Living With Bipolar Disorder: Recognising The Signs and Finding The Right Treatment
Reviewed by: Dr. Poonam Santhosh
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Contact UsBipolar disorder is a severe mental illness that causes radical shifts in mood from euphoric highs (mania or hypomania) that last for days to a state of deep, prolonged lows (depression) that lasts for weeks. According to the World Health Organisation, an estimated 40 million people live with bipolar disorder; however, misdiagnosis or lack of treatment coverage is a major hurdle for effectively managing this disease. 1, 2 As a result, this can impact an individual’s psychosocial functioning, with impairments in work, family, and social relationships. In this blog post, we will explore what bipolar disorder is, its causes, symptoms, and treatments of bipolar disorder to help you recognise and manage this condition effectively.
What Is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic depression, is a chronic mental health condition that causes unpredictable changes in an individual's mood, behaviour, activity, concentration, and energy levels, significantly disrupting everyday life. Many people with bipolar disorder also have other mental illnesses, such as anxiety disorders, substance abuse, eating disorders, or psychosis.
Bipolar disorder can affect anyone, but the average age of onset is 25 years. Some types of bipolar disorder can also occur in children. In women, there is a rapid tendency for mood changes and depression development.
Types of Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar Disorder I
An individual who has had one or more manic episodes (an abnormally elevated mood) in their life that last for more than a week, or whose symptoms are so severe that they need hospitalisation. The depressive episodes (low mood) last for more than two weeks. There is also a tendency to develop hallucinations or delusions.
Bipolar Disorder II
Defined by at least one hypomanic episode (a milder form of mania) that does not significantly disrupt daily functioning, along with episodes of chronic depression, which tend to be more severe than in bipolar I.
Cyclothymia (cyclothymic disorder)
These individuals experience chronic, unstable moods. Hypomania and depression last for at least two years, but there can be brief periods of normal mood (euthymia) that last for less than 8 weeks, or the symptoms may not be intense enough to qualify as type I or II bipolar disorder.
What Are the Symptoms of Bipolar Mood Disorder?
Most people with bipolar disorder experience both manic/hypomanic and depressive episodes, but the frequency and pattern of mood shifts vary.
Symptoms of a manic episode:
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Elevated mood or irritability.
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Increased activity and energy.
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Reduced need for sleep.
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Racing thoughts and rapid speech.
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Overconfidence or feeling powerful.
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Engages in risky activities like excessive spending and substance abuse.
Hypomanic Symptoms: Hypomanic episodes are similar but less severe than manic episodes. The individual may feel more productive and energetic but still function normally in daily life. However, if left untreated, hypomania can progress to more severe mania or depression.
Symptoms of a depressive episode.
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Persistent feelings of sadness or anxiety.
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Restlessness and irritability.
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Difficulty concentrating or making decisions.
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Trouble sleeping or oversleeping.
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Loss of interest in activities.
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Fatigue and inability to complete simple tasks.
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Feelings of hopelessness and thoughts of death or suicide.
In a mixed episode, symptoms of mania and depression occur simultaneously. For example, an individual may feel deeply sad but also energised and restless, which increases the risk of suicide.
What Causes Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is complex, and its exact causes are not fully understood, but several factors may contribute to its development:
1. Brain Structure and Function: Research shows that individuals with bipolar disorder may have differences in brain structure and activity compared to those without the condition. These changes can affect how moods are regulated.
2. Genetic Factors: Bipolar disorder often runs in families. Individuals with a close relative (such as a parent or sibling) who has the disorder are at a higher risk.
How to Treat Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a chronic illness, and an effective treatment involves a combination of Medication and Psychotherapy for life.
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Medication: Mood stabilisers and atypical antipsychotics are often prescribed to stabilise the mood and reduce the intensity of the bipolar symptoms.
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Psychotherapy (Talk Therapy): Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy, and Family-focused Therapy may be employed to identify and change troubling emotions, thoughts, and behaviours.
Other approaches
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Electroconvulsive Therapy: A brain stimulation procedure that helps relieve severe symptoms of bipolar disorder.
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Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS): It uses magnetic waves to stimulate the brain and relieve symptoms of depression.
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Light Therapy: This evidence-based method is used to address the seasonal worsening of bipolar disorder.
Conclusion
Bipolar disorder can cause significant difficulties and disruptions in many areas of an individual’s life. Due to the discrimination and stigma surrounding the condition, the treatment coverage for bipolar disorder is low. Since it is the leading cause of disability, understanding what bipolar disorder is and how to cure bipolar disorder is crucial for early diagnosis and timely intervention. If you or your loved one is dealing with bipolar disorder, seek timely and confidential care at KMC Hospitals Psychiatry department, Mangaluru. Book a consultation with an expert today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Currently, the diagnosis of bipolar disorder is based on the patient’s symptoms, course of illness, or family history. The types of bipolar disorder are diagnosed by the pattern and severity of manic and depressive episodes.
Lack of sleep and inconsistent routine can trigger a mood episode; therefore, adequate rest and a consistent routine are necessary for overall well-being. Avoid indulging in alcohol or non-prescribed medications to keep your mood stable.
Stopping medications when you feel better can lead to a resurgence of mood episodes that were being managed. This leads individuals with bipolar disorder to greater emotional distress.
Treatment of bipolar disorder can help control symptoms and control how often episodes of mania/hypomania and depressive episodes occur. However, this is not a complete cure. Usually, the treatment helps shorten or prevent the occurrence of symptoms.
You can schedule an appointment at Manipal Hospitals by contacting us or visiting our website.
Visit: [https://www.manipalhospitals.com/mangalore/hospitals/]
Contact no: [18001025555]
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