Bipolar Disorder Signs, Symptoms, and Treatments

Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that causes severe mood swings involving emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). The changes may impact sleep, energy, behavior, judgment, and the capacity to perform routine activities. While it is a chronic condition, bipolar disorder is treatable with the right treatment and lifestyle management.

What Is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder—formerly called manic-depressive illness—is a psychiatric condition that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and concentration. These mood episodes are drastically different from the person’s typical mood and behavior.

There are three primary types of bipolar disorder:

• Bipolar I Disorder – Comprises manic episodes for 7 or more days or manic symptoms that necessitate urgent inpatient treatment. Depressive episodes typically occur too, typically taking 2 weeks or more.

  
  

• Bipolar II Disorder – Defines a pattern of hypomanic episodes (short of full mania) and depressive episodes but not full-manic episodes.

  
  

• Cyclothymic Disorder (Cyclothymia) – Characterized by episodes of hypomanic and depressive symptoms for a period of at least 2 years (1 year in children), but the symptoms fail to meet the criteria for a full diagnosis.

Causes and Risk Factors of Bipolar Disorder

Although the precise cause of bipolar disorder is unknown, a number of factors are thought to play a part:

• Genetics: Inheritance of bipolar disorder in the family raises the risk.

• Biological Differences: There has been evidence of brain structure and functioning abnormalities in individuals with bipolar disorder.

• Environmental Triggers: Extreme stress, trauma, or significant changes in life may precipitate the development or occurrence of bipolar disorder.

• Neurotransmitter Imbalance: Alterations in brain chemicals such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine are possible.

Signs and Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

1. Manic or Hypomanic Episodes

These are episodes of abnormally high mood and energy. Hypomania is a less severe version of mania.

• Common symptoms

• Increased energy or restlessness

• Inflated self-esteem or grandiosity

• Decreased need for sleep (e.g., not feeling tired after only 2-3 hours)

• Unusual talkativeness or pressured speech

• Racing thoughts or distractibility

• Impulsive behavior (e.g., spending too much, unsafe driving, unsafe sexual activity)

2. Depressive Episodes

These consist of feelings of sadness or hopelessness and loss of interest in most activities.

Symptoms commonly include:

• Persistent sadness or low mood

• Fatigue or lack of energy

• Difficulty with concentration or making decisions

• Guilt or feelings of worthlessness

• Changes in appetite or weight

• Sleep disturbances (insomnia or sleeping too much)

3. Mixed Episodes

Others have symptoms of both mania and depression at the same time, referred to as mixed features. This can be particularly risky because of impulsive action and depressive thoughts.

How Bipolar Disorder Is Diagnosed?

There is no test that can diagnose bipolar disorder. A mental health expert will usually:

• Perform careful psychiatric evaluation

• Take medical and family history

• Employ standardized diagnostic criteria (e.g., DSM-5)

• Oftentimes prescribe mood charting for weeks to track patterns of symptoms

• Medical examinations may also be undertaken to exclude physical illness such as thyroid disease or neurological disease.
  

Treatment for Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a chronic illness, but with proper treatment, symptoms can be controlled, mood stabilized, and quality of life enhanced.

1. Medications

Medication is the foundation of bipolar treatment. A psychiatrist might prescribe:

• Anticonvulsants

• Atypical Antipsychotics

• Antidepressants

2. Psychotherapy

Spoken therapy is an important part of treating bipolar disorder.

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Assists patients in understanding and controlling negative thought and behavior patterns.

• Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT): Aims at stabilizing daily habits to avoid mood shifts.

• Family-Focused Therapy: Enhances family communication and helps with coping with the illness.

3. Lifestyle Modifications

Daily routines may affect how frequent and severe the bipolar episodes become.

• Stick to a routine: A regular sleep, meal, and activity schedule can prevent episodes from happening.

• Keep a journal or use an app to recognize early signs of mania or depression.

• Say no to Alcohol They can disrupt medicines and even make the symptoms worse.

• Exercise improves sleep and enhances mood.

• Meditation, yoga, or relaxation exercises can minimize triggers.

Bipolar disorder is a serious mental illness that needs to be treated with long-term care and surveillance. With the right balance of medication, therapy, lifestyle patterns, and help, those with bipolar disorder can cope with their symptoms and live productive lives.

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Disclaimer:

The content provided on Jusrandomly is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Jusrandomly does not promote or advise the use of any specific treatments, medications, supplements, or practices discussed in this article. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health routine or taking any medication. Relying on the information provided on this site is solely at your own risk.