Understanding Bipolar Disorders – Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Bipolar disorder is a mental illness affecting millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by changes in mood, energy, and activity levels, causing a person to experience episodes of both high and low moods. These mood swings can be so extreme that they can severely impact a person’s daily life, affecting their work or school performance, relationships, and overall well-being.
According to the NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), bipolar disorder affects over 10 million Americans alone, and approximately 4.4% of all Americans will experience it eventually.
In this blog, we will explore what bipolar disorders are, their symptoms, causes, treatment options, and the importance of seeking help. So, if you or someone you know is struggling with extreme mood swings, read on to understand bipolar disorder and how to manage it effectively.
Bipolar disorder is a psychiatric (mental health) illness that is characterized by mood swings, including periods of mania or hypomania (emotional highs) and depression (emotional lows). It was formerly called manic depression.
During a depressive episode, individuals may feel sad and hopeless and lose interest in most activities. On the other hand, during a manic episode, they may feel euphoric, energized, or unusually irritable. These mood swings can affect sleep, activity, energy, behavior, judgment, and the ability to think clearly. One typically experiences mood episodes during specific days to weeks, while neutral moods are also common.
- Feeling energized
- Poor judgment
- Being distracted or bored
- Performing poorly at work or school
- Sleeping little but not weary
- Having the energy to do anything
- Missing work or school
- Being outgoing and direct
- Increased libido
- Talking a lot
- Having “racing” thoughts that appear and disappear quickly
- High levels of self-assurance, self-esteem, and self-importance
- Feeling thrilled or joyful
- Extreme sadness
- Worry over little matters
- A sense of doom
- Feeling miserable and despair
- Eating more or less
- Difficulty with sleep and insomnia
- Losing weight or gaining weight
- Extreme lethargy and exhaustion
- Inability to concentrate and remember irritability
The cause of bipolar disorder is not fully understood, but researchers believe several factors may contribute to its development.
These factors include biological differences, such as physical changes in the brain, and genetics, as the condition tends to run in families. Additionally, brain development may also play a role in bipolar disorder.
The main goal of the treatment plan for bipolar disorders is to stabilize mood and reduce symptom severity to enable effective daily functioning. Treatment for bipolar disorders typically involves a combination of:
- Medication
- Counseling
- Physical intervention
- Lifestyle remedies
Seeking help for bipolar disorder is crucial for managing symptoms and improving the overall quality of life. Working with a healthcare provider is also important to develop and stick to a treatment plan that includes medication, counseling, regular exercise, structured activities, and tracking moods can also be helpful.
Finally, trusted friends and family members can provide much needed support. Remember that improvement takes time, but with ongoing treatment and social support, it is possible to control symptoms and live a healthy life.
