A mental illness that involves extreme shifts in moods is defined as Bipolar Disorder. It is also known as manic depression where the shifts range from mania to depression.
Usually, a person suffering from this disorder finds it difficult to manage his/her day to day tasks that includes maintenance of personal relations. There are several treatments that can help in managing its symptoms, but there is no known cure.
Types of Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar Disorders are broadly classified into the following types:
- Hypomania
- Depression
However, based on occurrence, it is classified under the following 4 types:
| Types | Description |
| Bipolar I Disorder | A single manic episode followed by a hypomanic or depressive episode. Mania in a few cases might trigger psychosis. |
| Bipolar II Disorder | A single depressive episode along with one hypomanic episode. However, one doesn’t have any manic episode here. |
| Cyclothymic Disorder | Multiple episodes of hypomania as well as depressive symptoms. |
| Rapid-cycling Bipolar Disorder | Results in faster changes to mood as compared to the other types. Four or more episodes of mania, hypomania, depression, or mixed symptoms might appear in a single year |
| Other Types | Bipolar Disorders triggered through alcohol or drugs. It might also be a triggered due to medical conditions like Multiple Sclerosis, stroke or Cushing’s disease. |
People suffering from Bipolar II disorder are depressed for longer periods as compared to Bipolar I. There are chances of significant impairment under Bipolar II.
Bipolar Disorder Symptoms
Mostly diagnosed during the teenage or in the early 20s, bipolar disorders may happen at any age. bipolar disorders usually vary from a person to the other and is prone change over time.
Symptoms of Mania & Hypomania
Both are two different episodes but show similar symptoms. The severity of mania is much more than hypomania and show visible problems while at school, work or performing any social activity. Situations might get reach a stage where a person could suffer from psychosis or need hospitalization. The common symptoms for both are summarized below:
- Acting weird or being abnormally excited
- Excessive energy levels
- Exaggerated self-confidence or euphoria
- Talking more and unusually more
- Distractibility
- Make foolish investments, spend unnecessarily, or involve in unprotected sex
Symptoms of Depression
Termed as a depressive episode, the symptoms often show noticeable difficulty in doing every day activities. Some of the symptoms are:
- Depressive mood (Irrational behavior)
- No excitement or interest to do any activity
- Drastic weight loss/gain or increase/decrease in appetite
- Over sleeping or suffering from insomnia
- Restless or slow behavior
- Fatigue
- Feeling useless or having inappropriate guilt
- Difficult to concentrate or think/indecisiveness
- Suicidal thoughts
Other symptoms like anxious distress, psychosis, or melancholy might also be an indicator to bipolar I or bipolar II disorders. Bipolar symptoms might also be visible during pregnancy.
When it comes to symptoms of bipolar disorders in Children or teens, it is usually difficult to assess. People often confuse it with the normal mood fluctuations due to trauma or stress, or even other mental health problems. Among the most evident signs, severe mood swings may appear that are a different from the usual mood changes.
Causes of Bipolar Disorders
Although the exact cause is still unknown, there are several elements that could lead to a bipolar disorder:
- Genetics: This is believed to be one of the causes when a person has his 1st degree relative suffering from the disorder. Research is still trying to locate the genes that might be involved.
- Biological Differences: Although uncertain, it is thought to be a cause behind bipolar disorder. It shows signs of changes within the brain.
Complications associated with Bipolar Disorders
There are serious consequences when the disorder is left untreated for a long period. It might prove to be life-threatening.
Bipolar Disorder Diagnosis
- Manic Episodes: An estimate projects about 2% of the American population to be suffering from the condition. In order to diagnose a manic episode, it is important to see if it lasts for a week or results in hospitalization. It is also important that the symptoms are visible throughout the day while performing the daily activities.
- Depressive Episodes: These episodes usually last for a couple of weeks. It is important that a person shows at least 5 listed symptoms of Bipolar Disorder by Diagnosis & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
The diagnosis is said to be difficult due to the variations in mood swings. It becomes a lot more difficult in the case of children. The reason being high energy levels and higher chances of mood swings.
Treatments for Bipolar Disorder
Medication, counselling and a few life style changes can help in treating this disorder.
Mostly a person suffering from bipolar disorder is under medication throughout his/her life. It’s highly important that regular medications are not skipped as there are high chances for the symptoms to relapse. Even minor mood swings could turn into depressive state or mania. The common medication options include:
- Mood stabilizers
- Antipsychotics
- Antidepressants or antipsychotics
- Benzodiazepines
It is very important for the patient to know about the entire disorder. Counselling or psychotherapy options help in understanding and supporting treatment programs. Some options are:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy: Also referred as talk therapy, it involves discussion among the counselor and the patient about managing bipolar disorder. Eventually the purpose is to understand the thinking patterns and come up with possible strategies.
- Psychoeducation: Counselling that involves discussion among loved ones for understanding the disorder. It helps in knowing more and facilitating easier management of regular activities.
- Interpersonal & Social Rhythm Therapy: The purpose of this therapy is to regulate the daily habits like eating, exercising and sleeping. It intends to balance these activities while managing the disorder and maintaining relations.
- Substance abuse treatment: In case a person is having this disorder due to alcohol or drugs, then they need to undergo substance abuse treatment.
- Other therapies: Among the other popular therapies it includes sleep mediations, acupuncture, electroconvulsive therapy, etc.
Also, making lifestyle modifications can help to control the disorder. Common suggestions would include:
- Maintaining a strict eating and sleeping routine
- Recognizing mood swings
- Consult friends and relatives to support treatment plans
- Consult an expert medical professional on a periodic basis
- Maintain a chart recording daily moods, sleep patterns, feelings and other activities
- Quit drinking and avoid any kind of recreational drugs
- Join a support group
- Adopt Yoga or other forms of stress management programs
Other treatment options:
- ECT: Electroconvulsive therapy is only advised in cases where medications or other treatments become ineffective. Under this therapy, electrical currents are passed within the brain to trigger a brain seizure. It is intended to create changes inside the brain chemistry and reverse any symptoms of specific mental illness.
- TMS: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is still under observation and is being reviewed to be an option for people who do not respond to antidepressants.
- Hospitalization: Doctors recommend this only when a person seems to be behaving dangerously. It may include attempts to suicide or feeling psychotic. Offering psychiatric treatment can help in keeping the patient calm and feel safer.
