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Bipolar disorder is a mental health problem which can characterised by excessive and overwhelming mood swings, just like riding a roller-coaster, shifting between mania (elevated mood) and depression.
Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is a mental condition which may cause extreme changes in emotions. It usually present in people 15 to 30 years old and less commonly in children and older adults.
Patients usually experience two states: a manic episode whereby most people feel elated (hypomania presents with less severe symptoms), or a depressive episode during which you might feel lower in mood, tired or lose interest in things you used to enjoy.
In bipolar disorder, patients develop different symptoms depending on their mood.
Mania and Hypomania
Mania is more severe than hypomania and usually causes more problems in day-to-day life.
Major Depressive Episode
There are 3 major types:
Cyclothymic disorder: At least two years of mild elation and mild depression, not sufficiently severe or prolonged to make a diagnosis of bipolar I or II disorder.
The exact cause is unclear. However, there are some possible factors that may contribute to this condition.
Currently, there are no blood tests or brain imaging to confirm a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. The diagnosis is made by a thorough mental health history taking and evaluation and the exclusion of any possible physical illnesses which may present with similar symptoms to that of bipolar disorder.
Episodes of bipolar disorder show improvement in about 3 months with proper treatment. However, if left untreated, manic episodes can last for 3-6 months, while depressive episodes can last for up to a year. Medication
They include cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPT/SRT) and family-focused therapy (FFT). These may enhance the treatment response and play a role in preventing relapses.
For eligible persons with a HKID card, the cost for psychiatric day hospital is $60 per attendance.
For non-eligible persons without a HKID card, the cost for psychiatric day hospital is $2,340 per attendance.
For details, call the Hospital Authority at 2300 6555.
Fees may vary significantly for different hospitals and clinics. It is best to first consult your doctor and discuss the options that best suit your situation. Our research found that the general consultation fee of visiting a psychiatrist ranges greatly, from about $600 to $3,000, excluding medication fees.
* All amounts are in HKD. No responsibility is accepted for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. It is always best to call ahead to make sure the information is still up-to-date.
If you need instant support, here is a list of 24/7 Hotlines you can call:
Caritas Family Crisis Support Centre → 18288
Hotline Service (Family Crisis)
Hospital Authority → 2466 7350
Mental Health Direct
Social Welfare Department → 2343 2255
Hotline Service: 24 hours
Suicide Prevention Services → 2382 0000
Hotline Service: 24 hours
The Samaritan Befrienders Hong Kong → 2389 2222
Hotline Service: 24 hours
Multi-Lingual Suicide Prevention Hotline: 24 hours
For a list of other useful mental health services, please click here.
Dr. Frances Cheng is a Specialist in Psychiatry and is the Head of Mental Health at OT&P MindworX. She obtained her medical degree from the University of Hong Kong and her MSc. in Epidemiology at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. She completed her specialist training in Psychiatry in Hong Kong and in the United Kingdom where she worked as an Academic Clinical Fellow at the University of Cambridge. She is a Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists of the UK as well as a Fellow of the Hong Kong College of Psychiatrists. Prior to entering private practice, she was a Clinical Assistant Professor at the Department of Psychiatry at HKU. She is now an Honorary Assistant Professor at the same department.
This article was independently written by Healthy Matters. It is informative only and not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be relied upon for specific medical advice.
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