:</th>\n<th>Please help by:</th>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Not understand what you say</td>\n<td>Not shouting</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Appear deaf</td>\n<td>Speaking slowly and softly</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Suddenly dart away</td>\n<td>Using concrete terms</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Have difficulty speaking</td>\n<td>Giving me time to respond</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Flap my hands or rock</td>\n<td>Explaining before doing</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Not understand legal issues</td>\n<td>Employing visual aids for communication when possible</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Be overly sensitive to shiny objects, sounds, touch, or<br />\nsmells</td>\n<td>Making no sudden movements and</p>\n<p>Warning me first if you must touch me</td>\n</tr>\n</tbody>\n</table>\n<p class=\"Tip\">Feel free to print out this page and use it to design your own emergency card.</p>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Solve","lifeExpectancy":"One 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Learn about autism, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, codependency, and other common mental health conditions. We explain what they are, how they're treated, and where you can find support.

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Bipolar Tracking Mood, Sleep, & Energy for Bipolar Disorder

Article / Updated 05-03-2023

When you have bipolar disorder, you're encouraged to chart your moods, sleep, and energy levels daily to record patterns that may help you spot the early warning signs of a developing mood episode (mania or depression). In addition, this log provides valuable information to guide your doctor and therapist in their treatment decisions. Print this version of the mood chart and make as many copies as you need — or feel free to make your own, if you're spreadsheet-savvy. In the column for each day, record the following: Mood level: Place a check mark in the box that represents your overall mood for that day, which ranges from –5 (Depressed) to +5 (Manic). Hours sleep: Record the total number of hours you slept. Assigning sleep hours for a day can get tricky, because you're likely to fall asleep late one day and wake up early the next day. Consider assigning sleep hours to the night before. For example, if you slept from 10 p.m. Sunday to 6 a.m. Monday, assign those hours to Sunday (add in any nap time from during the day on Sunday). Energy level: Write a number from 0 (no energy) to 5 (supercharged) in the Energy level box. Notes: Jot down notes, such as a change in medication, exercise routine, or diet. Bring your mood charts to your doctor and therapy visits. Having this type of document to point back to and reflect on can be a powerful tool.

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Bipolar Brands vs. Generic Meds for Bipolar Disorder

Article / Updated 05-03-2023

When choosing whether to take the name-brand or generic version of a medication for bipolar disorder, you and your doctor may want to consider the possible differences. Many people wonder whether name-brand medications are any better or even any different from their generic equivalents. Although the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates both name-brand and generic medications, how those regulations apply to generic medications can lead to differences in how effective the medication is and in the side effects it causes, even when the generic has the same amount of the same active ingredient(s) as the name-brand version. The following sections provide the guidance you need to make well-informed choices between generics and name-brand medications. Consider the cost Most of the time for most people and with most medicines, generics are equivalent products and work just fine. The choice is usually straightforward: With the generic costing less, working just as well, and having the same or similar side effect profile, the more affordable generic is the better choice. However, in a minority of situations, the name-brand product is the better choice. In some cases, cost can be the determining factor in whether the person is able to obtain and take the medication. Being able to afford medications is critical for people to take the right amount of medication and to keep taking it. If the medicine is too expensive, people sometimes try to ration their medicines by lowering or skipping doses or even stopping a medicine entirely. Oddly, in certain situations, insurers cover the cost of a certain name-brand medication but not its generic. This is usually related to a financial arrangement between the insurance company and the pharmaceutical company that makes the name-brand product. Similarities between name-brand and generic medications According to the FDA, generic medications contain the same active ingredients as their name-brand counterparts, so theoretically, they should be equally effective, and in most cases they are. Here's how the two are similar: Same active ingredient(s): The vast majority of generic medications contain the same active chemical as in the name-brand version. Very similar bioequivalence: The generic version of the medication must be bioequivalent to the name brand. To be bioequivalent, the bioavailability of the generic must be very similar to that of the original medication. Bioavailability represents the amount of active chemical that gets into the system and the rate at which it does so. The bioavailability of the generic doesn't have to be identical to that of the original medication; it can be between 80 and 125 percent of the name brand. This may sound like a wide variation, but for most medications, in most people's bodies, the difference doesn't seriously affect how the generic works or the side effects it causes when compared to the name brand. Differences between name-brand and generic medications Although the generic is required by the FDA to deliver nearly the same amount of the same active ingredient(s) at about the same rate as the name-brand version, response to differences in the two can become more pronounced in the following areas: Individual response: How a person's body absorbs and then breaks down the medication can affect their response to a medication that's more or less bioavailable. If you change from a name brand to a generic, or vice versa, and you feel differently on it, let your doctor know. Medication class: Certain classes of medications have had some difficulties with these differences in bioavailability. For example, anticonvulsants (medicines for seizures, that are also often used to treat bipolar disorder) have a narrow therapeutic window, which means that getting control of seizures can require extremely tight management of doses and blood levels (within very narrow ranges). Studies have suggested that although patients who are started on a generic brand of an anticonvulsant may do well, changing from a previously well-managed dose of name brand to a similar dose of generic may cause reduced control of seizures. No specific studies show the same challenges with preventing mood cycles, but you and your doctor should consider and discuss the possibility. Extended-release versions: Long-acting versions of medications can be more difficult for generic companies to duplicate. In 2012, the FDA withdrew approval for a particular type and dose of a generic form of the long-acting antidepressant Wellbutrin XL. After patient and doctor complaints, the FDA tested and found that the generic version was only about 40 percent as bioavailable as the name brand. Other generic versions (by other manufacturers) were bioequivalent, but this one was withdrawn from the market. A similar incident happened recently with a generic version of the long-acting ADHD medication Concerta. Fillers: Medications include a variety of fillers and dyes that create the actual pill. Individuals may have more or less tolerance for these inactive ingredients (whether they're in the generic or name-brand version); they may even experience allergic reactions to them. Dealing with differences between generics of the same medication One downside to using a generic product is that a number of different manufacturers typically make the same product, and pharmacies may change suppliers to manage cost or supply levels. So, even though you may be stable on a generic version of your medicine, when you switch to a different generic, your response could change. With anti-seizure medications, this can be especially risky, but it could affect benefits or side effects in less dangerous but very important ways with other kinds of medicine, as well. Another concern is that the generic may look different depending on the manufacturer, which isn't usually a big problem, but it can cause challenges for certain populations, such as the elderly, who may experience confusion with that kind of change, or children, who may have difficulty swallowing a pill if it is much larger, for example.

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Bipolar Bipolar Disorder vs. ODD in Children

Article / Updated 05-03-2023

Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is not just typical childhood rebellion. All children are oppositional at times; it's part of growing up and developing independence and personality. For most kids, rebellious behaviors respond fairly well to the usual carrot-and-stick parenting techniques, but oppositional kids exhibit a much more tenacious defiance. Parents describe the child as being stubborn, strong-willed, or simply a pain in the neck. When this pattern creates significant problems in function — at school, at home, with friends, or during activities — a doctor or therapist may suggest a diagnosis of ODD, which is described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, as: "A pattern of angry/irritable mood, argumentative/defiant behavior, or vindictiveness lasting at least 6 months . . . and is not exclusively directed at siblings." ODD's irritable mood and behavioral difficulties — not doing as one's told — can overlap with mania. Although this is often a confusing area, the child with ODD demonstrates these symptoms chronically and not episodically. Furthermore, ODD doesn't include other manic symptoms such as energy changes and grandiosity. ODD is a problematic diagnosis in many regards, because its core symptoms are nonspecific. Irritable mood and defiant behavior can be associated with a wide range of developmental and psychiatric conditions. Your child needs a careful medical and psychiatric evaluation to help understand the mechanisms underlying these difficult symptoms. Bipolar disorder/mania is one possible explanation, but others can include unipolar depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, language disorders, autism spectrum disorder, and trauma, among others.

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PTSD The Signs of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Article / Updated 04-27-2023

If you’re battling with the idea that you are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), there are signs that you — and your medical professional — can look for. Here’s an overview of symptoms that may point to a post-traumatic stress disorder diagnosis. Intrusive thoughts, emotions, or images: These may include vivid nightmares and/or flashbacks in which you feel as if the event is occurring all over again. Avoidance and/or numbing: For instance, you may avoid people or things that remind you of your trauma, feel emotionally detached from the people around you, or block out parts of your traumatic experience. Hyperarousal: Hyperarousal means being on red alert all the time, being jumpy or easily startled, having panic attacks, being very irritable, and/or being unable to sleep. You may also experience symptoms including body aches and pains, depression or other mental disorders, or problems with drugs or alcohol. If you have any or all of these symptoms, seek medical help — because if you do have PTSD, there’s help and hope!

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Bipolar Brain Function of Those with Bipolar Disorder

Article / Updated 04-27-2023

Pinpointing the location of bipolar disorder in your brain is almost as difficult as finding affordable health insurance. Brain imaging studies have found few consistent changes when looking at large brain structures. They've had much more success looking at changes at the cellular level and, in particular, at functional changes in cells and groups of cells in different brain areas. Here is some basic brain anatomy and physiology that helps explain the research. Dissecting the brain Looking at a whole human brain from the outside, as shown, you see the cerebral hemispheres (the large sections, not labeled in the figure, that comprise most of the brain), the cerebellum (the small ball toward the back of the hemispheres), and the brain stem (a long, thin structure leaving the brain and connecting it to the spinal cord). The cerebral hemispheres are divided into four sections that serve broadly different functions — the frontal lobe, the parietal lobe, the temporal lobe, and the occipital lobe. When you open the brain up, pulling the two hemispheres apart into two equal parts, and look inside, you see a number of brain structures within the hemispheres. Within the outer layer, researchers have identified a number of cell areas related to different functions. Several of these areas appear frequently in studies of bipolar, including the prefrontal cortex and the anterior cingulate cortex. Below the large outer layer are a number of structures, some of which are quite important in bipolar disorder research, including the thalamus, hypothalamus, hippocampus, and amygdala. Exploring the functions of different areas of the brain Now that you have a bird's-eye view of the brain, consider the functions of some of these areas: Cerebral hemispheres: The cerebral hemispheres include most of the thinking and planning parts of the brain as well as areas important to sensory input and learning and memory. The areas are as follows: The frontal lobe is the executive of the brain, serving to coordinate and manage the many functions within the body and brain. The parietal lobe is involved in managing sensory experiences, in addition to playing a role in many other functions. The temporal lobe is involved in smell and auditory sensory input, speech and language, and memory and learning. The occipital lobe is the center for processing visual stimuli. All of these areas perform many other functions, as well, and functions may overlap between areas. Cerebellum: The cerebellum appears to manage the fine-tuning of complex movements and also seems to be involved in regulating thought, language, and mood responses. Brain stem: The brain stem manages basic survival mechanisms, such as breathing and the heartbeat, and is involved in the management of consciousness, alertness, and sleep/wake cycles. Cerebral cortex: The cerebral cortex is the outer layer of brain cells in the hemispheres. It's considered to be the site of higher level thinking, coordinating incoming information and generating movement, actions, and thoughts. It's broken down into a number of smaller areas associated with specific types of function. Prefrontal cortex: The prefrontal cortex is a section of the cerebral cortex that is highly developed and is involved in regulating complex thinking and behavior; it's considered a center of judgment and planning. Hippocampus: The hippocampus is located in the cortex (subcortical) and is especially important in learning and memory. Thalamus: The thalamus is a structure that sits below the cortex (subcortical) that serves as a relay station for sensorimotor input, conveying it to areas of the cortex. It also regulates sleep, consciousness, and levels of alertness. Hypothalamus: The hypothalamus is also subcortical and regulates many survival mechanisms such as hunger/thirst and sleep/wake and energy cycles, all components of circadian rhythms — physical, mental, and behavioral patterns that occur in approximately 24-hour cycles. Amygdala: The amygdala, another subcortical area, is a major player in the brain's reaction to emotions. Limbic system: The term limbic system is used to describe a number of brain areas important to emotional function. The list of areas can be different in different textbooks but the hippocampus, thalamus, hypothalamus, and amygdala are considered main components of this system. Anterior cingulate cortex: The anterior cingulate cortex is a part of the cortex that has strong associations between the prefrontal cortex and the limbic system and is thought to play an important role in regulation of strong emotions. Viewing the brain under a microscope The brain has several layers. The outer layer of the brain is called the cortex, often referred to as the gray matter. The layer beneath the cortex is a network of fibers that connect different areas of the brain, often referred to as the white matter. The fibers are protected and insulated by a layer called the myelin sheath. Within the brain is a system of cavities, including spaces called the ventricles, that make, circulate, and then reabsorb cerebrospinal fluid. This fluid serves as a mechanical shock absorber to the brain but also brings nutrients from and filters waste back into the blood stream. Another important component of brain anatomy is comprised of cells that make up all of these structures. Brain cells include neurons and glia. Neurons form the telecommunications system in the brain and body, dictating body functions by generating, sending, and reacting to electrochemical signals. Glial cells, once thought to be just a support network for neurons, play a major role in brain function and in the brain's communications and reaction systems. The gray matter of the cortex includes the cell bodies (central section) and dendrites (one of the connecting ends) of neurons, as well as glial cells. The white matter is made up of the axons (another type of connecting end) of neurons. Understanding how brain cells communicate Neurons communicate with one another in many different ways, but communication occurs primarily across the synapse — the space between neurons or between neurons and other cells, such as a gland or muscle cell. The most common type of communication occurs when one end of the neuron (often the axon, but not always) releases a chemical messenger into the synapse (as shown in the figure below). The next cell (often the dendrite of another neuron) receives the chemical messenger. Receptors on the outside of the second cell latch onto the chemical messenger. Cells have many different types of receptors for all of the chemical messengers; the type of receptor influences how the message is received and processed and how the instructions are transmitted to the second cell. After a chemical messenger occupies the receptor, it can generate many different responses in the receiving cell, depending on the chemical messenger and the receptor type. After the messenger has done its job, it's released from the receptor and then taken back into the first cell, a process called reuptake. In the brain, the chemical messengers are often referred to as neurotransmitters. Nervous system cells communicate in ways beyond the synapse. For example, chemicals called neuropeptides communicate between cells but not across synapses. Of great importance in the current research on bipolar disorder is the communication between glial cells and neurons. Disruptions in these communication systems may be at least as important as problems in neuron-to-neuron transmissions. Intracellular (within-cell) communication may also play a role.

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Bipolar How To Help a Loved One with Bipolar Disorder

Article / Updated 04-27-2023

When you love a person with bipolar disorder and want to support him or her, you will get a lot of suggestions from a lot of sources, some of which are more reliable than others. This article presents advice you can count on: seven ways to help a loved one with bipolar while retaining your own composure. These ideas have evolved from medical research and practice, along with personal stories and experience, and they can be powerful tools. Many of the suggestions are based on the few common principles covered here. With these in mind, you can begin to develop your own personal toolkit tailor-made for you and your loved one's needs. Don't take it personally. This principle is one of the hardest to put into action. Bipolar disorder symptoms include many behaviors that hurt your loved one and the people around him or her. It can seem clear to you that your loved one isn't trying hard enough or is just trying make things difficult. Don't give in to those thoughts. Blame the illness, not the person. What gets said or done to you isn't about you; it's about your loved one's distress and disrupted nervous system. Accept that you can't control your loved one or the illness. Your support is most effective when you let go of any ideas that you can force your loved one to do the things you think he or she needs to do. Empathizing rather than shaming, observing rather than criticizing, expressing feelings rather than demands, and trying to collaborate instead of control are some of the strategies that grow out of this principle. Keep cool. Bipolar disorder generates a lot of heat and high emotions. Responding with your own high emotions feeds the fire. Following this principle means figuring out how to refrain from yelling and screaming and how to walk away (disengage) from an interaction when necessary. You may want to explore ways to help you do this, such as mindfulness practices or regular exercise. Your lower tone can make a big difference for your loved one. Engage in discussion to create solutions. Effective communication is at the heart of helping your loved one. Listening attentively more than talking is one of your best tools in following this principle. Asking questions and really focusing on the answers opens up dialogue. Thoughts and feelings expressed clearly and compassionately are much more likely to yield positive outcomes than are blanket pronouncements and rambling lectures. Avoid the four big communication no-nos. Criticism, blame, judgment, and demand are likely to drive a wedge between you and your loved one. Work as a team to solve problems and address issues in ways that serve everyone's interests. Put safety first. Bipolar disorder can cause symptoms that are dangerous or even deadly. Being ready and able to call for help for your loved one is critical for everyone's safety and wellbeing. Your loved one may be unhappy, even angry, when you take action, but you can sort that out when they're feeling better. Planning ahead for crises — anticipating them, understanding that the risks are real, and being prepared to take action when needed — are strategies born out of this principle. Take care of yourself. You're in a better position to help others when you're physically and emotionally well. Discover how to leave a situation if you anticipate or observe danger. Care for your own health by paying attention to sleep, nutrition, and exercise, for example. This principle can feel hard to practice when you're exhausted by managing day-to-day crises, but caring for yourself alleviates the exhaustion and helps you maintain your role as a patient and effective caregiver.

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