Bipolar disorder is an illness that can seriously impact quality of life, but can be controlled with appropriate treatment and management. Early diagnosis and treatment can help individuals live more balanced and productive lives.
What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a serious psychiatric illness, usually characterized by manic and depressive episodes. This disorder causes extreme mood swings. Individuals with bipolar disorder may experience significant changes in energy, activity level, and daily functioning. These changes are often intense during specific periods, and the individual may return to normal mood between these periods.
In bipolar disorder, some people may experience both manic and depressive symptoms at the same time. This is called “mixed features” bipolar disorder. During this period, a person may experience high energy and agitation, but also feelings of hopelessness and depression. This can lead to increased risky behavior.
What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a psychiatric disorder characterized by manic and depressive periods. Significant symptoms occur between these two extreme moods. In order to answer the question of how to understand someone who is bipolar, it is necessary to know manic and depressive periods well and to be able to distinguish between them. However, it is not possible for a person to answer the question of “How do I know if I am bipolar?” on their own, without the help of a therapist. The symptoms of bipolar disorder are as follows:
Manic episode symptoms:
- The person experiences an unusual burst of happiness, enthusiasm and energy. This can cause the person to be much more active and productive than usual.
- During manic periods, a person feels the need for very little sleep, yet feels vigorous and energetic.
- The person speaks rapidly and continuously. The thoughts jump from topic to topic and may be difficult for the listener to follow.
- Sudden and impulsive spending, sexual activity, dangerous driving, or impulsive decisions are common.
- The person feels very powerful, important and capable, and experiences an explosion of unrealistic self-confidence.
- The person may lose focus easily and have difficulty finishing a task.
- He/she may be extremely irritable and restless. He/she may overreact to minor events.
Depressive episode symptoms:
- The person experiences a constant feeling of sadness and hopelessness. The inability to enjoy life occurs.
- A general feeling of tiredness and lack of energy makes daily activities difficult.
- Activities that were previously enjoyed are no longer enjoyed.
- Sleep disturbances (hypersomnia or insomnia) and appetite changes (overeating or loss of appetite) are common.
- Attention and concentration problems occur, and even simple tasks become difficult to complete.
- The person feels worthless, inadequate and guilty. These thoughts can sometimes be intense and constant.
- During periods of severe depression, a person may develop suicidal thoughts or attempt suicide.
What causes bipolar disorder?
The exact causes of bipolar disorder are not fully understood, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic, biochemical, environmental, and psychosocial factors. Possible causes of bipolar include:
- First-degree relatives of individuals with bipolar disorder are more likely to develop the disease.
- Chemical imbalances in the brain, particularly neurotransmitters (serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine), may play a role in the development of bipolar disorder.
- Stressful life events, traumas and sleep disturbances may be triggers of this disorder.
- Psychosocial stressors such as traumas experienced at an early age or family problems may also be effective in the development of bipolar disorder.
Is bipolar disorder serious?
Bipolar disorder is a serious mental health disorder. People with bipolar disorder experience extreme mood swings that can significantly impact their daily lives, work, relationships, and overall sense of well-being. People with bipolar disorder can experience very severe symptoms during episodes of mania or depression. These symptoms can cause them to miss work or school, or harm themselves or others.
People with bipolar disorder have a higher risk of developing other medical conditions, such as substance abuse, anxiety disorders, or personality disorders. These conditions can make bipolar disorder more difficult to treat and manage.
How is bipolar disorder diagnosed?
To diagnose bipolar disorder, a doctor will review a person’s medical history, symptoms, and family history. They may also perform a series of tests to evaluate mood and thoughts. However, there is no single bipolar disorder test that can be used to diagnose bipolar disorder. The methods and tests used to diagnose bipolar disorder include:
- Mood assessments (questionnaires used to assess the changes and severity of a person’s mood)
- A doctor or mental health professional may interview the person to learn about their symptoms and medical history.
- Psychological tests can be used to assess a person’s thinking, feeling, and behavioral patterns.
What happens if bipolar disorder is left untreated?
If left untreated, bipolar disorder can lead to serious and even life-threatening consequences:
- Mood swings may increase, become more intense, and become more frequent.
- Work and relationship problems may occur.
- The risk of substance abuse may increase.
- Medical problems such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity may occur.
- The risk of committing life-threatening behaviors increases significantly.
How to treat bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a chronic mood disorder that cannot be cured. Treatment for bipolar disorder usually involves a combination of medications and psychotherapy. Medications often include mood stabilizers (lithium), anticonvulsants, and antipsychotics. These medications can help reduce the severity and frequency of manic and depressive episodes. In some cases, more invasive treatments, such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), may be used.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. If you or someone you know has symptoms of bipolar disorder or thoughts of suicide, please contact a healthcare professional or call an emergency helpline immediately.