Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a serious mental health disorder that causes mood swings from extreme high or euphoric state to extreme low or depressed phase.
What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a psychiatric illnessin which patients often have mood episodes that can last from a few days to a few weeks. These mood swings range from manic/hypomanicor depressive episodes.
As the name suggests, bipolar disorder comprises of two poles. First pole or first part is mania and second pole or second part is depression. Manic episodes and depressive episodes differ in symptoms and presentations and they can be persistent or can occur in episodes.
What are the signs and symptoms of a manic episode?
- An increase in energy and increased self-worth (high talks)
- Extreme anger or euphoria that last minimum for seven days.
- Reckless behaviour like over speeding
- Decreased need for sleep
- Increased spending, increased religiosity
- Hypersexuality
Depressive symptoms
- Persistent sad mood for at least 14 days
- Lack of self-confidence and poor motivation
- Loss of interest in previously pleasurable activities
- Suicidal thoughts
- Feeling lethargic whole day
- Negative thinking about self and future
Bipolar 1 is a bipolar disorder that has both manic and depressive phases. People with bipolar 1 have full-blown episodes of mania.
In bipolar 2 disorder, there are phases of hypomania and depression. Hypomania is less severe type of mania that can last for 3-4 days and that isn't as bad as full-blown mania.
Treatment for bipolar disorder
Mood stabilizers are first line of treatment for the patients suffering from bipolar disorder. Lithium is the mood stabiliser that is widely used by mental health professionals/psychiatrist worldwide. Some anticonvulsants group of medicines like sodium valproate and carbamazepine are also effective in decreasing symptoms of manic episodes. Few antipsychotic medications also have antimanic properties. Antidepressants are useful during depressive phase of bipolar disorder. Psychotherapy like Cognitive behavioural therapy can also help in depressive phase.
Light therapy for seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
Exposure to artificial light has given very good results in treatment of seasonal affective disorder. SAD is a type of mood disorder where patient usually develops symptoms during winter season.
Regular exercise can help with depression, and it is just as helpful as antidepressants. Several studies show that exercise can help you fall asleep easier, improve your overall health, and even keep your mood in check.
For the best results, medication and psychotherapy are often used together to treat bipolar disorder. Also, some changes to your diet and lifestyle modifications can help the healing process:
- Don’t stop medicines on your own without consulting your doctor.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Become more social and outgoing at the same time continuing your medications.
- Keep an eye out for warning signs if condition starts to deteriorate. Don’t hesitate to consult a psychiatrist before condition gets worsen.
- Working out is a key part of a healthy way of life. Regular exercise can help people with depression. Think about walking, running, swimming or cycling.
- Get adequate sleep. This is a very important point. If you are having trouble sleeping, talk to your psychiatrist.
