Bipolar I and II cope differently w/ Mania
A study has come out that directs its attention at the different coping styles of those who have bipolar I disorder versus those who have bipolar II disorder. What was specifically looked at was how they cope with the prodromal symptoms that they have prior to a manic episode. Prodromal symptoms are experienced prior to an attack, and signal the onset of it, much like a warning sign. Psychiatrists would find this information useful when figuring out how to treat and give therapy to those with bipolar disorder.
The Coping Inventory for Prodromes of Mania (CIPM) was used to understand how each bipolar individual reacted to the onset of a manic episode. 184 patients with bipolar disorder took the inventory, 133 had bipolar I disorder and 51 had bipolar II disorder.
"The 40-item CIPM contained both adaptive and maladaptive coping strategies and consisted of four factors:
*stimulation reduction (for example, "avoided being with people")
*problem-directed coping (for example, "tried to monitor and restrain my behavior")
*seeking professional help (for example, "started my medication again")
*denial or blame (for example, "hoped the symptoms would go away")" (Moyer, 2005).
The coping styles preferred by the two groups differed remarkably, and with good reason. Bipolar I disorder alternates between severe manic episodes and less severe depression, whereas bipolar II disorder alternates from severe depression to hypomania (less severe manic symptoms). "The most favored choice for those with bipolar I was seeking help, and the most favored choice among those with bipolar II was denial and blame, said Mr. Velyvis. "Considering that bipolar I patients are more likely to experience the more severe consequence of full mania, it is understandable that they would want to reach out and ward it off," Mr. Velyvis said. 'Those with bipolar II, who typically have hypomania, which has less risk, are more tempted to ride the wave more.'" (Moyer, 2005).
This information will greatly help therapists who are determining how to best treat their patients. It is important for any therapist to know the differences between Bipolar I and II disorder and all of the details that separate them. Coping with the onset of mania is something that all bipolar patients have to deal with and making sure that they have a good coping strategy can ensure their mental well-being.
For more information on coping with bipolar disorder go to: http://www.moodswing.org/bpcoping.htm
The source of this article was Medscape Medical News.
Posted by at June 21, 2005 9:46 PM
More Information on
Bipolar Disorder Coping
Being undiganoised for 33 yrs. and learning to cope,live,and be productive and happy. Verses 3 yrs. of all different kinds of medications, that's simply not working, but have made me worse. I'd much rather go back to what I know rather than not knowing who I am.
Posted by: Melissa Johnson at June 28, 2005 8:57 PM
I quite agree with Melissa, I was undiagnosed for 42 years. I can only think how many experiences I would have been discouraged from trying or prevented from participating in had I known about my illness.
I was fully compliant for 10 months and experienced the full force of side effects without any positive symptom reduction from the medication. I requested to come off of the medication and have been medication free for about 6 months.
I still experience symptoms, but I have returned to functioning and utilize such coping skills as I can to manage my situation. I have asked for therapy and biofeedback to aid in self management as I am unwilling to risk more side effects and the destructive impact the medication has on my ability to function. I have met with a great deal of medical resistance...and I find it ironic that my doctor resisted my suggestion for cognitive therapy while pushing me toward medication. I do not understand why it would be so terrible to try to learn coping strategies in therapy, which has no destructive side effect; while it is preferable to risk medication with life threatening side effects and uncertain efficacy rates. Perhaps this is the denial and lack of appreciation of my illness that so many of us are accused of? I merely want to work, function, and be who I am. If the medication worked and allowed me to do that, I'd use it gladly. As it does not, I think its perfectly reasonable to decline it in favor of the hard work and struggle of attempting to cope with my symptoms on my own or with the support of friends.
I do not ride the wave...I steer my boat through storms and breakers with all my strength and concentration...through exhaustion...with whatever skills I can learn.
I'd like to arrive on shore without being told that it was a fluke, warned that I am sure to end up on the rocks, or being told I'm not able to recognize the water from the dock and need someone to do it for me.
Better yet...you might shout some encouragement and raise a light so I have something to steer for...
Posted by: stephanie at September 14, 2006 1:37 PM
Being undiganoised for 33 yrs. and learning to cope,live,and be productive and happy. Verses 3 yrs. of all different kinds of medications, that's simply not working, but have made me worse. I'd much rather go back to what I know rather than not knowing who I am.
Posted by: Melissa Johnson at June 28, 2005 8:57 PM
I quite agree with Melissa, I was undiagnosed for 42 years. I can only think how many experiences I would have been discouraged from trying or prevented from participating in had I known about my illness.
I was fully compliant for 10 months and experienced the full force of side effects without any positive symptom reduction from the medication. I requested to come off of the medication and have been medication free for about 6 months.
I still experience symptoms, but I have returned to functioning and utilize such coping skills as I can to manage my situation. I have asked for therapy and biofeedback to aid in self management as I am unwilling to risk more side effects and the destructive impact the medication has on my ability to function. I have met with a great deal of medical resistance...and I find it ironic that my doctor resisted my suggestion for cognitive therapy while pushing me toward medication. I do not understand why it would be so terrible to try to learn coping strategies in therapy, which has no destructive side effect; while it is preferable to risk medication with life threatening side effects and uncertain efficacy rates. Perhaps this is the denial and lack of appreciation of my illness that so many of us are accused of? I merely want to work, function, and be who I am. If the medication worked and allowed me to do that, I'd use it gladly. As it does not, I think its perfectly reasonable to decline it in favor of the hard work and struggle of attempting to cope with my symptoms on my own or with the support of friends.
I do not ride the wave...I steer my boat through storms and breakers with all my strength and concentration...through exhaustion...with whatever skills I can learn.
I'd like to arrive on shore without being told that it was a fluke, warned that I am sure to end up on the rocks, or being told I'm not able to recognize the water from the dock and need someone to do it for me.
Better yet...you might shout some encouragement and raise a light so I have something to steer for...
Posted by: stephanie at September 14, 2006 1:37 PM