Bipolar and Related Disorders

Bipolar disorder is a brain condition that causes mood, energy, and capacity to operate to fluctuate. People with bipolar illness endure extreme emotional states known as mood episodes, which occur over a period of days to weeks. Manic/hypomanic (abnormally cheerful or angry mood) or melancholy mood episodes are the two types of mood episodes (sad mood). People with bipolar illness frequently have periods of neutral mood. People with bipolar illness can live long and productive lives if they are properly treated. These mood swings, on the other hand, usually last hours rather than days.

Bipolar Disorder Symptoms 

Mania and hypomania 

Mania and hypomania are both types of episodes characterised by elevated moods and decreased energy levels. Mania causes more noticeable symptoms at work or college and affects relationships. Psychotic states may occur with mania, and the person may be disconnected from reality. 

Three or more of these signs are present in both a manic and hypomanic episode:

• a person who is unusually enthusiastic, jumpy, or wired
• Increased activity, energy, or agitation are all signs of increased activity, energy, or agitation.
• Exaggerated feelings of happiness and self-assurance (euphoria)
• Unusual talkativeness Reduced desire for sleep
• Distractibility
• Poor decision-making, such as shopping binges, taking sexual risks or making risky investments.

Depressive Episodes

Major depression episode is characterized by five or more of the following signs: depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure, insomnia or hypersomnia, psychomotor agitation or retardation, fatigue or loss of energy, feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt, diminished ability to think or concentrate, recurrent thoughts of death or suicide, recurrent suicidal ideation without intent or attempts, recurrent thoughts of self-harm, disturbed sleep or appetite, or irritability or lability.

• Sad, empty, hopeless, or crying moods are all signs of depression (in children and teens, depressed mood can appear as irritability)
• All activities have a noticeable lack of interest or pleasure.
• Significant weight loss, weight gain, or a reduction or increase in appetite while not dieting (in children, failure to gain weight as expected can be a sign of depression)
• Insomnia is an excessive amount of sleep
• Either agitation or a sluggish pace
• Fatigue or a lack of energy is a common occurrence.
• Feelings of worthlessness or improper or overwhelming shame.

Bipolar Disorder Treatment

A medical professional who specialises in diagnosing and treating mental health illnesses (psychiatrist) who is experienced in treating bipolar and related disorders is the ideal person to lead you through treatment. A psychologist, social worker, and psychiatric nurse may be part of your therapy team. Bipolar disorder is a chronic illness. Symptom management is the goal of treatment. Treatment may comprise one or more of the following, depending on your needs:

• Medications. To regulate your moods, you may need to start taking drugs straight away.
• Consistent treatment. Bipolar disorder needs medication therapy for the rest of your life, even when you are feeling better. People who miss maintenance therapy run the danger of relapsing or having small mood swings that grow into full-fledged mania or depression.
• Day therapy programs. A day treatment program may be suggested by your doctor. These programs give you the support and counselling you require as you work to reduce your symptoms.
• Treatment for substance abuse. Substance abuse therapy is required if you have difficulties with alcohol or drugs. Otherwise, managing bipolar illness can be extremely challenging.
• Hospitalisation. If you’re acting recklessly, feeling suicidal, or becoming distant from reality, your doctor may urge hospitalisation (psychotic). Receiving psychiatric therapy at a hospital might assist you in remaining calm.

Related Disorders

Bipolar II Disorder 

People with bipolar II disorder go through periods of depression and hypomania. During these times, people may feel happy and energetic. Sometimes, however, mood swings get out of control and lead to mania. These manic states can cause problems at work or school. In addition, people with bipolar II often have co-occurring conditions, such as anxiety or substance abuse.

Treatment

Medication and psychotherapy are used to treat bipolar II, just as they are for bipolar I. Mood stabilisers and antidepressants are the most usually prescribed drugs, based on the condition. ECT may be used if depression symptoms are severe and medicine is ineffective. Each person’s therapy is tailored to their own needs.

Cyclothymic Disorder 

The cyclothymic disorder would be a milder variant of bipolar disorder characterised by frequent “mood changes” and hypomania and depressive symptoms. Cyclothymia is characterised by conflicting emotions but with fewer and milder characteristics than bipolar I or II diseases.

Symptoms of the cyclothymic disorder include the following:

Many periods of hypomanic and depressed symptoms span at least two years; however, the symptoms do not fit the requirements for a hypomanic or depressive episode. The symptoms (mood swings) have remained for at least half of the two-year period and have never stopped for more than two months.

Treatment

Medication and conversation therapy may be used to treat the cyclothymic disorder. Talk therapy can help many people cope with the challenges of mood swings. Keeping a mood diary can be a useful tool for noticing trends in mood swings. Cyclothymia patients may begin and discontinue treatment at any time.

Conclusion 

Bipolar Disorder is a mental illness that causes mood swings. People with bipolar disorder may be irritable, sad, or anxious. Bipolar disorder causes people to swing wildly from depression to mania. People who suffer from this disorder may feel happy or sad at any given time. Doctors often use medications and therapy to treat this disorder.