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Bipolar Disorder isn’t a rare diagnosis, it is thought that about 2.5% of the population suffers from this illness. People with Bipolar Disorder may have trouble managing everyday life tasks, at school or at work, as well as maintaining relationships. Although it is a lifelong condition, Bipolar Disorder can be managed effectively with a good treatment plan. We also specialise in schizophrenia disorder treatment.
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterised by extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). Bipolar I and Bipolar II are two forms of bipolar disorder, each with its own distinct patterns of symptoms.
This type is distinguished by at least one manic episode lasting at least a week or severe enough to necessitate hospitalisation. Manic episodes are defined as periods of abnormally elevated, expansive, or irritable mood, as well as increased activity or energy.
During a manic episode, symptoms may include inflated self-esteem, decreased sleep need, talkativeness, racing thoughts, distractibility, increased goal-directed activity, or risky behaviour.
Depressive episodes, which typically last at least two weeks, are also common. Mixed-symptom depression (having depression and manic symptoms at the same time) is also possible.
This type is characterized by at least one major depressive episode and at least one hypomanic episode, but the individual has never had a full manic episode.
Hypomanic episodes are similar to manic episodes but are less severe and shorter in duration. During a hypomanic episode, an individual may feel euphoric, have lots of energy, and be highly productive.
Major depressive episodes in Bipolar II can be more severe and longer-lasting than in Bipolar I.
In both types, episodes of mania, hypomania, or depression can be followed by periods of normal mood. However, the severity of manic episodes in Bipolar I can result in more serious functional impairment or hospitalization compared to Bipolar II. It’s important to note that both conditions are serious, long-term, and treatable mental health conditions.
The symptoms vary during the manic and depressive phase:
During a depressive phase, an individual may:
Bipolar disorder is a complex condition and its exact cause is unknown. However, several factors may contribute to its development:
Bipolar disorder tends to run in families. If you have an adult relative with either bipolar I or bipolar II disorder, you have an average of 10 times the chance of developing the condition yourself.
The American Psychiatric Association also reports that 80 to 90% of people with bipolar disorder have a relative living with either depression or bipolar disorder. Researchers have linked two key genes to bipolar disorder, but they note that many other genes are likely to factor in too.
People with bipolar disorder appear to have physical changes in their brains. The significance of these changes is still uncertain but may eventually help pinpoint causes.
There is some evidence that bipolar disorder may be associated with chemical imbalances in the brain.
Physical illness, sleep disturbances, and overwhelming problems in everyday life, such as problems with money, work, or relationships, can also contribute to the onset of bipolar disorder.
Conditions that co-occur with bipolar disorder can also contribute to its development.
It’s important to note that these factors don’t directly cause bipolar disorder but can trigger mood episodes in people who are genetically predisposed to the condition. The condition usually develops from a combination of these factors.
Here are some common myths about bipolar disorder, along with the true facts:
People may believe this because they don’t often meet individuals who openly admit to having the disorder.
Bipolar disorder is a common mental health condition, affecting millions of people. It’s estimated that up to 2.1% of the population will experience bipolar disorder in their lifetime.
The public often has a simplified understanding of mental health conditions, but there are multiple types of bipolar disorder, each with its own unique features.
The subtypes of bipolar disorder include Bipolar Disorder I, Bipolar Disorder II, Cyclothymia, and Rapid Cycling.
People often confuse normal mood swings with the severe mood changes seen in bipolar disorder, but the highs and lows of bipolar disorder are very different from common mood swings.
People with bipolar disorder experience extreme changes in energy, activity, and sleep that are not typical for them.
This myth is perpetuated by media portrayals of the disorder. While some people with bipolar disorder do have rapid cycling, many do not.
The frequency of mood changes can vary widely among individuals. Even a diagnosis of rapid-cycling bipolar disorder requires several days in a row of (hypo)manic symptoms, not just several hours.
People often misunderstand mania as simply being overly happy.
Mania can be a very uncomfortable, distressing, and even dangerous state. It can lead to impulsive behaviour, poor decision-making, and even psychosis. Mania is characterised by periods of great excitement or euphoria, racing thoughts, a decreased need for sleep, and rapid speech.
Bipolar disorder is often thought of as a condition that starts in adulthood.
While it’s most often diagnosed in older teenagers and young adults, bipolar disorder can occur in children. Early onset of bipolar disorder is more likely to occur in children who have a family history of the disorder.
There’s a common misconception that lifestyle changes alone can cure mental health conditions.
While a healthy lifestyle can help manage symptoms, it’s not a cure. Bipolar disorder is a lifelong illness. It can, however, be well-managed with medication and talk therapy, by avoiding stress, and maintaining regular patterns of sleeping, eating, and exercise.
Bipolar disorder symptoms usually appear between the ages of 18 to 29 years, but they can occur at any age, including childhood and the teenage years.
Here are some early warning signs of bipolar disorder:
It’s important to note that these signs alone do not confirm the presence of bipolar disorder. They are potential indicators that should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
Negative symptoms in bipolar disorder refer to the absence of normal behaviours. These symptoms are often associated with the depressive phase of the illness, but they can also occur during manic or hypomanic episodes:
It’s important to note that diagnosing bipolar disorder can be complex and requires a thorough evaluation by a qualified mental health professional.
Bipolar disorder is identified by medical professionals through a comprehensive evaluation process, comprising the following: