What is Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a mental disorder that causes depression and high mood. Also called manic depression, bipolar disorder is a condition in which an individual goes through extreme mood patterns - they behave unusually energetic, irritable, sad, or extremely happy. People with bipolar disorder often have difficulty sleeping. As bipolar disorder causes episodes of depression, the person may end up with a negative outlook on life. He may cry more often and feel uncomfortable at social gatherings. According to studies, people over the age of twenty are more prone to suicide than. Mental health issues such as anxiety disorders and substance use disorders are commonly associated with bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is a serious illness because it leads to risky behaviors such as suicide attempts. It is difficult to prevent bipolar disorder, but recognizing symptoms at an early stage can help with effective treatment. Although the main causes of bipolar disorder are not known, experts say that environmental and genetic factors play an important role in the onset of the disease. Some environmental factors responsible for bipolar disorder are stress (especially long term stress), history of child abuse, some genetic factors. It can also happen in identical twins. If one of the identical twins has bipolar disorder, the other sibling is more likely to have it as well. Chemicals in the brain can also cause bipolar disorder. There are three chemicals in our brain, serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine (norepinephrine) that are not only involved in brain functions, but also in the functioning of regular bodily functions. The chemicals, noradrenaline, and serotonin are more linked to psychiatric mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder and episodes of depression.
Bipolar Disorder Causes & Symptoms
Although the exact causes of BD are not yet known, the following factors could be involved in its occurrence:
Genetic factors: If a first degree relative has the disease, the chances of developing bipolar disorder increase dramatically.
Neurotransmitters in the Brain: An imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain can lead to mood disorders, including BD.
Changes in the brain: People with the disorder may have certain physical changes in their brain that could cause bipolar disorder.
A person with BD will have manic / hypomanic and depressive episodes.
A manic episode is a period of at least a week when the person will feel high, irritated, and have increased energy to perform several activities.
A hypomanic episode is a period of at least four consecutive days when the person will feel elevated and irritated.
Symptoms of manic / hypomanic episodes include:
- Increased self-confidence
- Distractibility
- Less need for sleep
- Talk a lot
- Hyper active thought process
- Increased agitation
- Do things that can have unfortunate consequences such as shopping sprees, sexual indiscretions, stupid investments, etc.
A depressive episode occurs when a person has a depressed mood or a loss of interest for at least two weeks. The symptoms are as follows:
- Depressed mood
- Loss of interest in most activities
- Weight changes
- Insomnia or excessive sleep
- Low energy levels
- Continuous fatigue
- Lack of concentration
- Morbid thoughts and suicidal tendency
There are four types of BD and the symptoms of each can be vary they are:
Bipolar I: It is characterized by at least one manic episode, before and after the patient experiences hypomanic or depressive episodes.
Bipolar II: This is identified by at least one major manic episode that lasts at least two weeks and at least one hypomanic episode that can last up to four days.
Cyclothymia: It is identified by episodes of hypomania and depression which are less severe and shorter than major manic and depressive episodes, but can fluctuate frequently and will occur every one or two months.
Rapid Cycle Bipolar Disorder: This is identified by faster mood changes and a person will have at least four episodes of depression, mania, and hypomania in the year.
Prevention & Myths about Bipolar Disorder
To avoid full episodes of bipolar disorder, follow these preventative steps:
-Before taking any medication, always consult your doctor.
-Don't ignore the warning signs. If you are depressed, consult an expert immediately.
-Avoid alcohol and cigarettes.
-Maintain a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
-Explore drug solutions.
-Give yourself a break from every busy schedule.
-Being optimistic can help prevent episodes of bipolar disorder.
-Maintain adequate sleep.
-Use relaxation techniques.
However, with behavioral counseling, bipolar disorder can be treated. This includes:
Individual counseling: This individual session is conducted with a professional therapist. The patient's problems are discussed and areas for improvement are addressed. The session helps the patient to accept the diagnosis and education about bipolar moods.
Family counseling: Bipolar disorder can harm the whole family. The sessions are conducted to educate how to handle a manic situation and what anything can be done to treat the patient.
Group Counseling: Group sessions involve sharing feelings and developing effective coping strategies. Sharing counseling is the most productive and effective way to change the way you think about bipolar disorder. It also helps to improve and cope with life challenges.
MYTH: There is no cure for BD
FACT: Over 40% of patients with BD can be treated effectively, and almost half can expect a significant reduction in symptoms.
MYTH: Comics are just imaginary or about mood swings
FACT: There are biological changes in the brains of people with the disorder. To call it mood swings or imaginary mood swings is to be unsympathetic to patients with the disease.
MYTH: Bipolar disorder is a rare disease
FACT: This is not an uncommon condition. But the number of cases of bipolar disorder that are reported is less. I might not know that every year more people suffer from bipolar disorder than cancer!
MYTH: When a patient is in a manic state, they are often extremely happy
FACT: When you are in a manic state, you may feel euphoric or have a high mood. But a significant number of people become nervous and irritable as the mania progresses. Many people are also afraid when they get into mania. When you are affected by mania, you lose control over your actions and even your thoughts.
MYTH: Bipolar disorder can't be diagnosed until you are 18
FACT: Although it is more difficult to diagnose in some people due to the variety of patterns, but in many it can be diagnosed even at an early age.
MYTH: There is just one kind of bipolar disorder
FACT: Bipolar disorder includes:
Bipolar I - Manic episode
Bipolar II - Hypomanic and depressive episodes
Cyclothymic disorder - Hypomanic and depressive symptoms
Disturbed mood that does not fit into the pattern of other diagnoses.
MYTH: Medicines is the only treatment for bipolar disorder
FACT: Appropriate medications along with psychological treatment and therapy can help with treatment. Health experts also suggest self-help strategies such as education, sleep hygiene, warning signs, symptom monitoring, meditative and reflective practices, and maintaining good social support.
Bipolar Disorder Treatment
This disorder is known to cause extreme mood swings and therefore it is extremely advisable to seek treatment from a mental health expert (psychiatrist). As it is a lifelong illness, it requires medication to manage the symptoms. One of the main treatments for bipolar disorder is a combination of medication and psychotherapy. Since this disorder severely affects all aspects of life and there is no definitive cure, it is important to learn how to manage your symptoms effectively.
Medicines:
Medications for bipolar disorder include:
1. Antidepressants - To treat depressive episodes.
2. Mood stabilizers - To treat manic or hypomanic episodes.
3. Antipsychotics - To treat symptoms that persist even after medication for depression and mania
4. Anti-anxiety - To relieve anxiety
It is important to remember that finding the right set of drugs for effective treatment can take some time.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article should not be taken as a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your treating physician for further details.
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