What is Bipolar Disorder? Symptoms, treatment and causes.
By Navistha Vashist - November 30, 2020
Bipolar Disorder
What is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar Disorder is a mental illness associated with episodes of mood swings ranging from depression laws to manic highs.
NOTE: The direct or exact cause of the particular disorder is unknown. But, a combination of genetics, environment, and altered brain structure can be a part.
• This is a very common disorder.
• More than 10 million cases per year (India).
Information you need to know about Bipolar Disorder:-
- The treatment can help, but the condition cannot be cured.
- It can be chronic, it can last for a year or be lifelong.
- It seriously requires diagnosis.
Signs of Bipolar Disease/symptoms of the disorder:-
• Mood: mood swings, sad feeling, anger, anxiety, apathy, apprehension, euphoria, general discontent, guilt, hopelessness, loss of interest, or loss of interest or pleasure in activities
• Behavioural: irritability, risk-taking behaviors, not organized behavior, aggression, agitation, crying, hyperactivity, impulsivity, restlessness, or self-harm
• Cognitive: unwanted thoughts, delusion, less or lack of concentration, slow activities, or false belief of superiority.
• Psychological: depression, manic episode, agitated depression, or paranoia
• Weight: Loss or gain (can be seen).
Sleep: difficulty or excess desire.
• Common occurring: fatigue or rapid and frenzied speaking.
4 different types of Bipolar Disorder:-
1. Bipolar I Disorder:-
- If a person had at least one Manic episode that may be preceded or followed by hypomanic or major depressive episodes.
2. Bipolar II Disorder:-
– Those with Bipolar II Disorder will experience hypomanic and depressive episodes, but they probably don't experience symptoms as strong as Bipolar I.
3. Cyclothymia Disorder:-
– This disorder is defined by periods of depressive and hypomanic episodes that last for at least 1 year (in children/adolescents) or 2 years for adults.
4. Unspecified Bipolar Disorders
– Some other Bipolar Disorders do not match these three categories but still are classified as Bipolar Disorder.
NOTE: Symptoms in children and teens can be difficult to identify. Children and teens may have distinct major depressive or manic or hypomanic episodes and mood rapidly shifts.
The most prominent: Severe mood and swings!
Symptoms that can occur in a teenager of bipolar disorder are:-
- Uncharacteristic periods of anger and aggression
- Grandiosity and overconfidence
- Tear fullness, frequent sadness
- Needing little sleep to feel rested
- Uncharacteristic impulsive behavior
- Moodiness
- Confusion and inattention
Ways to find out if you have Bipolar Disorder:- [helpful]
- Physical exam: Your doctor can do a physical exam and lab tests to identify the particular disorder.
- Psychiatric assessment: Your doctor can also refer to a Psychiatrist, you can tell/talk about your thoughts, feelings, and behavior issues. You can also fill out a psychological self-assessment or questionnaire.
- Mood swings chart: You may be asked to keep a daily record of your moods, sleep patterns, or other factors that could help with diagnosis and finding the right treatment.
- Criteria for bipolar disorder: Your psychiatrist may compare your symptoms with the criteria for bipolar and related disorders in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association.
Treatment for Bipolar Disorder:-
Treatment is best guided by a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions, who is skilled in treating bipolar and related disorders. You can have a team that also includes a psychologist, a social worker, and a psychiatric nurse.
-Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition. Treatment is directed at managing symptoms. Depending on your needs, treatment may include:-
- Medications: You'll need to start taking medicines to balance your moods.
- Continued treatment: Bipolar disorder requires lifelong treatment with medications, even during the times when you feel better. People who skip maintenance treatment are at high risk of having minor mood changes turn into full-blown mania or depression.
- Day treatment programs: Your doctor may recommend a day treatment program. These programs provide the support and counseling you need while you get symptoms under control.
- Substance abuse treatment: If you have problems with alcohol or drugs, you'll also need substance abuse treatment. Otherwise, it can be very difficult to manage bipolar disorder.
- Hospitalization: Your doctor may recommend hospitalization if you're behaving dangerously, you feel suicidal or you become detached from reality. Getting psychiatric treatment at a hospital can help keep you calm and safe and stabilize your mood, whether you're having a manic or major depressive episode.
When to see a doctor:-
Do you know when to see a doctor if you are having bipolar disorder?
Okay, so this is very important and you should know this!
Some people don't realize when to see a doctor and when it gets dangerous or severe.
Here is how to figure out when to go to the doctor.
• If you are having any kind of symptoms of depression you need to go for a check-up. Check my post on depression. (it may help you) https://informativeweekend.blogspot.com/2020/10/what-is-depression-symptoms-causes.html
NOTE: bipolar disorder don't get better on its own professional help can get you out of the odd Symptoms.
Is it an emergency?
ever thought of being in the emergency for bipolar disorder?
You should really be aware of this part as well...
• suicidal thoughts or acts are common in bipolar disorder but you should call 199 for medical help.
Causes:-
As I already told you the exact reason is still unknown but let me tell you this factor that may have a major role you need to know,
• Genetic: bipolar disorder is more common in people who have a relative, sibling, a parent with the same condition.
Risk Factors:-
• Having direct relation (first degree) with the person with the same person.
• Period of high stress such as the death of loved ones or other traumatic events.
• drugs and alcohol abuse.
Thank you so much for reading my blog post. Leave a comment about how you like it!
-NAVISTHA
