Top 10 Reasons About bipolar disorder?

Overview

Bipolar disorder, previously known as manic depression, is a mental health condition that causes intense mood changes. These changes include emotional highs, called mania or hypomania, and lows, known as depression. Hypomania is a milder form of mania.

When you are depressed, you might feel sad, hopeless, or lose interest in activities you once enjoyed. During mania or hypomania, you may feel extremely happy (euphoric), full of energy, or unusually irritable. These mood swings can impact your sleep, energy levels, actions, judgment, and ability to think clearly.

Mood swings in bipolar disorder, ranging from depression to mania, can happen rarely or several times a year. Each episode typically lasts for a few days. Some people experience long periods of emotional stability between episodes, while others may have frequent mood swings or even experience both depression and mania at the same time.

Though bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, it can be managed with the right treatment plan. Most healthcare providers treat it with a combination of medications and talk therapy, also known as psychotherapy, to help control mood swings and symptoms.

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Symptoms

There are several types of bipolar and related disorders:

• Bipolar I disorder. If you’ve experienced at least one manic episode, it may be followed or preceded by hypomanic or major depressive episodes. In some instances, mania can lead to a break from reality, a condition known as psychosis.

• Bipolar II disorder. You have experienced at least one major depressive episode and one hypomanic episode, but you have never had a manic episode.

• Cyclothymia. You have had at least two years— or one year for children and teens— of several periods with symptoms of hypomania and depressive episodes. These symptoms are milder than those seen in major depression.

• Other types. These types include bipolar and related disorders triggered by certain drugs, alcohol use, or medical conditions like Cushing’s disease, multiple sclerosis, or stroke.

Bipolar disorder involves mood swings that include periods of mania or hypomania (less extreme than mania) and depression. These symptoms can lead to unpredictable changes in mood and behavior, causing significant distress and difficulties in daily life.

Bipolar II disorder is a separate diagnosis from bipolar I disorder. It is not simply a milder form of bipolar I. While bipolar I may involve severe and dangerous manic episodes, bipolar II typically features longer periods of depression.

Bipolar disorder can begin at any age but is often diagnosed during the teenage years or early 20s. Symptoms vary from person to person and can change over time.

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Mania and hypomania

Mania and hypomania share similar symptoms, but mania is more severe. Mania causes significant issues at work, school, and in social settings and can lead to problems in relationships. It may also involve psychosis, a break from reality. In such cases, hospitalization might be necessary for treatment.

Manic and hypomanic episodes include three or more of the following symptoms:

• Being much more active, energetic, or agitated than usual.

• Feeling overly confident or having a distorted sense of well-being.

• Needing much less sleep than usual.

• Being unusually talkative and speaking quickly.

• Having racing thoughts or quickly shifting from one topic to another.

• Being easily distracted.

• Making poor decisions, such as spending excessively, taking risky actions, or making unwise investments.

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Major depressive episode

A major depressive episode involves symptoms that are intense enough to interfere with daily activities, including work, school, social interactions, and maintaining relationships.

An episode includes five or more of these symptoms:

• Feeling a depressed mood, which can include sadness, emptiness, hopelessness, or tearfulness. For children and teens, depression may appear as irritability, anger, or hostility.

• Experiencing a significant loss of interest or pleasure in almost all activities.

• Experiencing significant weight loss without dieting or overeating, or gaining weight. In children, not gaining weight as expected can also be a sign of depression.

• Sleeping too little or too much.

• Feeling restless or moving slower than usual.

• Feeling very tired or losing energy.

• Feeling worthless, excessively guilty, or feeling guilty without cause.

• Having difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions.

• Thinking about, planning, or attempting suicide.

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Other features of bipolar disorder

Symptoms of bipolar disorders, including depressive episodes, may also include other features such as:

• Anxious distress, When you’re experiencing symptoms of anxiety and fear, you may feel like you’re losing control.

• Melancholy, When you feel very sad and experience a deep loss of pleasure in things you usually enjoy.

• Psychosis, is when your thoughts or emotions feel disconnected from reality.

The timing of symptoms may be described as:

• Mixed, When you have symptoms of depression and mania or hypomania at the same time.

• Rapid cycling, When you have had four mood episodes in the past year, switching between mania, hypomania, and major depression.

Bipolar symptoms can also occur during pregnancy or change with the seasons.

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Symptoms in children and teens

Identifying bipolar disorder in children and teens can be challenging. Symptoms may resemble typical mood swings, stress, or trauma, making it difficult to differentiate from other mental health issues.

Children and teenagers with bipolar disorder may experience distinct episodes of depression or mania/hypomania, but their patterns can differ from those in adults. Mood shifts during these episodes can be rapid, and some may have periods without symptoms in between.

The most noticeable signs in younger individuals are severe mood swings that stand out from their usual behavior.

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When to see a doctor

People with bipolar disorder may not always realize how much their mood swings affect their lives and the lives of those around them. This lack of awareness can lead to not seeking the necessary treatment.

Some individuals may enjoy the euphoric feelings and heightened productivity that come with manic or hypomanic episodes. However, these periods are often followed by a significant emotional crash, leading to depression and exhaustion. This can cause difficulties in relationships and financial or legal issues.

If you notice symptoms of depression or mania, it’s important to consult a healthcare or mental health professional. Bipolar disorder does not improve on its own, and a mental health expert can help manage and control your symptoms.

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When to get emergency help

Thoughts of suicide and actions on these thoughts are common among people with bipolar disorder. If you or someone you know is thinking about self-harm or suicide, it is crucial to seek help immediately. You can reach out to a family member or friend, contact a suicide hotline, call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency department. In the U.S., you can call or text 988 to connect with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which is available 24/7. You can also use Lifeline Chat for support. These services are free and confidential.

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Causes

The exact cause of bipolar disorder is not fully understood, but several factors may contribute to its development. These include genetic factors, as it often runs in families, chemical imbalances in the brain, and changes in brain structure or function. Environmental factors such as stressful life events, trauma, or significant life changes can also play a role. Additionally, brain chemistry and hormonal changes may affect mood regulation and contribute to the onset of the disorder.

• Biological differences.  People with bipolar disorder often show physical changes in their brains. While the exact significance of these changes is unclear, ongoing research may help explain why they occur and how they relate to the disorder.

• Genetics. Bipolar disorder is more common in people who have a close relative, like a sibling or parent, with the condition. Researchers are working to identify specific genes that might contribute to bipolar disorder.

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Risk factors

Factors that may increase the risk of developing bipolar disorder or trigger the first episode include:

• Having a first-degree relative, like a parent or sibling, with bipolar disorder.

• Periods of high stress, such as the death of a loved one or other traumatic events.

• Drug or alcohol misuse.

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Complications

Left untreated, bipolar disorder can lead to serious problems affecting all areas of your life, including:

• Problems related to drug and alcohol misuse.

• Suicide or attempts to commit suicide.

• Legal or financial issues.

• Difficulty in relationships with others.

• Struggles with work or school performance.

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Conditions that occur at the same time

Sometimes, what appears to be bipolar disorder might actually be another condition. Symptoms of bipolar disorder can overlap with other disorders, and you might have another health issue that needs treatment alongside bipolar disorder. Some conditions can worsen bipolar disorder symptoms or make treatment less effective.

Examples include:

• Anxiety disorders.

• Eating disorders.

• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

• Alcohol or drug misuse.

• Borderline personality traits or disorders.

• Physical health problems, such as heart disease, thyroid issues, headaches, or obesity.

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Prevention

There’s no guaranteed way to prevent bipolar disorder. However, seeking treatment as soon as you notice mental health issues can help prevent bipolar disorder or other conditions from worsening.

If you have bipolar disorder, you can take steps to prevent minor symptoms from escalating into severe episodes of mania or depression:

• Pay attention to warning signs. Discussing symptoms early with your care team can help prevent episodes from worsening. If you notice patterns or triggers for your bipolar episodes, let your healthcare or mental health professional know if you feel an episode is beginning. Also, ask family or friends to watch for warning signs.

• Get enough sleep. Sleep disruptions can often trigger instability in bipolar disorder.

• Stay away from drugs and alcohol. Drinking alcohol or using street drugs can worsen your symptoms and increase the chances of them returning.

• Take your medicines as directed. You might be tempted to stop treatment, but it’s important not to. Stopping your medicine or reducing your dose on your own can lead to withdrawal effects and may make your symptoms worse or cause them to return.

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Conclusion

Bipolar disorder is a complex mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings, including periods of mania or hypomania and depression. The disorder can significantly impact daily life, affecting work, relationships, and overall well-being. Early diagnosis and consistent treatment, including medication and therapy, are crucial for managing symptoms effectively. Understanding the disorder’s triggers, maintaining a stable routine, and avoiding substances like alcohol and drugs can help in managing mood episodes. With appropriate care and support, individuals with bipolar disorder can lead fulfilling lives despite the challenges posed by the condition.

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FAQs

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