Understanding Bipolar Disorder

Everyone experiences various moods in their life, from happiness and satisfaction to sadness and frustration. But, when these emotions don’t align with the situation, whether in their nature, intensity, or persistence, it can lead to a mental disorder.

What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a chronic mental illness characterized by intense mood fluctuations. It involves periods of high mood, called manic episodes, and periods of low mood, called depressive episodes. These episodes can last for several days or weeks, with natural mood periods in between. These shifts affect a person’'s energy, thinking, and behavior, making it difficult to carry out daily activities.

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

Symptoms of Bipolar disorder encompass two primary aspects:

  • Manic Symptoms: -Feeling excessively happy, optimistic, and excited. - Feeling an increase in energy and activity. -Feelings of greatness, delusions of power and importance, excessive self- confidence. -Difficulty concentrating and Racing thoughts. -Rapid talking and quickly changing topics. -Poor decision-making. -Risky or impulsive behavior. -Decreased need for sleep. During manic episodes, the person may not recognize any problem, often unaware of the negative consequences of their actions. However, family and friends may notice the mood swings and activity level changes as unusual behavior. In severe cases of mania, the person may experience symptoms of hallucinations and delusions, making it difficult to tell between fantasy and reality, or they may become suicidal. In such cases, hospitalization is necessary to protect themselves and others from potential harm.

  • Depressive symptoms: sadness, despair, fatigue and low energy, hopelessness, anxiety, irritability, feeling guilt or worthlessness, loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities, change in sleep, trouble thinking, difficulty concentrating and remembering, changes in appetite or weight, decreased sex drive, thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts, headaches, unexplained physical pains that do not improve with treatment.

Types of Bipolar Disorder

There are three main types:

  1. Bipolar I Disorder: includes having manic episodes that last at least a week or are severe enough to require immediate hospitalization. There may also be depressive episodes lasting for at least two weeks. There may be mixed episodes of both manic and depressive symptoms.

  2. Bipolar II Disorder: includes having a mild form of mania called hypomania and at least one severe depressive episode. Depression is often the dominant state in this type.

  3. Cyclothymic Disorder: involves mood swings, including hypomanic episodes and moderate to mild depression lasting for at least two years in adults or one year in children and teens. It may develop into bipolar disorder over time without proper treatment.

Causes of Bipolar Disorder

The exact cause of bipolar disorder is unknown. However, research suggests that a combination of factors may contribute to the illness, including:

  • Biological factors, such as genetics, brain chemistry imbalances, and endocrine disorders.

  • Psychological and environmental factors, such as trauma, painful life experiences, mental health disorders, and social and economic pressures.

Treatment

Treating bipolar disorder requires a comprehensive approach that combines medication and Psychotherapy according to the type of condition and severity of symptoms. These treatments have proven effective in managing symptoms and preventing relapses, including:

  • Medication helps control symptoms with mood stabilizers such as lithium or valproate, antidepressants, and antipsychotics.

  • Psychotherapy helps identify the underlying causes of symptoms development, treats the psychological and social problems related to them, and develops coping strategies for interaction and adaptation to surrounding conditions. Family therapy may also be included to improve communication and provide support.

Bipolar disorder is a chronic health condition, but with continued commitment to treatment, individuals can regain their health, improve their symptoms, and lead a normal, healthy life, enjoying it.