Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, concentration, and the ability to carry out everyday tasks. These moods can range from periods of extremely up, delighted, annoyed, or energized behavior (known as manic episodes) to very down, sad, disinterested, or hopeless periods (known as depressive episodes).
People with bipolar disorder experience periods of unusually intense emotions, changes in sleep patterns and activity levels, and uncharacteristic behaviors. The exact cause of bipolar disorder is not known, but a combination of environment, genetics, altered brain structure, and chemistry may play a role in the development of the disorder.
The most common medicines prescribed by the doctor include mood stabilizers and atypical antipsychotics, antidepressants, and anti-anxiety. Bipolar disorder is a lifelong illness, but long-term, ongoing treatment can help control symptoms and enable you to live a healthy life. You can take care of your condition by making certain lifestyle changes and practicing vigorous exercises like swimming, running, and jogging, which can help with depression and anxiety.
1. Medications
2. Cognitive treatment
3. Electroconvulsive therapy
Bipolar disorder is characterized by mood swings. The episodes of mania and depression can last from a few to several days. The intensity of symptoms can range from extreme highs (mania) to extreme lows (depression). They include:
While dealing with a period of depression, the symptoms include:
The mania phase of bipolar disorder may include:
Note: A person may experience episodes of depression more regularly than mania in bipolar disorder. Individuals may sometimes experience a normal mood, in between these episodes.
Bipolar disorder is a condition that affects your brain and your mental health. It leads to erratic mood changes that can affect your daily energy and activity levels. The different forms of bipolar disorders include:
This type of bipolar disorder is characterized by manic episodes, with or without depression symptoms. The manic episode will last longer than a week and the episodes are so bad that the person might require hospitalization to ease the symptoms.
It is characterized by having both manic and depressive episodes. The mania that occurs in bipolar 2 is less severe than in bipolar 1, hence it is often named hypomania. In bipolar disorder 2 a major depressive episode occurs either before or after a manic attack.
With this type, a person experiences both manic and depressive episodes for two years or longer. The mania and depressive episodes are usually less severe than that of bipolar 1 or bipolar 2. This disorder causes periods of normalcy mixed with mania and depression.
In the case of rapid cycling, a person experiences episodes of mania or hypomania, followed by episodes of depression. A person may cycle between manic episodes and stable periods that can last months, weeks, or days.
Sometimes people experience both manic and depressive symptoms in the same episode, and this is called an episode with mixed features. A person experiencing bipolar disorder with mixed features may feel very sad, empty, or hopeless while at the same time feeling extremely energized.
A person may be considered into other types if he/she experiences symptoms that do not fit into the other bipolar categories. This type of bipolar may be caused by factors in your life that can include drugs, alcohol, or underlying medical conditions. \
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The exact cause of bipolar disorder is unknown. But experts believe that there are a number of factors that work together to make a person more likely to develop it. The factors are a complex combination of physical, environmental, and social factors.
Researchers are trying to find the possible risk factors of bipolar disorder. Most of them agree that there is no single cause and it is likely that many factors contribute to a person’s chance of having the illness. Some of the major risk factors include:
Research suggests that bipolar disorder is linked to genetics, as it runs in families. The family members of a person with the disorder have an increased risk of developing it too. A single gene is not responsible for bipolar disorder, instead, a number of genetic and environmental factors act as triggers.
The chemical hormones which are responsible for controlling the functioning of the brain are called neurotransmitters and bipolar disorder may be associated with chemical imbalances in the brain.
Note: An episode of mania may occur when levels of noradrenaline( neurotransmitter) are too high, and episodes of depression may occur when the level of noradrenaline becomes too low.
A stressful condition or situation can trigger the symptoms of bipolar disorder. A few examples of stressful triggers include the death of a close family member, the breakdown of a relationship, and physical and emotional abuse.
Studies demonstrate that childhood traumatic events are risk factors for developing bipolar disorders. There is a relationship between the development of bipolar disorder with prior physical, sexual, and emotional abuse.
Some studies indicate that the brains of people with bipolar disorder may differ from the brains of people who do not have bipolar disorder or any other mental disorder.
Bipolar is frequently co-existing with misuse of substances, including cannabis, opioids, cocaine, sedatives, and alcohol.
Hormones may play a role in the development and severity of bipolar disorder. Studies suggest that late-onset bipolar disorder may be linked with menopause.
Bipolar is known to be coexisting with several medical and psychiatric conditions. Conditions like asthma, obesity, anxiety disorder, migraine, and head injury are associated with bipolar disorder.
Anxiety can lead to the development of feelings like hopelessness, fear, and several other emotions on the other side bipolar disorder, refer to the development of feelings like both hopelessness and encouragement. Learn more about relaxation techniques to manage stress and anxiety.
To diagnose bipolar disorder, a doctor may perform a physical examination, conduct an interview, and order lab tests. The diagnosis is based on the following aspects:
A general practitioner will assess the individual at the time of appointment with the following things:
Bipolar disorder cannot be seen on a blood test or body scan, these tests can help rule out other illnesses that can resemble the disorder. But, certain blood tests may be required to rule out drug toxicity and other medical conditions. They include:
Note: Diagnosis of children and teenagers with bipolar disorder includes the same criteria that are used for adults. However, children who have bipolar disorder are frequently also diagnosed with other mental health conditions such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or behavior problems.
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There is no way to prevent bipolar disorder. However, getting early treatment is the first sign of preventing bipolar disorder or other mental health conditions from worsening. Some of the things to keep in mind include:
Handling the symptoms early can prevent the episodes from getting worse. Involve a doctor if any significant changes are noted in the behavior of a person and seek early intervention.
Engaging in sports and physical activity can help in improving and managing the symptoms of bipolar disorder. Outdoor activities like hiking, camping, gardening, meditation, and yoga help in effectively controlling mood swings and stress reduction.
Drug abuse and addiction can cause changes in the brain that lead to bipolar disorder. Alcohol has been known to intensify bipolar disorder due to its sedating effects. Moreover, these substances increase the risk of mood swings, depression, violence, and suicide.
The doctors that can be your best option to treat and manage bipolar disorder are:
A psychiatrist specializes in assessing and treating patients with mental health problems. They help in managing the mental well-being of an individual.
A primary care physician plays a vital role in attending to the medical needs of patients with bipolar disorder in addition to providing medical care, by educating and supporting patients and their families.
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The primary step in the treatment of bipolar disorder is to confirm the diagnosis of mania or hypomania. Most people with bipolar disorder can be treated using a combination of different treatments involving:
1. Lithium: This drug is the gold standard for the treatment of the bipolar disorder, as long-term use has demonstrated a reduction in suicide risk.
Note: Regular blood tests at least every 3 months while taking lithium is mandatory to make sure the lithium levels are not too high or too low.
2. Anticonvulsant medicines: Some anticonvulsant medicines include:
3. Antipsychotic medicines: These classes of drugs are sometimes prescribed to treat episodes of mania. These include:
4. Antidepressants: Traditional antidepressants are considered experimental for treating bipolar depression. The class of antidepressants includes;
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It can be helpful when used alongside medicines to treat bipolar disorder. This may include
Electroconvulsive therapy is also known as ECT or electroshock therapy. This is a short-term treatment for severe manic or depressive episodes, particularly in the case of severe psychotic symptoms or when medicines seem to be effective.
If bipolar disorder is left untreated, it can lead to longer and more severe mood changes. Someone living with bipolar disorder can also have a higher risk of the following complications:
1. Anxiety: A person with bipolar disorder will face the symptoms of anxiety at some point in time.COVID-19 took a toll on everyone's mental health. Individuals with existing mental health conditions like bipolar disorder were affected the most due to the uncertainty of the situation.
Every mental health disorder needs comprehensive care. s. Several alternative treatments aim to reduce anxiety and stress. They include:
It helps in alleviating depressed mood, and helplessness.. For people with bipolar disorder, meditation, and mindfulness may help in lightening the mood, emotional regulation, and stress management over time.
Meditation is amazing for your soul and body. Read how meditation can improve your life
IPSRT is a common adjunctive therapy for people with mood disorders. Its primary focus is on stabilizing the circadian rhythm (a natural, internal process that regulates the sleep-wake cycle).
There is always a taboo and stigma around mental health and communicating your thoughts to your loved ones can be a great relief. Some tips that can help caregivers and individuals suffering from bipolar disorder include:
Bipolar disorder can exert control over your thoughts, and interfere with relationships if not treated. Here are a few ways that can help in managing your illness:
1. Establish a routine: If a person has been dealing with bipolar disorder, committing to a routine can help in controlling depression and mania.
Learn more about six foods that will help you to fall asleep.
2. Pinpoint your stressors: Try to find out the times or the events that cause stress or triggers. Addressing the symptoms of mania and depression early can help in preventing a serious episode.
3. Learn from previous episodes: Pattern recognition is essential to spot the early symptoms of an impending manic episode. Taking advice and help from family members who can recognize the early symptoms is very important.
4. Avoid drugs and alcohol: Both these substances cause addiction and can cause emotional imbalance and interact with medications.
1. Recognize the early symptoms: The family member should recognize the early signals such as lack of sleep and babbling that can pinpoint mania. This helps in preventing a serious episode of the illness before it happens.
2. React calmly: Even in situations where the person having an episode of mania or depression may go off, ranting at you or others, it’s important to remain calm. Try to make the person calm by listening to them and making them feel understood.
3. Communicate well: Make time to talk about problems a person having an episode is facing. Be considerate, sound to them, and try to listen to their feelings, and challenges with empathy.
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