Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a mental disorder that can cause mood swings, mania, depression, and in severe cases, that go untreated, even death. The symptoms of bipolar disorder are typically very recognizable, and the effects are often devastating.
This disorder can be disabling, affecting a person’s ability to hold employment, enjoy social relationships, and manage financial obligations. Ability to recognize the symptoms can be the first step in treatment. Although bipolar disorder is a chronic illness, you may control your mood swings and other symptoms by adhering to a treatment plan. Bipolar ailment is often treated with medicines and psychological treatment (psychotherapy).
Symptoms of Bipolar disorder
- One common symptom of bipolar disorder includes one or more instances of mania. Mania is described as a hyperactive personality, with the person acting recklessly, irresponsibly, or even dangerously.
- Irritability and aggression are common as well. Noticeable differences in speech, movement and other behaviors that are uncharacteristic of the person’s normal personality are frequently reported.
- During a manic episode, the person affected typically requires less sleep, and often eating habits change. Depression, severe or recurrent, is another common characteristic of bipolar disorder.
- Depression can be described as a condition or disorder in itself or as a characteristic of bipolar disorder. Noticeable differences in eating and sleeping habits are commonly experienced. General sad mood, feelings of worthlessness, frustration, and lack of motivation can normally be seen as well.
- During a depressive episode, the person affected often refuses social gatherings, neglects to pay bills or clean/ cooking and misses work. They become less productive in daily life and might even have thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
How is the diagnosis of bipolar established?
- A person suffering from bipolar disorder must experience at least one episode of depression and a single episode of mania in order to be diagnosed. DBT, (dialectical behavior treatment) is a behavioral therapy commonly used to help treat bipolar disorder. Various medications are frequently used as treatment as well.
- While bipolar disorder can manifest itself at any age, it is typically identified in young adults. There is a possibility that symptoms will vary from person to person and over time.
Types of Bipolar syndromes
Bipolar I syndrome. A person experiences hypomanic or significant depressive bouts before or after the manic episode(s). Mania can cause a disconnection from reality in certain people (psychosis)
Bipolar II syndrome. In this type of syndrome, a person experiences at least one severe depressive episode and one hypomanic episode but no manic episodes.
It is not a lesser variant of bipolar I. While bipolar I illness's manic episodes can be severe and hazardous, persons with bipolar II conditions can remain depressed for prolonged periods, causing considerable disability.
Cyclothymic syndrome. In this type of syndrome, a person experiences at least two years of hypomania symptoms and periods of depressed symptoms (or one year in adolescents and teens) (though less severe than major depression).
Mania and Hypomania: Both manic and hypomanic episodes have many symptoms but are classified as distinct mental health conditions. Mania is a more severe form of bipolar disorder than hypomania and is associated with more noticeable difficulties in everyday life, including work, school, social activities, and interpersonal relationships. Mania can sometimes cause a loss of consciousness (psychosis) and necessitate hospitalization.
A manic or hypomanic episode both comprises three or more of the following symptoms:
- Abnormally happy, jumpy, or wired
- Heightened activity, vigor, or excitement
- Exaggerated feelings of well-being and self-assurance (euphoria)
- Sleeping requirements are reduced.
- Unusual chattiness
- Uncontrolled thoughts
- Inability to focus
- Poor decision-making
Major depressive episode
- When depression symptoms become so severe that they prevent a person from engaging in even the most basic of everyday activities, such as working, going to school, or maintaining friendships and relationships, this is considered a major depressive episode.
- Feelings of melancholy, emptiness, hopelessness, or tears (in children and teens, depressed mood can appear as irritability)
- Severe and pervasive disinterest or distaste for virtually all aspects of life
- Loss of appetitive, weight gain, or loss of weight despite no change in calorie intake (in children, failure to gain weight can be a sign of depression)
- Sleeplessness or oversleeping
- Either heightened agitation or a marked slowing of pace.
- Weakness or lack of energy
- Feelings of worthlessness and inappropriate or excessive guilt
- The inability to make informed decisions
- Any form of suicidal thinking, planning, or action
- Pregnancy and seasonal changes may also trigger manic episodes.
Childhood and teenage symptoms
- Identifying the signs of bipolar disorder in young people can be tricky. It may be challenging to distinguish between normal fluctuations, the after-effects of stress or trauma, and the manifestations of a condition of the mind other than bipolar disorder.
- Significant depressive, manic, or hypomanic episodes are possible in children and adolescents with bipolar disorder, but the pattern may be different than in adults with the disorder. During episodes, one's mood might swing suddenly. In between episodes, some children may feel completely normal.
- Mood fluctuations that are both extreme and out of the ordinary are the most telling symptoms of bipolar disorder in young people.
Other kinds. These include bipolar and similar diseases caused by drugs or alcohol and physical conditions such as Cushing's disease.
When to seek a doctor?
- Many people having bipolar disorder are unaware of the extent to which their emotional instability impacts the lives of others around them, despite the fact that these mood swings are a constant companion. Thus, they are denied the treatment they require.
- And if you have bipolar disorder, you could like the euphoria and increased output that accompany it. The high is short-lived, however, and is frequently followed by a depression that can leave you sad, weary, and perhaps in legal, financial, or relationship trouble.
- If you are suffering symptoms of depression or mania, you should talk to your doctor or mental health professional. There is no natural recovery process for bipolar illness. You can learn to manage your symptoms of bipolar disorder with the support of treatment from a trained mental health professional.
When do you need to call 911?
- Many people with bipolar disorder struggle with suicidal ideation and behavior. Contact 911 or your local emergency number, go to the nearest hospital emergency room or talk to a best pal or family member you trust and share with them your thoughts. In the United States, you can reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).
- If you are suffering from bipolar disease, you should always keep company with a loved one so that they can assist you when you have suicidal thoughts. Quickly contact emergency services by calling 911 or your local number. Alternately, take the patient to the nearest hospital emergency room if you feel secure doing so.
Conclusion
Bipolar disorder is one of the most challenging types of mental health disorders, compromising the ability of an individual to work effectively on a day-to-day basis. Cured.com helps you understand the world of people suffering from various illnesses and diseases so that you can find the right help for your loved ones.
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