A person’s moods can be changeable. It is understandable that this is the case, since we live affected by different demands and norms that are imposed by society. Although there are days when we can live in a state full of happiness or sadness as a result of some specific event, the truth is that mood swings are frequent in many people.
However, there are those who suffer very marked changes in their mood, since they can go from feeling happiness and euphoria to moments of discouragement, sadness and total disinterest. In these cases, a transition period arises between these two mood variations. Knowing its particularities can help us cope better with these types of situations. Do you want to know more about this? In this Psychology-Online article we will provide you with information about the Euthymia in bipolar disorder: what it is, characteristics and how to manage it.
What is euthymia in bipolar disorder?
In its definition, euthymia is the phase corresponding to bipolar disorder that occurs between periods of mania and depression. Thus, the characteristic symptoms of bipolar disorder subside and it is possible for the person to carry out their life without the complications that this pathology implies.
It should be noted that bipolar disorder consists of a definition established by the DSM-V, in which various criteria appear regarding its clinical presentation. For this reason, when we talk about euthymia we are referring to this particular clinical condition.
If you want to know more about this pathology, consult our post.
Characteristics of euthymia in bipolar disorder
In order to address the topic in greater depth, it is necessary to understand the characteristics of the period of euthymia in bipolar disorder. In this way, we will place its main qualities into items:
- Stabilized mood.
- It appears after a deregulation in the mood (after a depression).
- The duration is variableIf you are wondering how long euthymia lasts, you should know that it depends on each person, although it can last for months.
- Some symptoms belonging to episodes of mania or depression with a lower intensity may be found.
- Convalescent state.
- Greater degree of emotional sensitivity.
It is important to highlight that the presence of any of these characteristics does not necessarily imply that a person is going through a process of euthymia in bipolar disorder. It is essential that the person be diagnosed by a mental health professional since he will be in charge of evaluating the patient’s clinical conditions taking into account aspects such as age, sex, family medical history, pre-existing diseases, comorbidities, among others.
How to manage euthymia in bipolar disorder
Faced with the appearance of a period of euthymia, it is crucial to focus on the particularities of each case since the mode of presentation can vary from one person to another. However, in this section we will explain various ways to manage this process:
Psychiatric medication
Due to the fact that bipolar disorder has a neurological component, one of the most relevant aspects to consider is monitoring the patient’s medication. This occurs since there are drugs that are mood stabilizers and they have an important role in emotional regulation and euthymia in bipolar disorder.
Psychological therapy
Carrying out psychotherapeutic sessions aims to enable the person to talk about those situations that generate emotional destabilization. In this sense, it is important to understand the way in which people who go through a period of euthymia perceive the world. Therapy provides various tools that enable a proper management of emotions and behaviors facing stressful situations.
Brief therapies focus on solving problems in a limited period of sessions in which emphasis is placed on the emotions, thoughts and behaviors that determine the person’s life. Because of this, it is possible to develop certain strategies. Here we will mention the cognitive behavioral therapy and systemic therapy as the main approaches.
On the other hand, there are long-term therapies that attempt to locate the origin of the person’s symptoms. This type of therapy focuses on the person finding other ways to deal with situations that cause problems. In this group, we highlight psychoanalysis as the most well-known and effective extensive therapy.
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This article is merely informative, at Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
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References
- American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of mental disorders (5th edition). Arlington: Panamericana Medical Publishing.
Bibliography
- Pereiro, JB, Jurado Barba, R., Neuropsychological deterioration in subjects with bipolar disorder in the euthymic phase. EduPsykhé, Journal of Psychology, 13 (2), 147-160.
- Vieta, E., Colom, F., Martínez-Arán, A. (2004). The disease of emotions. Bipolar disorder. Psychiatry 21. Barcelona: Ars Médica.