Bipolar Disorder and Everything You Need To Know About It

If you are completely clueless about the symptoms, types, and diagnosis of bipolar disorder then tune in and learn more about this psychological disorder.

Bipolar Disorder:

Bipolar disorder is also called a manic disorder. It is characterized by extreme fluctuation in moods between mania and depression. A manic episode is characterized by an abnormally high or irritable mood, excessive energy, rushing impulses, and other unusual and exaggerated activities for a sustained time. Psychosis, including hallucinations and illusions that signify a detachment from reality, can also be encountered by individuals. The person gets involved in risk-taking behavior or behavior that gives them a rapid adrenaline rush, without focusing on the consequences.

The depressive extreme is characterized by feelings of sadness, tearfulness, emptiness, and hopelessness. Episodes of violent outbursts, irritability, and anger often surround it. In most or all regular activities, such as sex, hobbies, or sports, the person experiences a lack of interest or enjoyment. Sleep disruptions, tiredness, and loss of energy are encountered by the person, so even minor activities require extra effort. Episodes of decreased appetite and weight loss or intensified cravings for food are often encountered by the person. Anxiety, agitation, and feelings of worthlessness or remorse are often defined by it, fixating on previous mistakes or self-blame. The person has difficulties thinking, planning, making choices, and recalling things. It is often accompanied by repeated or recurring thoughts of death and the person becoming suicidal.

Types of Bipolar Disorder:

There are several types of bipolar disorders, each having a contrasting symptom setting it apart from other types. Let’s discuss some of the most common ones.

Bipolar I:

Bipolar I is characterized by the presence of one psychotic or manic episode at least every year. Before and after the psychotic episode, you may have hypomanic or severe depressive episodes. Men and women are equally affected by this type of bipolar disorder.

In bipolar I syndrome, the elevated mood will be exhibited as either euphoria or as irritability. The person experiences a maniac episode characterized by abnormal behavior.

During manic periods, erratic behavior involves abruptly flying from one idea to the next, fast, forced, and loud breathing increased hyperactivity, and a diminished need for sleep. The symptoms of the maniac episode also include elevated energy, distorted self-image, unnecessary spending, hypersexuality, and abuse of drugs.

Bipolar II:

One major depressive syndrome that lasts at least two weeks is endured by individuals with this form of bipolar disorder. They still have at least one episode of hypomania that lasts for four days or more. It is believed that this form of bipolar disorder is more common in women. Hypomania is a period of high mood which is like mania but less severe and extreme. An individual with hypomania may feel elated, energized, or even irritable.

Cyclothymia:

Episodes of hypomania and depression arise in individuals with cyclothymia. These signs are shorter and less severe than the bipolar I or bipolar II disorder that induces mania and depression. Many people with this disorder rarely tend to have a stable mood, mostly they have excessive fluctuations in mood.

Cause of Bipolar Disorder:

The precise explanation for bipolar disorder is unclear, just like other mental health disorders. A significant contributing factor to the progression of Bipolar disorder is believed to be genetics, with studies finding that about Eighty percent of cases have a genetic connection. This genetic correlation is inherited, the individuals that have an immediate relative are four to six times more likely to develop Bipolar disorder.
One common hypothesis encompassing the hereditary cause of the bipolar disorder is that individuals with the disease may have a genetic predisposition that makes it easier to throw out of proportion certain neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine, triggering mood swings.
The emergence of bipolar disorder has also been associated with environmental causes, disease, and stress. Stress is not proven to cause Bipolar disorder, but in the initiation of the disease, it may be a contributing factor or catalyst. Many individuals with bipolar disorder feel that stress management can help minimize the incidence or recurrence of the episodes.

Treatment of Bipolar Disorder:

Bipolar disorder cannot be cured but with alterations in lifestyle and provision of medication and psychotherapy, one can control the severity of the maniac and depressive episodes along with the other symptoms.

Medications:

A variety of different drugs can be recommended for mood stabilization, to help control suicidal episodes or to control the signs of psychosis that may occur, depending on the form and severity of bipolar disorder a person encounters.

Psychotherapy:

Psychotherapeutic strategies may allow an individual with Bipolar disorder to control their symptoms effectively as well as improve or eliminate relapse triggers. Cognitive-behavioral therapy and psycho-education may allow patients with bipolar disorder grab the steering wheel of their lives through a combination of strategies and actions, as well as allowing clients to better accept their mental health diagnosis, ensuring that drugs are used to prepare and learn how to treat symptoms and future regression causes for themselves.

Living with bipolar disorder has to be the most challenging thing ever, but that doesn’t mean that people with BOP cannot live a happy life. It is very difficult to manage relationships with such drastic fluctuation in mood, so it is integral, to be honest with your partner and parents about the severity of the disease. Constant support from the loved ones can speed up the recovery process.

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