Bipolar disorder, (also known as manic depression) is a serious mental illness that causes unusual and severe mood changes. The person may experience 'highs' (clinically known as mania) and 'lows' (known as depression), which may persist for a few days or many weeks. The person may experience distinct episodes of mania and depression, and these episodes may switch rapidly, even multiple times in one week. Bipolar disorder can cause severe disruption to a person’s life, but the impact varies between individuals. With appropriate treatment and support, many people with this condition live a full and productive life. However, when treatment helps a person feel better, they may stop taking their medication. Then, the symptoms can return.
Although bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, you can manage your mood swings and other symptoms by following a treatment plan. In most cases, bipolar disorder is treated with medications and psychological counseling (psychotherapy).
Causes bipolar disorder
The exact cause of the bipolar disorder is unknown, but several factors may be involved, such as:
⦁ Biological differences. 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.
⦁ Genetics. Bipolar disorder is more common in people who have a first-degree relative, such as a sibling or parent, with the condition. Researchers are trying to find genes that may be involved in causing bipolar disorder.
Symptoms
Signs of bipolar disorder include
The symptoms of bipolar affective disorder fall into three main categories:
⦁ symptoms of depression
⦁ symptoms of mania
⦁ other symptoms.
Prevention
There's no sure way to prevent bipolar disorder. However, getting treatment at the earliest sign of a mental health disorder can help prevent bipolar disorder or other mental health conditions from worsening.
If you've been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, some strategies can help prevent minor symptoms from becoming full-blown episodes of mania or depression:
⦁ Pay attention to warning signs. Addressing symptoms early on can prevent episodes from getting worse. You may have identified a pattern to your bipolar episodes and what triggers them. Call your doctor if you feel you're falling into an episode of depression or mania. Involve family members or friends in watching for warning signs.
⦁ Avoid drugs and alcohol. Using alcohol or recreational drugs can worsen your symptoms and make them more likely to come back.
⦁ Take your medications exactly as directed. You may be tempted to stop treatment but don't. Stopping your medication or reducing your dose on your own may cause withdrawal effects or your symptoms may worsen or return.
Treatment options
Treatment of bipolar disorder can take many different forms: medication, talking therapies, self-management (helping yourself), having a plan, whanau support and involvement, complementary therapies, education sessions, peer support, workshops, and sometimes respite care in the community is useful. Usually, a combination of these is best.
