Bipolar disorder
What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder in which patients experience dramatic shifts in mood, energy, and clear thinking.
People with bipolar disorder experience an extremely elevated mood called mania and a low mood called depression which is different from typical mood swings we all have, these episodes may occur rarely or multiple times a year in distinct periods of days to weeks, between these episodes, they have neutral mood as well.
Even though bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, its symptoms can be managed by following a treatment plan, which is usually a combination of medications and psychotherapy.
What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?
There are a variety of signs for this disorder and the symptoms depend on which mood you’re experiencing.
The manic episode includes a high and over-energetic mood, irritability, and impulsive decisions making (called hypomania), some people may have delusions and hallucinations as well.
The depressive episode involves feelings very sad and depressed. The same symptoms are described for MDD but in major depressive disorder, the person never experiences manic or hypomanic episodes.
What are the types of bipolar disorder?
Three main types of bipolar disorder are:
- Bipolar I
- Bipolar II
- Cyclothymia
With bipolar I type, a patient has at least one manic episode with extreme erratic behavior. These episodes may last at least a week, in severe cases medical care is necessary.
Bipolar II type, a person also has dramatic ups and downs in mood, but it is less extreme than bipolar I.
Cyclothymia is marked by periods of hypomanic symptoms as well as depressive signs for at least two years. Although it is less severe than the other two.
What causes this condition?
There isn’t any specific reason known for bipolar disorder, but it is believed several factors may contribute such as genetic, stress, and brain structure and function.
What are bipolar disorder treatments?
You can manage bipolar disorder in different ways such as psychotherapy, medications, self-management strategies, and lifestyle changes.
It’s a lifetime condition that needs ongoing care, but treatment can make significant improvements with a combination of different treatment options like talk therapy and medications and the support of friends and family. Moreover, self-help and learning how to cope with bipolar disorder can improve the quality of a patient’s life.
How to get help?
Remember that, if left untreated, bipolar disorder usually worsens. If you noticed any symptoms in yourself or any of your loved ones, consider seeing a professional mental health care provider as soon as possible.