We all have our ups and downs, but with bipolar disorder (once known as manic depression or manic-depressive disorder) these peaks and valleys are more severe. Bipolar disorder causes serious shifts in mood, energy, thinking and behavior—from the highs of mania on one extreme to the lows of depression on the other. More than just a fleeting good or bad mood, the cycles of bipolar disorder last for days, weeks or months. And unlike ordinary mood swings, the mood changes of bipolar disorder are so intense that they can interfere with your job or school performance, damage your relationships and disrupt your ability to function in daily life.
During a manic episode, you might impulsively quit your job, charge up huge amounts on credit cards or feel rested after sleeping two hours. During a depressive episode, you might be too tired to get out of bed, and full of self-loathing and hopelessness over being unemployed and in debt.
Bipolar Disorder Numbers
Bipolar disorder isn’t a rare brain disorder. In fact, 2.8 % of U.S. adults — or about 5 million people — have been diagnosed with it. The average age when people with bipolar disorder begin to show symptoms is 25 years old.
Myths and Facts about Bipolar Disorder
Myth: It is difficult to assist somebody with bipolar disorder.
Fact: Bipolar disorder can be adequately treated and overseen. Beyond what 30% of bipolar patients can expect full recuperation while another 40% can anticipate an extremely checked decrease in their side effects.
Kazmo Brain Center recommends disease education, good communication with supervising therapists, a decent emotional support network (your loved ones), and adherence to your treatment plan to ensure treatment success.
Myth: Bipolar disorder is an invention of one’s mind.
Fact: Bipolar turmoil is a treatable cerebrum problem that is genuine and can cause a great deal of torment, especially if it is not well managed. People can’t simply wake up! Recuperation requires some investment and difficult work.
Myth: People who have bipolar disorder can’t work.
Fact: Proper medical treatment and great help empower the vast majority (over 75%) with bipolar to work and be fruitful.
Myth: Bipolar confusion is brought about by an individual shortcoming or character defect.
Fact: Bipolar turmoil is an ailment simply like diabetes or some other medical issue. Individuals with bipolar disorder can’t “simply get a hold of themselves” and improve. Treatment is vital.
Myth: If you have bipolar turmoil, you are sick constantly.
Fact: Bipolar confusion is described by scenes of highs and lows. In a great many people, these scenes are isolated by times of solidness. Individuals may go for quite a long time, some of the time even a more long time without a scene by dealing with the disease well.
Myth: Alcoholism and medication misuse cause bipolar disorder.
Fact: People with bipolar disorder are more likely to experience problems with the use of alcohol or other abuse but the drugs do not cause the disorder. People with bipolar disorder may use alcohol or street drugs to feel better (self-sedate) or as a departure from their issues.
Myth: Bipolar disorder only affects mood.
Fact: Bipolar confusion likewise influences your energy level, judgment, memory, focus, craving, rest designs, sexual drive and confidence. Moreover, bipolar disorder has been connected to tension, substance misuse, and medical issues such as diabetes, coronary illness, headaches, and hypertension.
Signs and Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder can look very different in different people. The symptoms vary widely in their pattern, severity and frequency.
There are four types of mood episodes in bipolar disorder: mania, hypomania, depression and mixed episodes. Each type of bipolar disorder mood episode has a unique set of symptoms.
Some people are more prone to either mania or depression while others alternate equally between the two types of episodes. Some have frequent mood disruptions while others experience only a few over a lifetime.
Mania Symptoms
In the manic phase of bipolar disorder, it’s common to experience feelings of heightened energy, creativity and euphoria. If you’re experiencing a manic episode, you may talk a mile a minute, sleep very little and be hyperactive. You may also feel like you’re all-powerful, invincible or destined for greatness.
You may behave recklessly during a manic episode such as gambling away your savings, engaging in inappropriate sexual activity or making foolish business investments. You may also become angry, irritable and aggressive—picking fights, lashing out when others don’t go along with your plans and blaming anyone who criticizes your behavior. Some people even become delusional or start hearing voices.
Common signs and symptoms of mania include,
- Feeling unusually “high” and optimistic OR extremely irritable.
- Unrealistic, grandiose beliefs about one’s abilities or powers.
- Sleeping very little, but feeling extremely energetic.
- Talking so rapidly that others can’t keep up.
- Racing thoughts; jumping quickly from one idea to the next.
- Highly distractible, unable to concentrate.
- Impaired judgment and impulsiveness.
- Acting recklessly without thinking about the consequences.
- Delusions and hallucinations (in severe cases).
Hypomania Symptoms
Hypomania is a less severe form of mania. In a hypomanic state, you’ll likely feel euphoric, energetic and productive, but will still be able to carry on with your day-to-day life without losing touch with reality. However, hypomania can result in bad decisions that harm your relationships, career and reputation. Besides, hypomania often escalates to full-blown mania or is followed by a major depressive episode.
Bipolar Depression Symptoms
In the past, bipolar depression was lumped in with regular depression, but a growing body of research suggests that there are significant differences between the two, especially when it comes to recommended treatments.(Read more about: Depression can be cured)
Most people with bipolar depression are not helped by antidepressants. In fact, there is a risk that antidepressants can make bipolar disorder worse—triggering mania or hypomania, causing rapid cycling between mood states, or interfering with other mood-stabilizing drugs.
Common symptoms of bipolar depression include,
- Feeling hopeless, sad or empty
- Irritability
- Inability to experience pleasure
- Fatigue or loss of energy
- Physical and mental sluggishness
- Appetite or weight changes
- Sleep problems
- Concentration and memory problems
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Thoughts of death or suicide
Symptoms of a Mixed Episode
A mixed episode of bipolar disorder features symptoms of both mania or hypomania and depression. Common signs of a mixed episode include depression combined with agitation, irritability, anxiety, insomnia, distractibility and racing thoughts. This combination of high energy and low mood makes for a particularly high risk of suicide.
Below, we’ll see a video of a case of bipolar disorder, as it appears clearly,
Causes of Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a common mental health disorder, but it’s a bit of a mystery to doctors and researchers. It’s not yet clear what causes some people to develop the condition and not others.
Possible causes of bipolar disorder include,
Genetics
If your parent or sibling has bipolar disorder, you’re more likely than other people to develop the condition.
Your brain
Your brain structure may impact your risk for the disease. Abnormalities in the structure or functions of your brain may increase your risk.
Environmental factors
Outside factors may contribute. These factors can include,
- Extreme stress
- Traumatic experiences
- Physical illness
Bipolar Disorder Treatment
Several treatments are available that can help you manage your bipolar disorder. These include medications, counseling and lifestyle changes. Some natural remedies may also be helpful. Recommended psychotherapy treatments may include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (Read more about CBT here), and Psychoeducation. Knowing more about bipolar disorder will help you and others in your life manage it.
Tips for Coping and Support
If you or someone you know has bipolar disorder, you’re not alone. Bipolar disorder affects about 60 million people around the world. One of the best things you can do is to educate yourself and those around you about Bipolar disorder.
If you think you’re experiencing symptoms of bipolar disorder, make an appointment with Kazmo Brain Center, and we are here to help.
If you think a friend, relative or loved one may have bipolar disorder, your support and understanding are crucial. Encourage them to see a doctor about any symptoms they’re having. And read how to help someone living with bipolar disorder.
Resources:
heretohelp.bc.ca
helpguide.org
healthline.com
