Have you been diagnosed with bipolar disorder? - 10 questions you should definitely ask your doctor

When your doctor tells you that you have bipolar disorder , you may have a lot of questions. It's normal to think things like, "What do I do now?", "Can't this be cured?", "What will happen to my life in the future?" But don't worry. You can manage it and live a good life. The most important thing is to have a good understanding of your condition. So, the next time you see your doctor, don't forget to ask these questions. It's okay to write them down in a book.

1. Can this be passed down to my children?

This is a big problem for many people. There may be a genetic predisposition to developing bipolar disorder. This means that if someone in your family has this disease, there is a certain risk that others will also develop it. But it does not mean that it will happen 100% of the time. But it is important to be aware of this risk. Then, if your family, especially your children, show signs of a mental health problem in the future, you can take care of it quickly and seek medical advice.

2. What are Bipolar I and Bipolar II? Which do I have?

There are two main types of bipolar disorder. Knowing the difference between the two can help you understand how to treat them. Simply put, the difference is based on the intensity of the mania . Ask your doctor which of these two types you have. That way you can get a better understanding of your symptoms.

3. How do I choose the right medication for me? How do they work?

There are several types of medication for bipolar disorder. These are called mood stabilizers. These medications help control your mood swings (mania) and depression. Your doctor will consider many factors, including the nature of your symptoms, any other medical conditions you have, and the side effects of the medication, to determine the best medication for you. So be open about this.

4. What do you do if you forget to take a dose of medicine?

This is different for many people. But the answer to this can vary depending on the medication you are taking. So this is definitely a question you should ask your doctor . The general rule is that if you have just missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.

5. What are the signs that a state of mania or hypomania is coming?

One of the best ways to manage your condition is to recognize these warning signs. These may be unique to you. If you recognize these signs early, you can talk to your doctor and get help before the condition worsens. Some common signs include:

• Lack of sleep (but not feeling tired)
• Talking very fast
• Racing thoughts
• Feeling unusually energetic
• Spending too much money, engaging in risky activities
• Quick to anger

6. What are the side effects of the medications I take? What should I do if they occur?

Like any medication, this medication can have side effects. Drowsiness, weight gain, and nausea may occur early on. Most of the time, these will go away over time. But it's important to tell your doctor about any side effects you experience. Sometimes, these can be managed by changing the dosage or switching to a different medication.

7. How do stress and sleep disorders affect my illness?

Think of your brain as a sensitive musical system . Stress and sleep deprivation turn up the volume on that system. That messes up the system. The same thing happens with bipolar disorder. Stress and sleep deprivation are two of the main triggers for mood episodes in this condition. So talk to your doctor about getting 7-8 hours of good sleep a night and ways to manage stress (e.g., meditation, exercise).

8. What are the advantages and disadvantages of taking antidepressants?

This is a bit of a complicated issue. Depressive episodes are common in bipolar disorder. However, if a bipolar patient is given only an `anti-depressant` type of medication that is used for general depression, it can cause a state of mania. Therefore, an `anti-depressant` is usually given in combination with a `mood stabilizer`. It is very important to ask your doctor about this clearly.

9. Do I need to have blood tests for the medication? How often?

Yes, some medications require blood tests. For example, if you are taking medications like lithium or valproate , your blood levels of the medication need to be checked to make sure they are at the right levels. Your kidneys and liver function may also need to be checked. This is for your safety and to make sure the medication is working properly. So make sure you know exactly how often you need to have these tests.

10. How do things like alcohol and marijuana affect my condition and medications?

Never be afraid to talk about this. Alcohol and drugs are one of the biggest enemies of managing bipolar disorder. These include:

• Mood swings are getting worse.
• It interferes with the effectiveness of the medications you take.
• It is a trigger for both depression and mania .

Simply put, this is like pouring gasoline on a fire. So the best thing you can do is to stay away from these completely. Talk to your doctor about this and ask for help if necessary. Bipolar, Bipolar Disorder, Mental Health, Questions to Ask the Doctor, Mania, Depression, Side Effects of Medications