What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a psychiatric disorder characterized by periods of intense mood swings followed by periods of normalcy. Mood change fluctuates between constantly high or elevated mood with an increased activity called mania, to a constantly low mood, lethargy called depression. Bipolar disorder is sometimes referred to as manic depressive disorder. People with bipolar illness during an episode may struggle to manage daily duties at school or work, as well as maintain relationships.
How do you know if you have Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder accounts for the majority of serious mental health disorders. Prevalence in India had been reported at around 5 in every 1000. The first episode usually presents between 20-30 years though the majority of people reach for treatment only in their 40 s. Early identification and treatment can help improve the overall quality of life
A person with bipolar illness may have an emotional high while suffering mania. They can be ecstatic, impulsive, exuberant, and energetic. Some of the symptoms shown during the manic episodes are:
- Feeling excited and cheerful without any apparent reason
- Extreme irritability and anger
- Unable to sit still in one place, pacing up and down
- Speaking too fast and drifting from one topic to another
- Sleeping for only a couple of hours and yet feeling fresh
- Making unreasonable/extravagant plans
- Impulsivity
- Heightened sexual desire/behavior
- Sudden inclination towards drug use
You may encounter the following symptoms during a depressive episode:
- Feeling sad for no reason
- Getting out of bed seems difficult
- Low self-esteem
- Decreased concentration and focus
- Unable to stop crying
- Going for weeks without getting a desire to get intimate
- Indecisiveness
- You can’t fall asleep at night
- Decreased appetite
- Low sexual desire
- Negative thoughts about life ahead, death wishes, suicidality
Types of Bipolar Disorder
BIPOLAR I
At least one manic episode is required for bipolar I to be diagnosed. Before and after the manic period, you may have hypomanic or significant depressive episodes.
BIPOLAR II
People with bipolar type II experience more severe depressive episodes lasting for a longer period and hypomanic symptoms last for a very short period
What are the causes of bipolar disorder?
Though no single cause for bipolar disorder can be pointed out below is a list of possible causes of Bipolar Disorder:
- Genetics– You’re more likely to get the bipolar disorder if your parent or sibling has it. Not all but most people with a family history of bipolar disorder may suffer from bipolarity
- Brain Function– Your brain anatomy may influence your illness risk. Your risk may be increased if you have abnormalities in the structure or functioning of your brain.
- Environment– Growing up in a dysfunctional environment or traumatic events can trigger bipolar disorder.
What are the treatments for bipolar disorder?
One or more of the following groups of medications may be used in the treatment of the bipolar disorder
- Mood stabilizers
- Antipsychotics
- Antidepressants
- Anxiolytics
Psychotherapy
- Psychoeducation: Teaching the person and the family members about bipolar and helping them identify an episode early and to provide support when episodes happen can help in reducing the dysfunction
- Interpersonal social rhythm therapy (IPSRT): This focuses on maintaining a healthy routine and social rhythm to ensure that mood is stable.
rTMS: it may be used to treat the depressive phase of bipolar disorder
Exercising, maintaining a routine, pursuing hobbies, and staying away from substance abuse help improve the symptoms of bipolar. Call +91 9811006930 and speak to any of our office staff to learn more or schedule an appointment.
