Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder distinguished by periods of mania followed by periods of depression. People who have been diagnosed with this condition have the option of going through therapy and taking mood stabilizing pills to keep their manic and depressive episodes at bay.
Mania And Manic Episodes:
A person with this mood disorder experiences heightened moods known as manic episodes. Mania is a mood where a person’s feelings are enhanced and their energy levels are high. A person going through a manic episode might feel sexually aroused and tend to speak quickly when conversing with someone. A manic episode can last as long as one week.
Depressive Episodes:
A depressive episode occurs when a person with bipolar disorder experiences constant feelings of guilt, sadness, anxiety or loneliness. When a depressive episode strikes, they can have trouble sleeping and eating. Activities they usually enjoy become tedious and boring. They might have a hard time concentrating, experience persistent pain and become irritable. The depressive episode can make them feel anxious in a large group of people and shy when they’re speaking with others. A depressive episode can last from two weeks to six months.
Bipolar Disorder Causes:
The causes of bipolar disorder are different for different people. The studies done on patients with this mood disorder have shown that there are genetic and environmental factors that contribute to the mental illness.
Managing Bipolar Symptoms:
There are a variety of ways to manage someone’s symptoms. Patients who participate in psychotherapy learn how to anticipate an oncoming manic or depressive episode. The therapist helps the patient realize the triggers in the patient’s life and how to avoid them. Since this disorder can damage the way a person interacts with others, a therapist helps the patient navigate negative feelings that can damage the relationships with their family, friends and co-workers. Psychotherapy also aims to improve the symptoms that get in the way of their self-acceptance.
Mood Stabilizers:
Mood stabilizers are used to reverse the manic or depressive periods and prevent a patient from relapsing. One of the first mood stabilizers used successfully is lithium. Lithium’s effects are used more to treat acute manic episodes. Studies have shown that patients with mood disorders who use lithium carbonate in treatment have a lower risk of self-harm and suicide. Light therapy, known as phototherapy, has been used to improve the disposition of a person with a mood disorder as well. In some cases, a patient may require hospitalization until they are mentally stable to live on their own.
A study conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) found that some of the highest diagnoses of people with bipolar disorder are located in South Asia and Africa. North America, Australia and parts of Europe tend to have a lower number of citizens with this mood disorder. This differentiation may be due to lack of medical coverage in these locations.
Bipolar Disorder And Suicide:
If left untreated, someone with this mental illness might attempt suicide. Approximately one-third of people with this mood disorder have committed suicide or failed doing so several times in the past. Fortunately, with a timely diagnosis and strong treatment plan, someone with this mental illness can lead a healthy life.