BIPOLAR DISORDER
According to the urban dictionary, Bipolar disorder is a mental disorder marked by alternating periods of deep depression and extreme euphoria (mania). Contrary to popular belief, the violent mood swings associated with this illness are far more prolonged than ordinary emotional ups and downs, and the shifts of mood are sustained lasting weeks, months, or even years. The classic form of this condition is an extremely severe form of the psychiatric disease but in more recent times milder variations more depressive-heavy and less manic have been included. It, however, remains very serious in all its forms, and no group of people, mentally ill or mentally healthy, commit suicide half as much as manic-depressives do. It's a horrible disease and certainly not to be trivialized as just "mood swings".
People with bipolar disorder frequently display extreme, intense, and disturbing emotional states known as mood episodes. Extreme happiness or excitement (mania) and melancholy (depression) are typical symptoms of mood episodes. People with bipolar disorder can also have normal moods occasionally. According to the American Psychiatric Association, there are four major categories of bipolar disorder: bipolar I disorder, bipolar II disorder, cyclothymic disorder, and bipolar disorder due to another medical or substance abuse disorder.
Causes
Bipolar disorder does not appear to have a single cause but is more likely to result from a range of factors that interact.
- Genetic factors: Some studies have suggested that there may be a genetic component to bipolar disorder. It is more likely to emerge in a person who has a family member with the condition.
- Biological traits: Patients with bipolar disorder often show physical changes in their brains, but the link remains unclear.
- Brain-chemical imbalances: Neurotransmitter imbalances appear to play a key role in many mood disorders, including bipolar disorder.
- Hormonal problems: Hormonal imbalances might trigger or cause bipolar disorder.
-Environmental factors: Abuse, mental stress, a “significant loss,” or some other traumatic event may contribute to or trigger bipolar disorder.
One possibility is that some people with a genetic predisposition for bipolar disorder may not have noticeable symptoms until an environmental factor triggers a severe mood shift.
Treatments
- Treatment aims to minimize the frequency of manic and depressive episodes, and to reduce the severity of symptoms to enable a relatively normal and productive life. Left untreated, a bout of depression or mania can persist for up to 1 year. With treatment, improvements are possible within 3 to 4 months.
-Treatment involves a combination of therapies, which may include medications and physical and psychological interventions.
The person may continue to experience mood changes, but working closely with a doctor can reduce the severity and make the symptoms more manageable.
Drug treatment
Lithium carbonate is the most commonly prescribed long-term drug to treat long-term episodes of depression and mania or hypomania. Patients usually take lithium for at least 6 months.
It is essential for the patient to follow the doctor’s instructions about when and how to take their medication in order for the drugs to work.
Other treatments include:
- Anticonvulsants: These are sometimes prescribed to treat mania episodes.
- Antipsychotics: Aripiprazole, olanzapine, risperidone are some of the options if the behavior is very disturbed and symptoms are severe.
Medication may need to be adjusted as moods shift, and some drugs have side effects.
Some antidepressants given to patients before they have a diagnosis of bipolar disorder may trigger an initial manic episode. A physician who is treating a patient with depression should monitor for this.
Psychotherapy, CBT, and hospitalization
Psychotherapy aims to alleviate and help the patient manage symptoms.
If the patient can identify and recognize the key triggers, they may be able to minimize the secondary effects of the condition. The person can learn to recognize the first symptoms that indicate the onset of an episode and work on the factors that help maintain the “normal” periods for as long as possible. This can help maintain positive relationships at home and at work.
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), as an individual or family-focused therapy, can help prevent relapses. Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy, combined with CBT, can also help with depressive symptoms.
Hospitalization is less common now than in the past. However, temporary hospitalization may be advisable if there is a risk of the patient harming themselves or others. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may help if other treatments are not effective.
Keeping up a regular routine with a healthy diet, enough sleep, and regular exercise can help the person maintain stability. Any supplements should first be discussed with a doctor, as some alternative remedies can interact with the drugs used for bipolar disorder or exacerbate symptoms.
By: Oluwapelumi Atanseiye @pearlumie_
People with bipolar disorder frequently display extreme, intense, and disturbing emotional states known as mood episodes. Extreme happiness or excitement (mania) and melancholy (depression) are typical symptoms of mood episodes. People with bipolar disorder can also have normal moods occasionally. According to the American Psychiatric Association, there are four major categories of bipolar disorder: bipolar I disorder, bipolar II disorder, cyclothymic disorder, and bipolar disorder due to another medical or substance abuse disorder.
Causes
Bipolar disorder does not appear to have a single cause but is more likely to result from a range of factors that interact.
- Genetic factors: Some studies have suggested that there may be a genetic component to bipolar disorder. It is more likely to emerge in a person who has a family member with the condition.
- Biological traits: Patients with bipolar disorder often show physical changes in their brains, but the link remains unclear.
- Brain-chemical imbalances: Neurotransmitter imbalances appear to play a key role in many mood disorders, including bipolar disorder.
- Hormonal problems: Hormonal imbalances might trigger or cause bipolar disorder.
-Environmental factors: Abuse, mental stress, a “significant loss,” or some other traumatic event may contribute to or trigger bipolar disorder.
One possibility is that some people with a genetic predisposition for bipolar disorder may not have noticeable symptoms until an environmental factor triggers a severe mood shift.
Treatments
- Treatment aims to minimize the frequency of manic and depressive episodes, and to reduce the severity of symptoms to enable a relatively normal and productive life. Left untreated, a bout of depression or mania can persist for up to 1 year. With treatment, improvements are possible within 3 to 4 months.
-Treatment involves a combination of therapies, which may include medications and physical and psychological interventions.
The person may continue to experience mood changes, but working closely with a doctor can reduce the severity and make the symptoms more manageable.
Drug treatment
Lithium carbonate is the most commonly prescribed long-term drug to treat long-term episodes of depression and mania or hypomania. Patients usually take lithium for at least 6 months.
It is essential for the patient to follow the doctor’s instructions about when and how to take their medication in order for the drugs to work.
Other treatments include:
- Anticonvulsants: These are sometimes prescribed to treat mania episodes.
- Antipsychotics: Aripiprazole, olanzapine, risperidone are some of the options if the behavior is very disturbed and symptoms are severe.
Medication may need to be adjusted as moods shift, and some drugs have side effects.
Some antidepressants given to patients before they have a diagnosis of bipolar disorder may trigger an initial manic episode. A physician who is treating a patient with depression should monitor for this.
Psychotherapy, CBT, and hospitalization
Psychotherapy aims to alleviate and help the patient manage symptoms.
If the patient can identify and recognize the key triggers, they may be able to minimize the secondary effects of the condition. The person can learn to recognize the first symptoms that indicate the onset of an episode and work on the factors that help maintain the “normal” periods for as long as possible. This can help maintain positive relationships at home and at work.
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), as an individual or family-focused therapy, can help prevent relapses. Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy, combined with CBT, can also help with depressive symptoms.
Hospitalization is less common now than in the past. However, temporary hospitalization may be advisable if there is a risk of the patient harming themselves or others. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may help if other treatments are not effective.
Keeping up a regular routine with a healthy diet, enough sleep, and regular exercise can help the person maintain stability. Any supplements should first be discussed with a doctor, as some alternative remedies can interact with the drugs used for bipolar disorder or exacerbate symptoms.
By: Oluwapelumi Atanseiye @pearlumie_
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