Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that causes rapid changes in your energy levels, mood, thought processes, and conduct. In this blog, we discuss the symptoms, causes, types, and treatments of bipolar disorder.

Bipolar Disorder also referred to as Manic-Depressive Disorder or Manic Depression is a mental illness and chronic mood disorder that causes rapid changes in your energy levels, mood, thought processes, and conduct.

These changes interfere with your ability to complete daily duties and can persist for a few minutes or even for several days, weeks, or months.

There are several types of bipolar disorder, all of which are typified by intense mood fluctuations known as hypomanic/manic and depressive episodes. Bipolar Disorder sufferers don't always experience hypomania, manic episodes, or depression episodes. Euthymia, or periods of normal mood, are also experienced by them.

Bipolar Disorder Types

Bipolar disorder is classified into various categories, each with its own set of characteristics and patterns. The following forms of bipolar disorder are described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5):

Bipolar I

At least one Manic episode had to occur for a person to be diagnosed with Bipolar I. Before as well as after the Manic episode, you could undergo a Major Depression spells or Hypomanic episodes. These are less severe than Manic episodes. Before going through either Mania or Depression, a person may experience a protracted period of steady mood.

This type of Bipolar Disorder affects both the genders equally.

Bipolar II

Bipolar II patients usually undergo a severe Depressive episode that continues for at least two weeks at a stretch Additionally, they experience at least one Hypomanic episode every four days. This particular form of Bipolar Disorder may be more prevalent among women, according to a 2017 analysis.

Cyclothymia

Cyclothymia patients show some signs of Hypomania and Depression, but not enough to identify a Hypomanic or Depressive episode.

In comparison to episodes linked to Bipolar I or Bipolar II Disorder, these episodes also feature symptoms that are shorter and less intense. Most patients with this disorder go for up to two months without any signs of moodiness.

Bipolar Disorder Symptoms

People who have Bipolar Disorder go through moments of exceptionally high emotion, modify their sleep and activity schedules, and exhibit out-of-character behaviors, frequently without being aware of the potential negative consequences. A person's mood episodes differ greatly from their regular moods and behaviors. The symptoms last for the majority of the day throughout an episode. Moreover, these episodes might even linger for several days or weeks.

An episode with mixed symptoms occurs when a person has both Manic and Depressed symptoms at the same time. An episode with mixed symptoms might make a person feel both incredibly energized and incredibly depressed, empty, or hopeless.

People can have Bipolar Disorder even when the symptoms are less severe. For instance, Hypomania, a milder version of Mania, is experienced by some people with Bipolar II Disorder. A person experiencing a Hypomanic episode could make you feel excellent, productive, and carry on with your daily activities. Even though the person may not feel anything is wrong, family members and friends may notice changes in the person's mood or level of activity as potential Bipolar Disorder symptoms. Hypomania patients suffer a greater risk of developing severe Mania or Depression if Hypomania is untreated.

Bipolar Disorder Causes

Researchers still don't fully understand the root cause of Bipolar Disorder. However, scientists do think that there is a significant genetic (inherited) component. More than two-thirds of people with bipolar disorder have at least one close biological relative who also has the condition. But it doesn't in any way mean that you will get Bipolar Disorder just because a biological relative does.

Other elements that researchers believe play a role in the emergence of bipolar disorder include:

• Changes In Your Brain: Researchers have discovered minute variations in the typical size or activation of specific brain regions in Bipolar disorder sufferers. Brain scans, however, are unable to identify the problem.
• Environmental Factors: A Manic or Depressive episode can be brought on by a stressful event, such as the death of a loved one, a significant illness, divorce, or money issues. Consequently, trauma and stress may contribute to the onset of Bipolar Disorder.

Bipolar Disorder Treatment

There is no treatment for Bipolar Disorder but with behavior therapy, medicines and other treatments, people with Bipolar Disorder can live a normal lifestyle. Here are some of the treatment for Bipolar Disorder:

Therapies

Psychotherapy, sometimes known as "talk therapy," can be a useful component of a Bipolar Disorder patient's treatment regimen. The term "psychotherapy" refers to a range of therapeutic methods intended to help you recognize and alter unhelpful feelings, attitudes, and behaviors. You and your family may benefit from the support, information, and guidance that working with a mental health specialist like a psychologist or psychiatrist can provide.

Medications

Bipolar Disorder symptoms can be managed with the aid of specific drugs. With the help of your healthcare professional, you might need to test out a number of different medications before deciding which one is most effective.

The most common medications prescribed by doctors to treat Bipolar Disorder include

• Mood stabilizers
• Second-generation (“atypical”) neuroleptics (also known as antipsychotics)
• Antidepressants

Other Medical Treatments

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT): This procedure causes a seizure by briefly applying an electric current to your brain through your scalp. People with severe Depression are the ones who most frequently undergo this. For patients with acute life-threatening Mania or even medication-resistant Depression, ECT is extremely safe and highly effective.

It is the most effective treatment for Mania in pregnant women. You won't feel any discomfort because ECT uses general anesthesia, which will keep you sleeping throughout the operation.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS): An electric current is sent into your brain via a short electromagnetic coil utilized in this therapy. Medical experts occasionally use it to treat depression that has not responded to medication. TMS is not uncomfortable, and it doesn't need any general anesthesia.

Thyroid Medications: These drugs occasionally have mood-stabilizing effects. Studies have demonstrated efficacy in lessening symptoms in those with rapid-cycling, difficult-to-treat Bipolar Disorder.

Ketamine Treatment: People with Bipolar Disorder have shown to benefit from short-term antidepressant and anti suicidal effects of the anesthetic ketamine when given in modest dosages via IV.

Hospitalization: This is regarded as an urgent treatment option for Bipolar Disorder. It becomes imperative in situations where someone has a severe Manic or Depressive episode and poses an immediate threat to himself or others.

Lifestyle Changes

• Give up tobacco, recreational drugs, and alcohol
• Maintain a daily journal or mood log
• Keep a regular sleep routine
• Exercise
• Meditation

FAQs

What is a person with Bipolar like?

Both episodes of severe Depression as well as episodes of Mania are experienced by people with Bipolar Disorder. Bipolar Disorder is a highly individual experience. No two people's experiences are identical.

How do you know you are Bipolar?

Your mood may fluctuate dramatically between severe highs and lows if you have Bipolar Disorder. Increased vigour, enthusiasm, impulsive behaviour, and agitation are some examples of Manic symptoms. Suicidal thoughts, feelings of worthlessness, lack of energy, and low self-esteem are some of the symptoms of depression.

How serious is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar Disorder has major side effects that can negatively impact every aspect of your life if it is not treated. It includes problems with drug and alcohol usage, attempted suicide, financial or legal issues

Can Bipolar be cured?

Lifelong and persistent, Bipolar Disorder does not go away on its own. The first step towards recovery is a prompt, accurate diagnosis, despite the fact that it can initially feel overwhelming and alienating. People with Bipolar Disorder can lead healthy, meaningful lives with the help of effective treatment, support, and self-care.

Can a Bipolar person live long?

A person with Bipolar Disorder has an average life expectancy of 67 years. Bipolar has a negative impact on longevity, according to a 2021 study, which indicated that the chance of death is 2.6 times higher than in the normal population. average life expectancy is 8 to 12 years less than that of the overall population.

Can Bipolar Disorder patients marry?

You might start working together and build a marriage that is stronger than ever if your partner completely accepts the diagnosis and decides to get treatment. Many people who suffer from Bipolar Disorder enjoy fulfilling marriages.