Diseases & Conditions - Health Issues

Bipolar disorder

INRODUCTION

Bipolar disorder is known as manic-depressive and is such a complicated mental illness because, in this illness, a person has to go through a roller coaster of high and low moods. In a manic state, a person will be in such a high mood and energy, and at the very next moment, a person will be depressed and out of energy. This sudden change of energy makes a person so dependent on his emotional state because it’s not in his hands to control his energy. The moods are different from other mood disorders due to their separate bouts of mania and depression.

Individuals with bipolar disorder will experience high energy and implusiveness in manic episodes, and on the other hand, the same person will experience low mood and energy with a feeling of sorrow and stress in depression. He wouldn’t be able to find pleasure in the pre-loved activities. It is very crucial to understand that bipolar disorder has its own distinct patterns and patterns of moods. Proper diagnosis and therapy are very critical to managing this illness. Mood-stabilising drugs, psychotherapy,lifestyle medication, and assistance from mental health specialists are common treatments. Bipolar disorder must be improved by continuous monitoring and medication.

CAUSES:

There is no known reason behind bipolar disorder, but different elements such as biological, genetic, and neurological issues

Genetic factors: biploar disorder appears to run from families to families, which shows that genes play a crucial role in it. Individuals with a family history of mental illness are at risk of it.

Neurological issue: it is believed that the change in the brain can lead a person into a mental disorder.

Brain structure and function: brain imaging studies have shown structural and functional variation in the brains of people.

Life stressors: traumatic events and high levels of stress can cause the start or worsening of bipolar disorder. These changes in life can make a person more prone to mental illness.

Life stressors:traumatic experiences or continuous negative events—can worsen bipolar disorder. Sometimes traumatic events can make a person’s life vulnerable.

Substance misuse: Alcohol and drug misuse can both elevate the risk of mental disorders.

Recognising these complex reasons is critical for offering appropriate treatment and support to the people, because this will make their lives better.

SYMPTOS:

Bipolar disorder is characterised by distinct mood episodes that range in symptoms from intense energy to low mood. These mood swings make people’s lives worse.

Manic Episodes: Individuals may experience the following symptoms during manic episodes:

  • A high level of cheerfulness or irritation.
  • Increased energy and agitation.
  • Speaking quickly and thinking quickly.
  • Excessive spending or unsafe driving are examples of impulsive and dangerous conduct.
  • Sleeping requirements are reduced.
  • Concentration problems.
  • Beliefs in one’s own powers or grandiosity that are unrealistic

Depressive Episodes: Depressive episodes are distinguished by the following characteristics:

  • Sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness that is overwhelming
  • Loss of enjoyment or interest in previously enjoyed activities.
  • Fatigue and a lack of energy
  • Changes in appetite and weight (gain or decrease)
  • Sleep disorders, such as insomnia or excessive sleep,
  • Feelings of inadequacy or undue guilt
  • Difficulty concentrating and making decisions.
  • Thoughts of death or suicide.

Hypomanic Episodes: Hypomanic episodes are similar to manic episodes but less severe. They may not significantly impair daily functioning, but they can lead to impulsive behaviour and poor judgement.

It’s crucial to remember that the severity of bipolar disorder varies, and not everyone may experience all of these symptoms. A mental health professional’s accurate diagnosis and treatment are critical for properly treating this disease and enhancing the individual’s quality of life.

TREATMENT:

Bipolar disorder is often treated with medication, and therapy targets mood stabilisation because the sudden change in the mood is the only problem in the life of the bipolar patients.

Mood-stabilising medication: A mood stabiliser helps patients stabilise their mood, which decreases the ratio of manic and depressive episodes.

Psychotherapy: Different types of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy (IPT), and psychoeducation, can assist people in understanding and managing heir conditions. Both manic and depressive phases were helped by the therapies.

Maintain a Sleeping Pattern: Proper sleeping patterns help people regain control over their mood. Along with this alcohol and substance abuse, usage should be declined first to maintain health in a holistic way.

Social support: Family support and other social support programmes seem very beautiful for the journey of recovery in bipolar disorder.

CONCLUSION:

Bipolar disorder is such a complicated and complex disorder because the highs and lows of moods make people vulnerable to every kind of event. They aren’t able to control the mood for this. Many therapies and medications are working well to make people happy and healthy. In this way, a person can get out of this vicious cycle of bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder affects a person’s social life and interpersonal relationships. Individuals with bipolar disorder can live a healthy and stable life when correct treatment and support are provided to improve their quality of life.

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