Bipolar Disorder: Your Mood's Worst Enemy
Extreme mood swings are the common denominator when it comes to bipolar disorder. A person can shift from manic to depressive, causing seriously risky behavior. Happy to suicidal, changing from high to low, is not a way to live. Another term for this mental illness is manic depression. These mood changes also effect sleep patterns, thinking, and energy levels. The highs and lows are two “poles” of mood, hence the name “bipolar.”
When a person is manic, they are overly excited and very confident in themselves. Their decision making can become impulsive and reckless. Hallucinations are common and the person can become delusional in believing things that are not true. This behavior can really impair daily living, affecting relationships, parenting and career. When a person is manic, they are restless, have a high sex drive, have tons of energy, can hardly concentrate, are overly excited, and tend to abuse alcohol and drugs.
Depressive symptoms are more common. The person lacks energy, they are sad and irritable, they don’t enjoy things they once liked, they might experience insomnia, changes in appetite, have thoughts of suicide, and just feel worthless. The switch between the two behaviors are very sporadic and unpredictable. Episodes can be short in duration or last months or even years. The interval between these episodes can also vary.
There are different classifications of this illness. Bipolar I disorder is when you have had at least one manic episode followed by a depressive state. Bipolar II disorder is when you have had at least one depressive state followed by a hypomanic state but not a full manic state. Cyclothymic disorder is when you have at least two years of mild changes in mood between depression and hypomania. This mental illness usually develops in late childhood or early adulthood. It effects men and women equally. However, women are more likely to have more mood cycles and stay in the depressive state longer. Alcohol abuse and drug abuse are common during both states.
Causes are related to physical changes in the brain and genetics (you are at more risk if a direct relative has the disorder). People at risk are also those with very high stress or who have had trauma. Those who abuse drugs and alcohol are also at risk.
A family doctor will refer a possible case to a psychiatrist for evaluation. They will ask about symptoms and family history and then perform a complete psychiatric evaluation. Diagnosis is symptom-based as the doctor tries to rule out other causes such as having low thyroid function or alcohol and drug abuse. Friends and family are often asked for feedback.
Bipolar disorder requires ongoing treatment, treatment should not just take place when an episode occurs. Managing the mood swings is an important part of treatment. Mood stabilizers are the main treatment and sometimes antipsychotic medications can be prescribed. Combinations of medications can also be used. Talk therapy is often recommended (psychotherapy). There is hope in what can seem like a hopeless situation, but it comes down to seeking and embracing treatment. Seeking help is an admirable trait and inspires others to do the same.
Sources:
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/labs-at-nimh/join-a-study/adults/adults-bipolar-disorder.shtml
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2963467/
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