What is referred to as bipolar disorder or manic disorder?
Formerly known as manic depression, bipolar disorder is a mental illness characterized by alternating periods of excessive elation (mania or hypomania) and depression (depression).
The depressed person’s feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and lack of interest in life are all very typical. Feelings of euphoria, increased activity, or irritability are all possible symptoms of manic or hypomanic states. Sleep, energy, activity, judgment, conduct, and the ability to think effectively are all impacted by mood swings.
Mood swings might happen a few times a year or several times a year. However, while most people will feel some degree of emotional anxiety symptoms in the time between episodes, this is not always the case.
Mood swings and other symptoms of bipolar mental illness can be controlled with medication, but the mood swings disorder itself is permanent. Treatment for bipolar disorder often consists of a combination of medication and talk therapy (psychotherapy).
The signs that indicate bipolar disorder:
Many different forms of bipolar mood disorder and associated conditions exist. Mania, hypomania, and major depressive disorder are all possible. Significant distress and difficulty in daily living might come from mood and behavior changes brought on by bipolar disorder symptoms.
Bipolar I disorder:
You have had mania at least once, and hypomania or significant depression may have preceded or followed it. Mania can cause a disconnection from reality in some people (psychosis).
Bipolar II disorder:
In your life, you’ve experienced at least one major depressive episode and one hypomanic episode, but never a manic episode.
Cyclothymic disorder:
You’ve experienced frequent episodes of hypomanic and depressive symptoms for at least two years (or one year in adolescents and teenagers).
In contrast to popular belief, bipolar II condition is not a less severe variant of bipolar I. Extreme mania is a hallmark of bipolar I condition, but for those with bipolar II, prolonged depression is a major source of disability. Bipolar I is the most common bipolar disorder type.
Bipolar disorder can strike at any time in life; however, it is most commonly identified in young adults.
The signs of mania and hypomania:
- Abnormally upbeat, jumpy, or wired
- Increased activity, energy, or agitation
- An exaggerated sense of well-being and self-confidence
- Decreased need for sleep
- Unusual talkativeness
- Racing thoughts
- Distractibility
The major causes of bipolar disorder:
Although the precise origin of bipolar disorder is uncertain, researchers have identified a number of possible contributors.
Biological differences:
Physical alterations in the brains of those with bipolar disorder have been seen. These alterations’ significance is not yet clear, but they may aid in identifying their sources.
Genetics:
Someone’s risk of developing bipolar illness increases if they have a sibling or parent who suffers from the disorder. Scientists are looking for potential genetic contributors to bipolar disorder.
The diagnostic tests to help identify the condition:
Physical exam:
In order to determine the underlying cause of your Stress Level, your doctor may perform a physical examination and order laboratory testing.
Psychiatric assessment:
A psychiatrist is a medical professional specializing in evaluating and treating mental health issues. In addition, you can take a bipolar disorder test to evaluate your mental health. If you give them permission, your close friends and family members may be asked about your symptoms.
Mood-charting:
As part of the diagnostic and therapy process, you may be required to keep a daily diary of your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
Treatment options for managing the condition:
A psychiatrist or other medical specialist trained in diagnosing and treating mental health concerns is the ideal person to oversee treatment for bipolar disorder and similar diseases. In addition to the psychiatrist, you may work with a psychologist, social worker, and psychiatric nurse.
Living with bipolar disorder is a constant struggle. Symptom management is the focus of treatment. Possible therapeutic options include:
Continued treatment:
Despite periods of improvement, those who suffer from bipolar disorder must continue taking their prescribed medications indefinitely. Patients who stop taking their maintenance medication risk experiencing a relapse of their symptoms or having their mild mood swings develop into severe manic or depressive episodes.
Substance abuse treatment:
Substance abuse treatment is necessary if you have a drinking or drug issue. When untreated, bipolar disorder can be extremely challenging to manage.
Medications:
Mood-balancing medicine is sometimes required immediately.
The process of finding the right medication for bipolar disorder:
Finding the drug or medications that work best for you may take some experimentation. Several alternatives exist if one doesn’t produce the desired results.
Some medications take weeks or months to take effect, so you’ll need to be patient throughout this process. As a rule, your doctor will only make one adjustment to your medication regimen at a time to determine which drugs are most effective in reducing your symptoms. As your symptoms shift, your doctor may need to make adjustments to your medications.
Apart from these, various therapies, like psychotherapy, are offered in case the first-line treatment is not giving effective results.
Unfortunately, bipolar disorder is a chronic condition that lasts a lifetime. Medication and Bipolar Disorder Treatment can help you manage your symptoms and get back to living a healthy, productive life. Checking in with your healthcare provider on a frequent basis to track your progress and report any new symptoms is essential.
