Bipolar Disorder

Our Services

Bipolar Disorder Management

Bipolar disorder is a serious but treatable condition. If you or a loved one experiences extreme mood swings from very high “manic” periods to low depressive episodes expert care can stabilize your life. Dr. Naeem Aftab is a psychiatrist in Lahore who specializes in mood disorders like bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder (formerly called manic-depressive illness) causes clear shifts in mood, energy, and activity. During manic phases, a person may feel euphoric or extremely irritable with lots of energy; during depressive phases, they feel overwhelmingly sad or lethargic. These shifts can disrupt work, relationships, and self-care.

What Is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a chronic mood disorder involving episodes of mania/hypomania and depression. It usually requires lifelong treatment. According to NIMH, “bipolar disorder usually requires lifelong treatment, but an effective treatment plan can help people manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.”. In Pakistan and worldwide, bipolar affects men and women of all ages. It often first appears in late teens or early adulthood, but it can emerge at any age. The causes involve genetic and biochemical factors.

Manic episode symptoms (Bipolar I): Abnormally elevated or irritable mood for at least a week, with increased energy or activity. This can include:
– Feeling extremely “up,” euphoric, or irritable.
– Talking very fast or feeling “rushed.”
– Racing thoughts and distractibility.

Comprehensive Evaluation: Dr. Aftab conducts a detailed assessment. This includes charting your mood history (timing of highs and lows), any triggers (stress, medications), and family history of mood disorders. He may use mood tracking tools to understand your pattern of episodes.
Diagnosis and Education: The type of bipolar (I, II, Cyclothymic) is determined. Dr. Aftab will explain the diagnosis to you and your family. Education is key: learning about the illness helps you recognize warning signs of mood shifts.
Medication Initiation: Medication is the foundation of bipolar management. Dr. Aftab will typically prescribe a mood stabilizer (like lithium, valproate, or lamotrigine) or an atypical antipsychotic to control mania. For example, Lithium is a classic mood stabilizer that is very effective for many patients.
Psychotherapy: Medication and therapy go hand in hand. Therapy sessions (CBT, dialectical therapy, or interpersonal and social rhythm therapy) help you cope with stress, maintain stable routines, and adhere to treatment.

Stabilized Mood: Proper treatment reduces the severity and frequency of manic/depressive episodes. You can experience more weeks or months of normal mood in between.
Safety: Mania can lead to dangerous behaviors (e.g., reckless spending, driving) and depression raises suicide risk. Treatment greatly lowers these dangers by controlling extremes.
Improved Functioning: With stable mood, you can return to work or school performance and enjoy relationships. Consistent treatment is often necessary to maintain employment and personal relationships.
Coping Strategies: Therapy equips you with tools to handle stress and recognize mood triggers early. You’ll learn how to prevent a full-blown episode by taking a “rescue” dose of medication or using coping techniques.
Quality of Life: As NIMH points out, “an effective treatment plan can help people manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life”. Many patients lead fulfilling, productive lives with the right support.

About US

Dr. Naeem Aftab’s Approach

Dr. Naeem Aftab is a psychiatrist experienced in managing bipolar disorder, among other mental health conditions. As before, he holds an MBBS and advanced training in psychiatry, including board certification. He has worked in large public hospitals and academic settings, and has cared for patients with severe mood disorders for decades.

Dr. Aftab’s approach is holistic and evidence-based. He carefully selects medications (often starting with lithium or another mood stabilizer) and monitors them closely. He educates patients and families about the importance of medication adherence missing doses is a common cause of relapse. His therapy sessions also cover lifestyle adjustments (sleep hygiene, routine building). He may use mood tracking charts, and he encourages patients to maintain diaries of symptoms to spot patterns.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder has a strong genetic component and involves brain chemistry imbalances. Stressful life events can trigger episodes, but even without obvious causes, the mood shifts can occur. It is not anyone’s “fault” it’s a medical condition.

Can bipolar disorder be cured?

Bipolar disorder is generally considered a lifelong condition. However, with consistent treatment, symptoms can be managed so well that many patients live normal, productive lives. Early and ongoing treatment prevents worsening of the illness

What medications are used for bipolar disorder?

The main medications are mood stabilizers (like lithium, valproate, lamotrigine) and second-generation antipsychotics. These help control manic and depressive episodes. Some patients may also take antidepressants or anti-anxiety meds, but typically with caution. Dr. Aftab will explain each option and monitor blood levels (for drugs like lithium) carefully.

What types of therapy help with bipolar disorder?

In addition to medication, therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT), and family therapy are effective. These help you cope with stress, maintain routines, improve communication, and recognize warning signs of mood shifts.

How often should I see my doctor?

Initially, follow-ups may be every 1-4 weeks to stabilize medication. Once stable, visits might occur every 2-3 months. Long-term, Dr. Aftab will set a schedule. It’s important to keep appointments even when feeling well, to catch any early changes.

Get Started

Appointment & Contact

Scheduling an appointment with Dr. Naeem Aftab is easy and confidential. Use the contact information below or our online portal (calendar integration coming soon) to secure a session.