Bipolar Disorder Help

Brief summary of bipolar disorder  : 

• A pathological mental health condition is fairly common.

• About 1 in 100 people will be diagnosed with it at some point in their lives.

• The pattern of mood swings in bipolar disorder varies widely from person to person.

• Episodes of mania and depression often last for weeks or months.

• Stressful conditions or situations often trigger symptoms of bipolar disorder.

bipolar disorder medical definition : 

It is a brain disorder that causes changes in a person's mood, energy, and ability to function, a mental health condition that affects mood; Mood swings between very high (mania) and very low (depression). The patient also goes through some periods of normal mood.

Other names of bipolar disorder :

manic depression

Causes of bipolar disorder :

The exact cause is still unknown, but it is believed that there are some factors that are a complex mix of physical, environmental and social factors that can lead to the disorder, including:

• Chemical imbalance in the brain of levels of neurotransmitters, which are chemicals responsible for controlling brain functions (eg: noradrenaline, serotonin, and dopamine).

• Genetics; Bipolar disorder is thought to be linked to genetics.

• Stressful conditions or situations often trigger symptoms of bipolar disorder.

• Severe psychological stress.

• Severe problems in daily life (eg money, work, or relationship problems).

• Life-affecting events (such as the death of a close relative).

• Sleep disorders.

Bipolar disorder risk factors:

• genetics; Bipolar disorder can run in families; 80-90% of people with bipolar disorder have a close relative, who has either depression or bipolar disorder.

• environmental factors.

• Severe stress, disturbed sleep, drugs, and alcohol may trigger seizures in at-risk patients.

Symptoms of bipolar disorder : 

A person with bipolar disorder experiences episodes of depression, episodes of mania, and sometimes periods of normal mood. A person with bipolar disorder also has symptoms of depression and mania (mixed state), eg hyperactivity with depressed mood.

• Symptoms during the depressive phase may include:

• Feeling sad, hopeless, or irritable most of the time.

• Lack of energy and difficulty concentrating and remembering things.

• Feeling empty and losing interest in daily activities.

• Guilt and hopelessness.

• Feeling pessimistic about everything.

• lack of self-confidence.

• Hallucinations and confused or illogical thinking.

• Anorexia.

• difficulty sleeping

• Waking up early.

• suicidal thoughts

During the manic phase symptoms may include:

• Feeling very happy.

• Talk very quickly.

• Feeling full of energy.

• Sense of self-importance.

• Feeling full of great new ideas and important plans.

• Hallucinations and disturbed or illogical thinking.

• Not feeling the need to sleep and eat.

When should you see a doctor?

1. When you feel thoughts of death or suicide.
2. When any of the symptoms of depression or mania appear.
3. If you have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and your symptoms return or new symptoms appear.

Complications of bipolar disorder:

Stopping or taking medications the wrong way may cause symptoms to return, and lead to the following complications:

1. Suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
2. Take drugs.
3. Murders.
   

Diagnosis of bipolar disorder:

The diagnosis is made based on the symptoms of the disease, the patient's medical history and experiences, and family history, and may require some tests (such as: checking for thyroid problems).

Bipolar disorder treatment:

Treatment for bipolar disorder aims to reduce the severity and number of episodes of depression and mania to provide the person with as normal a life as possible. If the person is not treated, the manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder can last for 3 to 6 months.

It may require one or more types of treatment, including:

• Medicines to prevent episodes of mania and depression, these are known as 'mood stabilizers'.

• Medicines to treat the main symptoms of depression and mania when they occur.

• Recognize the causes and signs of a depressive or manic episode.

• Psychotherapy to help deal with depression, and advice on how to improve relationships with others.

• Lifestyle advice eg getting regular exercise, planning activities you enjoy and that give you a sense of accomplishment, improving your diet and getting more sleep.

Frequently asked questions about bipolar disorder :

Can people with bipolar disorder improve or lead normal lives for periods?

Yes, with adherence to treatment, healthy coping skills, and strong support, it is possible to live fully while managing symptoms.

wrong concepts:

The mood swings in bipolar disorder are similar from person to person.

Fact: Some people have only had a series of bipolar episodes in their lifetime and are stable in between, while some have many unstable episodes; They are more depressed than obsessed, and the mania may be so mild that it goes unrecognized.

Aside from taking medication, there is nothing that can be done to control bipolar disorder.

Fact: Medication is the key to treating bipolar disorder help, But treatment and self-help strategies also play important roles. Symptoms can be helped by:

• Exercise regularly.
• Get enough sleep.
• Follow a healthy diet.
• Mood control.
• Reducing stress.
• bipolar disorder help
• Surround yourself with supportive people.