Bipolar disorder: What You Should Know

Changes in mood, energy, and activity levels are common in people with bipolar disorder, and they can make day-to-day life difficult.

Bipolar disorder can severely impair a person's life, but the severity of the effects varies from person to person. Many persons with this illness can live a full and productive life with the right treatment and care.

A person's diagnosis is usually made around the age of 25, however symptoms can arise as early as adolescence or later in life. It affects both men and women equally.

What is bipolar disorder, and how does it affect you?

The basic symptoms of bipolar disorder, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, are alternating spells of high and low mood. Changes in a person's energy levels, sleep patterns, focus, and other characteristics can have a significant impact on their behaviour, job, relationships, and other parts of life.

Most people experience mood swings at some point in their lives, but those associated with bipolar illness are more severe and can include other symptoms. Psychosis is a condition that causes delusions, hallucinations, and paranoia in some persons.

The person's mood may remain stable for months or years between episodes, especially if they are adhering to a treatment plan.

Many people with bipolar disorder may work, study, and live a full and productive life thanks to treatment. When treatment improves a person's quality of life, they may choose to discontinue taking their medicine. The symptoms may then reappear.

Some parts of bipolar disorder might make you happy. They may become more friendly, conversational, and creative while in a good mood.

An heightened mood, on the other hand, is unlikely to last. Even if it does, it may be difficult to maintain focus or stick to plans. This makes it tough to see a project through to completion.

Symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person, according to the International Bipolar Association. An episode might last months or even years for some people. Others may experience "highs" and "lows" at the same moment or within a short period of time.

A person with “rapid cycling” bipolar disorder will have four or more episodes in a year.

Bipolar disorder comes in a variety of forms

A person with bipolar disorder may be diagnosed with one of three categories.

Bipolar I is a kind of bipolar disorder.

If you've been diagnosed with bipolar I disorder, you should do the following

• At least one manic episode must have occurred in the individual.
• The individual may have already experienced a serious depressive episode.
• Other conditions, such as schizophrenia and delusional disorder, must be ruled out by the clinician.

Bipolar II is a kind of bipolar disorder.

Periods of hypomania are common in bipolar II disorder, but depression is generally the prevalent mood.

A person diagnosed with bipolar II disorder must have:

• one or more depressive episodes
• at least one episode of hypomania
• There is no alternative explanation for the mood swings.

Hypomania causes a person to feel well and operate well, but their mood is unstable, and there is a danger of depression.

Causes

Bipolar disorder appears to be caused by a number of variables.

• Those who have a family member who suffers from bipolar disorder are more likely to develop the illness. A lot of hereditary characteristics could be at play.
• Unbalances in neurotransmitters or hormones that impact the brain may play a role, according to research.
• Abuse, emotional stress, a "major loss," or any traumatic incident may set off an initial episode in someone who is vulnerable.

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to improve the person's mood and lessen the intensity of their symptoms. The purpose is to assist the individual in functioning properly in everyday life.

A variety of therapies are used in treatment, including:

• medication
• counseling
• physical intervention
• lifestyle modifications

Individuals react differently, and symptoms vary considerably, so getting a precise diagnosis and finding a good treatment might take time.

To meet a psychiatrist in Bangalore, book an appointment 08037518692 at Chirag Hospital

Bipolar disorder is a serious mental health illness characterized by mood swings, energy levels, and focus problems, among other symptoms.

It has the potential to severely impair a person's life, although therapy can significantly improve the prognosis.

Treatment may not completely eradicate mood swings, but working closely with a doctor can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Dr. Manaswini Mullapudi earned her MBBS from KLE University Belgaum, where she received honors in all four years of her studies.

She went on to earn her M.D. in Psychiatry at Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences in Karnataka, where she received a state third-place finish.

She developed Chirag Hospital's Psychiatry unit, well-trained in the science of analyzing and comprehending the human mind, with the goal of providing compassionate and comprehensive care to patients suffering from daily discomfort and mental disease.