BIPOLAR DISORDER
Bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic-depressive illness, is a complex and often challenging mental health condition characterized by extreme shifts in mood, energy levels, and behavior. These shifts, which range from depressive lows to manic highs, can significantly impact a person’s daily life, relationships, and overall well-being. Understanding the nature of bipolar disorder, its subtypes, causes, symptoms, and available treatments is crucial for both those affected by the condition and those providing support. Both mania and hypomania are different but have same symptoms which include Abnormally upbeat, jumpy or weird, Increased activity, energy or agitation, Exaggerated sense of well-being and self-confidence (euphoria), less sleep hours required, Talkativeness that is unusual, rushing thoughts, disorientation, Making poor choices, such as embarking on shopping binges, taking sexual risks, or making bad investment decisions.
If you or someone you know is struggling with bipolar disorder, seeking Online psychiatric consultation can be a helpful option. Through Online therapy sessions with a licensed professional, you can receive support and guidance in managing your symptoms and improving your overall quality of life. Online psychiatric consultation offers a convenient and accessible way to access mental health services from the comfort of your own home.
There are three types of bipolar disorder. Clear changes in state of mind, vitality, and level of activity are present in all three categories. These moods vary from highly “down,” sad, indifferent, or despairing times (known as depression episodes), to excessively “up,” euphoric, irritated, or energizing behavior. Hypomanic phases are less intense manic episodes.
There are three types of bipolar disorder, and clear changes in state of mind, vitality, and level of activity are present in all three categories. These moods vary from highly “down,” sad, indifferent, or despairing times (known as depression episodes), to excessively “up,” euphoric, irritated, or energizing behavior. Hypomanic phases are less intense manic episodes. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of bipolar disorder, seeking the help of an Online therapist India can be a valuable option. Online therapy sessions with a licensed professional can provide support and guidance in managing symptoms and improving overall well-being. Online therapy offers a convenient and confidential way to access mental health services from the comfort of your own home.
BIPOLAR 1 disorder- Bipolar I Disorder is a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings. Individuals experience manic episodes—periods of heightened energy, impulsivity, and risk-taking—and depressive episodes marked by intense sadness, low energy, and hopelessness. These episodes disrupt daily life, relationships, and work. Diagnosis and treatment, often involving mood stabilizers and therapy, are crucial for managing symptoms and preventing complications. Bipolar I Disorder significantly impacts emotional well-being and requires ongoing care to achieve stability and improved quality of life. Usually it lasts for at least 7 days (nearly every day for most of the day) or by manic symptoms that are so severe that the person needs immediate medical care. Episodes of depression frequently happen too, lasting at least two weeks. A mixed period of depression is one in which a person has both manic and depressive symptoms at the same time. The term “rapid cycling” describes a series of four or more manic or depressed periods in a year.
BIPOLAR 2 disorder- Bipolar II Disorder is a mental health condition involving alternating mood episodes. Individuals experience depressive episodes marked by intense sadness and reduced energy. Additionally, they have hypomanic episodes, which involve elevated mood, increased energy, and impulsivity but are less extreme than full mania. These shifts impact daily life and relationships, often leading to challenges in functioning. Diagnosis and treatment, typically involving mood stabilizers and therapy, are essential for managing symptoms and improving overall well-being. Bipolar II Disorder emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing mood fluctuations to achieve stability and a higher quality of life.
Cyclothymic Disorder-It is also called cyclothymia is a mood disorder characterized by chronic, fluctuating mood swings. Individuals experience periods of hypomania, displaying elevated mood and increased energy, followed by mild depressive states. These mood shifts are less
intense than those in bipolar disorders but persist over time, affecting daily functioning and emotional well-being. Diagnosis often requires tracking mood patterns over a two-year period. While not as severe as bipolar disorders, Cyclothymic Disorder still significantly impacts an individual’s life. Treatment, including therapy and mood stabilizers, aims to manage symptoms, enhance stability, and improve the overall quality of life for those affected.
Bipolar illness symptoms that do not fall into one of the three categories above are occasionally referred to as “other specified and unspecified bipolar and related disorders.” Often, bipolar disorder is found during the late or early teenage years. Youths may occasionally experience bipolar symptoms. Even though the symptoms of bipolar disease might change over time, it usually requires lifetime therapy. A person’s quality of life can be improved and the signs can be under control by following a specified plan of treatment.
The exact causes of bipolar disorder are not fully understood, but a combination of genetic, neurobiological, and environmental factors is believed to contribute. Family history plays a significant role; having a close relative with bipolar disorder increases one’s risk. Neurotransmitter imbalances, particularly involving serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, are also implicated. Stressful life events, major life changes, substance abuse, and sleep disruptions can trigger or exacerbate mood episodes in individuals already predisposed to the disorder. Understanding and managing these triggers can be crucial in the management of bipolar disorder.
Symptoms
Depressive Episodes: Symptoms of a depressive episode include: Overwhelming sadness or emptiness, Loss of interest in once-enjoyed activities, Fatigue and loss of energy, Changes in appetite and weight, Sleep disturbances, inability to focus and make decisions, overwhelming shame or feelings of inadequacy thoughts of dying or committing suicide. Manic or Hypomanic Episodes: Symptoms of a manic or hypomanic episode include: Elevated mood, euphoria, or irritability, Increased energy and reduced need for sleep, Rapid speech and racing thoughts, Impulsivity and recklessness, Grandiose beliefs and inflated self-esteem, Difficulty focusing and completing tasks, Engaging in high-risk behaviors (spending sprees, risky sexual encounters, etc.)
