Bipolar disorder, formerly called manic depression, is a mental health condition that causes extreme shifts in mood that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression).The length of each high and low varies greatly from person to person.
Both a manic and a hypomanic episode include three or more of these symptoms for one week: ● Abnormally energetic, happy, or irritable● Exaggerated sense of well-being and self-confidence (euphoria)● Decreased need for sleep and unusual talkativeness● Racing thoughts and distractibility● Poor decision-making - such as spending sprees, cheating, and fast driving
A major depressive episode includes five or more of these symptoms:● Depressed mood, such as feeling sad, empty, hopeless or tearful● Marked loss of interest in almost all activities● Significant weight loss or weight gain, sleep too much or too little● Decreased ability to think or concentrate● Not willing to live
People with bipolar I disorder have manic phases for at least a week. Usually depressive episodes occur as well, typically lasting at least 2 weeks.
People with bipolar II disorder will experience a pattern of depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes, but not full-blown manic episodes.
A mixed episode is when people with bipolar disorder have depression and mania symptoms at the same time. It is more common in women and in people who developed bipolar disorder at a young age.
The exact cause of bipolar disorder is unknown, but several factors may be involved:● Biological differences. People with bipolar disorder appear to have physical changes in their brains.● Genetics. Bipolar disorder is more common in people who have a first-degree relative with the condition.
The high and low phases of bipolar disorder are often so extreme that they interfere with everyday life - jobs, relationships, sleep, health, and money.Also, it can be stressful for those who care about you but don't know what's going on with you.
People with bipolar disorder often have other health problems as well. These include:● Anxiety disorders and eating disorders● Attention -deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)● Physical health problems, such as heart disease, thyroid problems, headaches or obesity.
Your doctor will first need to find the causes of your symptoms (such as extreme mood swings) with a checkup and questions before he makes a diagnosis. He may also talk to your friends or family members to find out if there have been major changes in your mood and behavior.
Medications generally used to treat bipolar disorder include:● Mood stabilizers that prevent episodes of ups and downs● Antidepressants and antipsychotic drugsTo avoid a relapse, people usually take maintenance medications even when they aren't in a manic or depressive phase.
When done in combination with medication, talk therapy can be an effective treatment.● Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: It focuses on changing thoughts and behaviors that accompany mood swings.● Interpersonal Therapy: It aims to ease the strain on personal relationships. ● Social rhythm therapy: It helps people develop and maintain daily routines.
During ECT, electrical currents are passed through the brain to cause changes in brain chemistry that can rapidly improve mood symptoms of bipolar disorder. ECT is often a safe and effective treatment option for people with severe bipolar disorder who have not been able to recover with other treatments.
It helps ease the symptoms if you keep a healthy habit - get enough sleep, eat regular meals, and exercise. Learn signs of when bipolar disorder is active and have a corresponding plan.
Tell your friends and families that you have bipolar disorder so that they can better help you. With their support, you will have more confidence to fight the mental illness.
If you suspect your friend or family member has bipolar disorder, you can encourage them to talk with a mental health expert and start them towards treatment.
