Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic depression, is a mental health condition characterised by extreme and unusual mood swings that include episodes of mania and depression. These mood swings can be intense and disruptive, impacting various aspects of a person's life, including relationships, work, and daily functioning. Bipolar disorder is categorised into different types, with the most common being bipolar I and bipolar II, each having distinct patterns of mood episodes.
Depressive Episode Symptoms:
- Persistent feelings of sadness
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
- Significant changes in eating patterns and weight
- Sleep disturbances (insomnia or excessive sleep)
- Fatigue and low energy
- Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
- Thoughts of self-harm or engaging in harmful behaviour
Manic Episode Symptoms:
- Feeling extremely happy, irritable, or overly confident
- Heightened energy and increased activity
- Sleep disturbances (insomnia or excessive sleep)
- Exaggerated self-belief and grandiosity
- Thoughts racing quickly and all over the place
- Impulsivity and risky behaviour (e.g., reckless spending, substance abuse)
- Difficulty maintaining focus
- Impaired judgment and decision-making
Effects of Bipolar Disorder
Mood Instability: Individuals with bipolar disorder experience intense mood swings. During manic episodes, they may feel excessively elated, energized, and impulsive. During depressive episodes, they can feel extremely sad, fatigued, and have low energy.
Impaired Relationships: The mood swings and unpredictable behaviour associated with bipolar disorder can strain relationships with family, friends, and coworkers. It may lead to conflicts, misunderstandings, and feelings of frustration.
Self-Management: Managing bipolar disorder often involves developing strategies and routines to cope with mood swings and potential triggers, which can be personally challenging. Engaging in therapy can provide individuals with coping mechanisms to manage their moods and emotional responses effectively.
Sometimes people have both manic and depressive symptoms in the same episode, and this is called an episode with mixed features. During an episode with mixed features, people may feel very sad or hopeless while at the same time feeling extremely energised. The exact cause of bipolar disorder is a result from a combination of genetic, biological, and environmental factors. Behavioural genetic studies have established that bipolar disorder is among the most heritable of medical disorders and efforts to identify specific susceptibility genes have intensified over the past two decades. It's essential for individuals to understand the early signs of depressive or manic episodes and have a plan in place to address them. With the right treatment, self-management strategies, and support, many individuals with bipolar disorder can lead fulfilling lives and effectively manage their condition.
