Bipolar Disorder
A person with bipolar disorder will experience changes in mood, energy, and activity levels that can make day-to-day living difficult. In fact, bipolar disorder is considered to be one of the few mental health conditions that is highly likely to cause a significant and long-term psychosocial disability. On average, a person will receive a diagnosis around the age of 25 years, but symptoms can appear during the teenage years or later in life. It affects males and females equally.
The main symptoms of bipolar disorder are alternating episodes of high and low mood.
Changes in energy levels, sleep patterns, ability to focus, and other features can dramatically impact a person’s behavior, work, relationships, and other aspects of life.
It is characterised by recurrent cycling between these opposing phases:
● During the manic “high” phases, people with bipolar disorder can feel like they are
invincible and engage in reckless behaviour. Often their thoughts seem to speed up and
they may come up with thousands of thoughts and ideas that they think are genius.
Sleeping during this period is often very limited. This manic phase can be addictive and
could be a reason why someone with bipolar disorder refuses to take medication.
● The depressive phase is accompanied by feelings of sadness, hopelessness, guilt, low
self-esteem and suicidal thoughts. Sleep is often increased significantly, along with
feelings of exhaustion, low energy, physical slowing and difficulty concentrating. During
a depressive phase, a person with bipolar disorder will often withdraw from friends and
family and lose all interest in pleasurable or social activities. Bipolar Disorder is a mental illness that can inflict serious disability on patients throughout Australia. People living with Bipolar Disorder experience periods of major depression as well as periods of mania or hypomania. There are effective therapies and medications that help patients living with Bipolar Disorder manage their illness, reduce episodes of depression or mania, and function on a day to day basis. When a patient’s treatment does not prevent recurrence of their symptoms, they can develop disabilities which limit their ability to perform usual tasks and diminish their quality of life.
Symptoms
There are several types of bipolar and related disorders. They may include mania or hypomania and depression. Symptoms can cause unpredictable changes in mood and behavior, resulting in significant distress and difficulty in life.
● Bipolar I disorder. You have had at least one manic episode that may be preceded or
followed by hypomanic or major depressive episodes. In some cases, mania may trigger a break from reality (psychosis).
● Bipolar II disorder. You have had at least one major depressive episode and at least
one hypomanic episode, but you've never had a manic episode.
● Cyclothymic disorder. You have had at least two years — or one year in children and
teenagers — of many periods of hypomania symptoms and periods of depressive
symptoms (though less severe than major depression).
● Other types. These include, for example, bipolar and related disorders induced by
certain drugs or alcohol or due to a medical condition, such as Cushing's disease,
multiple sclerosis or stroke.
Causes:
● Biological differences. People with bipolar disorder appear to have physical changes in
their brains. The significance of these changes is still uncertain but may eventually help
pinpoint causes.
● Genetics. Bipolar disorder is more common in people who have a first-degree relative,
such as a sibling or parent, with the condition. Researchers are trying to find genes that
may be involved in causing bipolar disorder.
Treatments:
Treatment can be very effective at reducing or eliminating the symptoms of bipolar. Medication
may be an important element of treatment. However, research suggests that a combination of
medication, psychological therapies and support programs can lead to the best outcomes
● Inpatient programs
● Day programs
● Outpatient consultations
● Neurostimulation services
● Psychology services
Will NDIS Fund for Bipolar?
Mental health is covered by the NDIS if it is considered to be a psychosocial disability. One of the most frequent reasons for not qualifying is that it cannot be proven to be a permanent disability. Most mental health issues have some psychosocial disadvantages, however the NDIS will only fund those that are permanent and ongoing. If you have enough evidence to suggest that your bipolar disorder has caused you to have a permanent psychosocial disability that causes significant impact on your day to day life, you may be accepted by the NDIS. Each case is reviewed individually, so the decision is dependent on the amount of evidence you have to back up your claim, and the strength of your case.
Will NDIS pay for a psychiatrist?
Psychologists registered with the NDIS are considered to be approved providers. If
you manage your NDIS plan yourself, you don’t need to access your psychology
services through an approved provider and can choose any psychologist you wish.
However, if your Plan is NDIS-managed, you will need to access psychology services
through a registered NDIS provider. Prior to accessing the NDIS, it may be necessary
for you to see a psychologist for diagnosis. It isn’t always necessary to have a formal
psychological diagnosis, but it can certainly help if you are trying to get NDIS
funding for psychological or mental health reasons.
Phomecare is a registered NDIS Provider and support the people with physical or
psychosocial disability, or mental illness to complete NDIS application Free in recovery-focused mental health services and support Australia wide. Your nearest NDIA office can help out or LAC partner for help with applying for the NDIS. We also provide free support if you are eligible to apply for NDIS. For more information email us at ndis@phomecare.com.au
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