What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic depression, is a mental illness characterized by extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression).

You may feel sad or hopeless when you are depressed, and you may lose interest or pleasure in most activities. When your mood shifts to Mania or Hypomania (a milder form of mania), you may feel euphoric, energized, or unusually irritable. Sleep, energy, activity, judgment, behavior, and the ability to think clearly can all be affected by mood swings.

Mood swings can occur infrequently or frequently throughout the year. While most people will experience some emotional symptoms in between episodes, some will not.

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

There are various types of bipolar disorder and related disorders. Mania or hypomania, as well as depression, may be present. Symptoms can cause abrupt changes in mood and behavior, causing significant distress and difficulty in daily life.

1. I have bipolar I disorder. You've had at least one manic episode, which may or may not have been preceded or followed by hypomanic or major depressive episodes. Mania can cause a break from reality in some people (psychosis).

2. Bipolar II syndrome You've had at least one major depressive episode and one hypomanic episode, but no manic episodes.

3. Cyclothymic syndrome You've had at least two years of many periods of hypomania symptoms and periods of depressive symptoms (or one year in children and teenagers) (though less severe than major depression).

4. Other kinds. These include bipolar and related disorders caused by drugs or alcohol, as well as medical conditions such as Cushing's disease, multiple sclerosis, or stroke.

Bipolar II disorder is a distinct diagnosis, not a milder form of bipolar I disorder. While bipolar I disorder manic episodes can be severe and dangerous, individuals with bipolar II disorder can be depressed for longer periods of time, causing significant impairment.

Although bipolar disorder can occur at any age, it is most commonly diagnosed in the teen years or early twenties. Symptoms can differ from person to person, and they can change over time.

Symptoms in Manic and Hypomanic Phases:

Mania and hypomania are two distinct types of episodes with similar symptoms. Mania is more severe than hypomania and causes more obvious problems at work, school, and social activities, as well as relationship problems. Mania can also cause a loss of consciousness (psychosis) and necessitate hospitalization.

A manic or hypomanic episode both includes three or more of the following symptoms:

1. abnormally happy, jumpy, or wired

2. heightened activity, vigor, or agitation

3. Exaggerated feelings of well-being and self-assurance (euphoria)

4. Reduced sleep requirement Unusual talkativeness

5. Thoughts that race

6. Distractibility

7. Poor decision-making, such as going on shopping sprees, taking sexual risks, or making rash investments

Symptoms of Major Depressive Episode:

A major depressive episode is defined by symptoms that are severe enough to interfere with daily activities such as work, school, social activities, or relationships. An episode consists of five or more of the following symptoms:

1. Depressed mood, such as sadness, emptiness, hopelessness, or tears (in children and teens, depressed mood can appear as irritability)

2. Significant loss of interest or enjoyment in all — or nearly all — activities

3. Significant weight loss when not dieting, weight gain, or appetite decrease or increase (in children, failure to gain weight, as expected, can be a sign of depression)

5. Insomnia or excessive sleeping

6. Either agitation or slowed behavior

7. Fatigue or energy deficiency

8. Worthlessness, as well as excessive or inappropriate guilt

9. Indecisiveness or diminished ability to think or concentrate

10. Suicidal ideation, planning, or attempt

Other characteristics of bipolar disorder

Other signs and symptoms of bipolar I and bipolar II disorders may include anxious distress, melancholy, psychosis, or others. Symptom timing may include diagnostic labels such as mixed or rapid cycling. Furthermore, bipolar symptoms can appear during pregnancy or change with the seasons.

Children's and adolescents' symptoms:

Bipolar disorder symptoms in children and adolescents can be difficult to recognize. It can be difficult to determine whether these are normal ups and downs, the result of stress or trauma, or symptoms of a mental health problem other than bipolar disorder.

Causes of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder has no single cause. Researchers are investigating how a number of factors may contribute to it in some people.

For example, it is sometimes simply a matter of genetics, which means you have it because it runs in your family. The development of your brain may also play a role, but scientists aren't sure how or why.

Risk Factors in Bipolar Disorder

When someone develops bipolar disorder, it usually begins in late adolescence or early adulthood. It can happen as early as childhood. Bipolar disorder is a genetic disorder.

It affects both men and women equally. Women are slightly more likely than men to experience "rapid cycling," defined as four or more distinct mood episodes in a year. Women with bipolar disorder also spend more time depressed than men.

Women are more likely than men to develop bipolar disorder later in life, and they are more likely to have bipolar disorder II and be affected by seasonal mood changes.

Women are also more likely to have a combination of medical and mental health issues. Thyroid disease, migraines, and anxiety disorders are examples of medical issues.

Some factors that increase your chances of having bipolar disorder include:

1. Having a family member suffering from bipolar disorder

2. Going through a period of extreme stress or trauma

3. Abuse of drugs or alcohol

4. Certain medical conditions

How Bipolar Disorder will be Diagnosed?

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of bipolar disorder, consult your primary care physician or a psychiatrist. They will inquire about any mental illnesses you or the person you are concerned about have experienced, as well as any mental illnesses that run in your family. The individual will also receive a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation to determine whether they are likely to have bipolar disorder or another mental health condition.

The symptoms of bipolar disorder must be evaluated to determine whether they are the result of another cause (such as low thyroid or mood symptoms caused by drug or alcohol abuse). How serious are they? How long did they last? How frequently do they occur?

The most telling symptoms include mood swings, as well as changes in sleep, energy, thinking, and behavior.

Talking to the person's close friends and family can often assist the doctor in differentiating bipolar disorder from major depressive disorder or other psychiatric disorders that can cause changes in mood, thinking, and behavior.

You may be scared if you have recently been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. The future may appear to be extremely uncertain. What does this mean for your life, family, and job?

However, receiving an accurate diagnosis is actually good news. It means you can finally get the care you require. People with bipolar disorder are usually misdiagnosed for about ten years.

Treatment for Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is treatable. It is a chronic condition that necessitates ongoing care. People who have four or more mood episodes in a year, or who also have drug or alcohol problems, may have more difficult-to-treat forms of the illness.

Treatment can make a significant difference. You can feel better with a combination of things such as good medical care, medication, talk therapy, lifestyle changes, and the support of friends and family. There is currently no known cure for bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression. It is a chronic health condition that must be managed for the rest of one's life. Many people with this condition are successful; they have families, work, and live normal lives.

Medication

The primary treatment is medication, which typically includes the following:

Carbamazepine (Tegretol), lamotrigine (Lamictal), lithium, or valproate are mood stabilisers (Depakote)

Cariprazine (Vraylar), lurasidone (Latuda), olanzapine (Zyprexa), and quetiapine are antipsychotic medications (Seroquel)

Antidepressants

Antidepressant-antipsychotic medications, combine an antidepressant and a mood stabilizer.

Sedatives such as benzodiazepines are used as anti-anxiety or sleep medications.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy, also known as "talk therapy," is frequently recommended. There are several varieties. Among the options are:

Therapy for interpersonal and social rhythms (IPSRT). This is based on the idea that having a daily routine for everything from sleeping to eating can help you maintain a stable mood.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) (CBT). This assists you in replacing negative habits and actions with more positive alternatives. It can also assist you in learning how to manage stress and other negative triggers.

Psychoeducation. Learning more about bipolar disorder and teaching family members about it can help you get support when episodes occur.

Family-centered therapy. This establishes a support system to aid in treatment and assists your loved ones in recognizing the onset of an episode.

Changes in lifestyle may also be beneficial:

Exercise on a regular basis.

Maintain a regular eating and sleeping schedule.

Recognize and manage your mood swings.

Seek help from friends or groups.

Maintain a symptom journal or chart.

Learn how to deal with stress.

Find some enjoyable hobbies or sports.

Don't consume alcohol or engage in recreational drug use.