What is Bipolar Disorder
What is Bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a mental health condition that affects an individual’s mood, energy, activity level, and ability to function. It is a lifelong condition that typically begins in adolescence or early adulthood and can have significant effects on an individual’s life if left untreated.
Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is characterised by episodes of extreme mood swings that can range from depressive lows to manic highs. There are two main types of bipolar disorder:
- Bipolar I Disorder: This type involves episodes of mania, which is a state of elevated or irritable mood, along with periods of depression.
Symptoms of a manic episode may include:
- Elevated or irritable mood
- Increased energy and activity levels
- Decreased need for sleep
- Racing thoughts and speech
- Grandiose thoughts or beliefs
- Impulsive or risky behaviours, such as spending sprees, substance abuse, or sexual indiscretions
- Agitation or irritability
- Poor judgment
Symptoms of a depressive episode may include:
- Persistent sadness or hopelessness
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
- Decreased energy and activity levels
- Difficulty sleeping or oversleeping
- Appetite changes and weight fluctuations
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Thoughts of death or suicide
- Bipolar II Disorder: This type involves episodes of hypomania, which is a less severe form of mania, along with periods of depression.
Also Symptoms of a hypomanic episode may include:
- Elevated or irritable mood
- Increased energy and activity levels
- Decreased need for sleep
- Racing thoughts and speech
- Grandiose thoughts or beliefs
- Impulsive or risky behaviors, such as spending sprees, substance abuse, or sexual indiscretions
- Agitation or irritability
- Poor judgment
Symptoms of a depressive episode may be similar to those experienced in Bipolar I Disorder.
Effects of Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder can have significant effects on an individual’s life if left untreated. Episodes of mania or hypomania can lead to impulsive or risky behaviors that can have negative consequences, such as financial problems, legal issues, or damaged relationships. Depressive episodes can affect an individual’s ability to function at work or school and can lead to feelings of hopelessness or suicidal ideation.
Treatment for Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a treatable condition, and there are several effective treatment options available. Treatment may involve a combination of therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes.
Mood stabilisers such as lithium or anticonvulsants are commonly used to treat bipolar disorder. These medications can help regulate mood and prevent episodes of mania or hypomania.
Therapy, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), can also be helpful in treating bipolar disorder. Therapy can help individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviours that contribute to their mood swings. It can also help individuals develop healthy coping mechanisms and improve their relationships.
Lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, healthy eating habits, and adequate sleep can also be beneficial in managing bipolar disorder.
Final Thoughts
Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition that can have significant effects on an individual’s life if left untreated. However, with proper treatment, individuals with bipolar disorder can manage their mood swings and improve their overall quality of life. It is important to seek help from a healthcare provider or mental health professional if you are experiencing symptoms of bipolar disorder or any other mental health condition.
Bipolar disorder used to be called ‘manic depression’. As the older name suggests, someone with this will have severe mood swings. These usually last several weeks or months and are far beyond what most of us experience. They are:
- Low or ‘depressive’ – Feelings of intense depression and despair
- High or ‘manic’ – feelings of extreme happiness and despair
- Mixed – for example, depressed mood with the restlessness and overactivity of a manic episode
About 1 in every 100 adults has bipolar disorder at some point in their life. It usually starts during or after the teenage years. It is unusual for it to start after the age of 40. Men and women are affected equally.
It used to be thought that if an individual had bipolar disorder, they would return to normal in between mood swings. It is now known that this is not so for many people with this. They may continue to experience mild depressive symptoms and problems in thinking even when they seem to be better.
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