Bipolar Disorder is a fairly common mental health condition that brings in severe mood swings and changes in sleep, energy, sleep, and thinking. It can be very confusing and frustrating because it is rather hard to diagnose unless you are looking for the symptoms.
People who have bipolar disorder can have periods in which they feel overly happy and energized and other periods of feeling very sad, hopeless, and sluggish. In between those periods, they usually feel normal. You can think of the highs and the lows as two "poles" of mood, which is why it's called "bipolar" disorder.
The word "manic" describes the times when someone with bipolar disorder feels overly excited and confident. These feelings can also involve irritability and impulsive or reckless decision-making. About half of people during mania can also have delusions or hallucinations. Which is why it is crucial for loved ones and friends to not downplay the suffering the person might be going through.
"Hypomania" describes milder symptoms of mania, in which someone does not have delusions or hallucinations, and their high symptoms do not interfere with their everyday life.
The word "depressive" describes the times when the person feels very sad or depressed. Those symptoms are the same as those described in major depressive disorder or "clinical depression," a condition in which someone never has manic or hypomanic episodes.
Most people with bipolar disorder spend more time with depressive symptoms than manic or hypomanic symptoms. Although it’s not a rare condition, bipolar disorder can be hard to diagnose because of its varied symptoms.
If you suspect you or someone you know may have bipolar disorder, there are three main things to look out for: mania, hypomania, and depression.
1. While experiencing mania, a person with bipolar disorder may feel an emotional high. They can feel excited, impulsive, euphoric, and full of energy. During manic episodes, they may also engage in behavior such as spending sprees, unprotected sex, and drug use.
2. Hypomania is generally associated with bipolar II disorder. It’s similar to mania, but it’s not as severe. Unlike mania, hypomania may not result in any trouble at work, school, or in social relationships. However, people with hypomania still notice changes in their mood.
During an episode of depression you may experience deep sadness, hopelessness, loss of energy, lack of interest in activities that you liked, sleep disorders, suicidal thoughts, etc.
Bipolar disorder can be genetic, hereditary, or arise from a slew of other factors.
When someone develops bipolar disorder, it usually starts when they're in late adolescence or young adulthood. Rarely, it can happen earlier in childhood. Bipolar disorder can run in families.
Men and women are equally likely to get it. Women are somewhat more likely than men to go through "rapid cycling," which is having four or more distinct mood episodes within a year. Women also tend to spend more time depressed than men with bipolar disorder.
Many people with the condition abuse alcohol or other drugs when manic or depressed. People with bipolar disorder are more likely to have seasonal depression, co-existing anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Bipolar disorder can be treated. It's a long-term condition that needs ongoing care.
Medication is the main treatment, usually involving "mood stabilizers" such as carbamazepine (Tegretol), lamotrigine (Lamictal), lithium, or valproate (Depakote). Sometimes antipsychotic drugs are also used such as olanzapine (Zyprexa), quetiapine (Seroquel), lurasidone (Latuda), and cariprazine (Vraylar), as well as antidepressants. Combinations of medicines are often used. Psychotherapy, or "talk therapy," is often recommended, too.
Bipolar disorder is a sensitive, and frustrating condition and people who may be suffering from it need the best help they can get, and love from their loved ones.
If you think you may be suffering from any of the above symptoms, or you know someone who may find this useful, contact us or visit Betterfe.
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Remember,
You are not alone.
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