What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a chronic or long-term condition. It consists of extreme mood swings that impact daily functioning - from highs to extreme lows. This condition impacts 1 in 50 Australians each year. Bipolar disorder commonly emerges for the first time in adolescence or early adulthood. It often occurs more often in females than in males. Sometimes, it is referred to as manic depression.

People with bipolar disorder will have times of extreme moods at various points:

• Manic or hypomanic episodesexperiencing extreme euphoria or being 'high'. Hypomania is 'less than mania'. Symptoms of hypomania are similar to those of a manic episode, but they are less extreme and shorter in duration. During hypomanic episodes, mood changes are not as severe. This means they are less likely to have an impact on your daily functioning at work or even when with friends.
• Depressive episodesfeeling low, hopeless and very sad. For a person with bipolar disorder, the symptoms experienced in an episode may differ and the length of an episode may also differ. It may last for weeks or months. Your mood changes might not be meaningful when taking into consideration the rest of your life's circumstances.

What are the types of bipolar disorder?

Professionals make a distinction among two main types of bipolar disorder:

• Bipolar I with severe, extreme-long-acting highs known as mania, which can be accompanied by periods of depression but may also, incorporate psychosis - inability to know or distinguish reality.
• Bipolar II with highs that are less extreme (hypomania) that only last for a few hours or days, along with depressive episodes. It will also include periods of normal mood.
• Cyclothymic disorder (cyclothymia): Individuals with cyclothymic disorder have a chronically unstable mood state. They suffer from hypomania and mild depression for at least two years. Individuals with cyclothymia might have short episodes of euthymia, which lasts for less than eight weeks.
• Other specified and unspecified bipolar and related disorders: If the individual does not meet the diagnostic criteria for bipolar I, II, or cyclothymia but has nevertheless experienced periods of clinically significant abnormal mood elevation, then it is considered other specified or unspecified bipolar disorder.

Another type is cyclothymiacs disorder. The mood swings are milder but still interfere with normal daily functioning.

What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?

Mood changes in a person with bipolar range between manic and depressive episodes.

The manic phase can comprise of:

• Feeling unusually and extremely happy or irritableness
• Inflated self-esteem or some unrealistic ideas
• More activity or energy, with diminished sleep needs
• Thought racing with speech (talking excessively or loudly or interrupted continuously)
• Impulsive or risky behaviors with spending, business or sexual activity
• Easily distracted by stimuli such as noises, other people, etc.
• Unrealistic plans, delusions or hallucinations

During a depressive phase, symptoms may include:

• Lack of motivation
• Difficulty concentrating
• An unusual lack of interest in normal leisure activities or hobbies
• Withdrawing from social contact and activities
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Low mood
• Feelings of worthlessness

What causes bipolar disorder?

The cause of bipolar disorder, according to scientists, is that research is still ongoing.

They are drawing a conclusion on the basis of heredity (inherited). More than two-thirds of individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder have a close blood relative with this same condition. Bipolar disorder is thus one of the most inherited psychiatric conditions. But just because your blood relative has a bipolar condition doesn't mean suddenly that you will have it.

Other factors believed to play a part in the course of bipolar disorder include the following:

• Changes in the brain: Most changes have been minor differences in average activation or size of certain brain structures discovered in people suffering from bipolar disorder. However, through brain scans, a diagnosis is not possible.
• Stressors like environmental trauma: Stressful incidents from a loved one dying, an illness, a divorce, and a lack of finances can trigger manic or depressed episodes because of their toll on the individual. Thus, it is also possible that stress and trauma play a role in the development of bipolar disorder.

Research studies continue to determine the specific relationships of these factors to bipolar disorder, how they might help prevent its emergence and their role in treatment.

What entails the diagnosis of bipolar disorder?

If you or someone else is worried about severe mood fluctuations, seek help. Consult with a doctor or health professional for an assessment.

A doctor's inquiry involves:

• Your moods
• For how long it lasts
• And the effect it has on everyday life

Bipolar disorder diagnosis generally involves a detailed examination of physical health to rule out a physical cause or other health problems. It will include the assessment of mental state and careful evaluation of symptoms and life experiences.

How is bipolar disorder treated?

Treatment tries to stabilize a patient's mood and lessen his symptoms. The primary aim of treatment is for the individual to be as active as possible in daily activities.

Treatment: Treatment is often a combination of therapies, such as

• Medication like:
• Antipsychotics
• Mood stabilizers

Antidepressants (though this occurs less frequently than the previous)

• Psychotherapy, among others includes:
• CBT - cognitive behavioral therapy
• Family-focused
• Self-management these will include the following:
• Information given about the condition
• Recognize the early stages of an episode
• Supplementary therapies include:
• Exercise
• Meditation
• Self-care such as good quality sleep in a consistent manner

A correct diagnosis may take some time, and appropriate treatment can be challenging to find. Everybody with bipolar has individualized needs, and symptom patterns vary widely.

What are the complications of bipolar disorder?

Unmanaged bipolar disorder leads to longer and more intense mood fluctuations. For example, periods of bipolar-induced depression may last for 12 months. Mania lasts for up to 6 months without treatment.

Bipolar disorder patients also risk having the following:

• Anxiety
• Substance abuse like alcoholism or drug addiction
• Cardio and cardiovascular diseases
• Diabetes
• Unhealthy weight (including overweight ness and obesity)
• Suicidal thoughts

Some of these conditions may also have to be treated simultaneously along with bipolar disorder.

With adequate treatment and support most people suffering from bipolar disorder can live productive, meaningful lives.

Can bipolar disorder be prevented?

There is as yet no known way to prevent someone developing bipolar disorder but almost everybody manages with the right treatment and support. A good strategy may include medications, therapy, and other self-help approaches.

If you have any family history of bipolar disorder, then you need to recognize the early warning signs. This should be awared by friends and family. Avoid taking any things that can trigger manic or hypomanic episodes such as:

• Too much caffeine
• Recreational drugs such as cocaine, amphetamines (also known as amphetamines) and ecstasy

Another ways to prevent relapses or episodes include:

• Ensuring you get enough sleep
• Learning to manage your stress

How soon should I see my health care provider about bipolar disorder?

If you have bipolar disorder, you will have to see your health care team from time to time throughout your lifetime to ensure that your treatment is working well for you. This team may include your:

• Primary health care provider.
• Psychiatrist.
• Psychologist or therapist.
• Neurologist.

How soon should I go to the emergency room for bipolar disorder?

If you’re experiencing any of these situations, it’s essential to go the nearest emergency room:

• Thoughts of death or suicide.
• Thoughts or plans of hurting yourself or others.
• Experiencing hallucinations and delusions.

Symptoms of lithium toxicity (overdose) include severe nausea and vomiting, severe hand tremors, confusion and vision changes.

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