Understanding Bipolar Disorder: Symptoms, Treatments & Coping

Severe mood fluctuations are the hallmark of bipolar disorder; a patient may experience severe sadness (depression) or tremendous excitement (mania or hypomania). Mood swings can affect how we sleep, how active we are, how we behave, how we make decisions, and how our minds function. Each year, episodes can be either few or many, depending on the person. 

What Is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic-depressive illness, is a disorder that causes changes in concentration, emotions, and physical symptoms. They can create difficulties when performing basic work every day.

Types of Bipolar Disorder

1. Bipolar I Disorder: People with it experience severe manic episodes for at least seven days or experience symptoms so intense that hospitalization is necessary right away. 

2. When a person lives with Bipolar II Disorder, they have both depressive and hypomanic weeks, but do not display complete manic features as seen with Bipolar I.

3. Cyclothymic Disorder (Cyclothymia): The condition is marked by at least two years (one year for kids and adolescents) of switches between hypomania and depression, but these do not reach the full criteria for an official episode.

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

Manic/Hypomanic Episode Symptoms

An increase in a pet’s activity or energy level

• An extreme feeling of happiness and self-worth

• People need less sleep.

Something unusual is happening with their speech.

• Frequent, often crazy thoughts

• Distractibility

Bad choices as a result

Depressive Episode Symptoms

Most days, you feel down in your mood.

• A lack of interest or enjoyment in nearly all—or almost all—daily activities

Loss of a large amount of weight when not limiting food, gaining weight, or experiencing changes in how much they want to eat

• People who sleep less or sleep excessively

Presence of fatigue or little energy

• Experiencing several spells of being worthless or having too much guilt

• More difficulty focusing or concentrating

• Worries about death or wanting to end one’s life

Causes and Risk Factors

·         While nobody knows the exact reason for bipolar disorder, several different variables may play a role.

Bipolar disorder is known to appear more frequently in people who have a sibling or parent with the disease.

Neural changes in the brain appear to be present in those with bipolar disorder.

• Neurotransmitter Disorder: It’s thought that unbalanced chemical messengers produced by the brain could be an important cause.

Diagnosis

Following a physical examination, mental assessment, and chart-based mood monitoring, doctors make the diagnosis of bipolar disorder. A mental health specialist will examine your symptoms, their duration, and how they disrupt your daily schedule. 

Treatment Options

Medications

·         Treatment of bipolar disorder is mainly based on medicines.

• A frequent mood stabiliser used to manage bipolar disorder's out-of-control moods is lithium.

Mania or depression symptoms can be managed with antipsychotics such risperidone or olanzapine.

To better manage depressive episodes, some physicians may combine antidepressants with mood stabilisers.

• Antidepressant-Antipsychotic: This term refers to a combination of the antipsychotic olanzapine and the antidepressant fluoxetine. Although they are often only used temporarily, benzodiazepines may help with anxiety and sleep issues.

Psychotherapy

"Talk therapy," which includes the following, may be a component of the treatment: • Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT): Assists you in identifying your undesirable thoughts and behaviours and concentrating on more beneficial ones.

Gaining understanding about bipolar disorder might help you and your loved ones better understand the illness.

In order to prevent stress in the family from increasing the likelihood of a relapse, family therapy assists family members in strengthening their bonds.

The goal of interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT) is to balance your regular sleep, wakefulness, and eating schedules.

Coping and Support

You must constantly manage your condition.

• Keep a Routine: Following a regular sleep, eating, and exercise schedule will help you manage mood swings.

• Track Your Moods: By keeping a mood chart, you and your doctor can better track and manage symptoms.

• Educate yourself and others: You may feel less stigmatised and more empowered if you are informed of the illness.

Engage in communities or support groups such as the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance as part of your support system.

• Avoid drugs and alcohol as these may contribute to or worsen mood swings.

Living with Bipolar Disorder

Many individuals with bipolar disorder lead fulfilling lives. With the correct support and treatment, it is possible to manage symptoms and achieve personal and professional goals. Personal narratives, like those provided by professionals who are afflicted, highlight the importance of proactive treatment and acceptance.

Conclusion

Bipolar disorder is a challenging but curable condition. Understanding the symptoms, seeking the appropriate assistance, and implementing coping strategies are necessary to achieve stability and well-being. If you or someone you care about is showing symptoms of bipolar disorder, get help and an evaluation from a mental health expert.