Bipolar disorder, sometimes called manic depression, is a common mental health disorder that affects individuals of all ages and social groups. This illness can take a toll on the individual as well as on spouse and other family members and friends. Although bipolar disorder is a disruptive, long-term condition, the affected individuals can keep their moods in check by following a treatment plan.
What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a disorienting condition that causes extreme shifts in mood. Affected individuals may spend weeks feeling like they are on top of the world before plunging into a relentless depression. The length of each high and low varies greatly from person to person.
What are the symptoms of bipolar disorders?
Symptoms will depend on what phase of the illness the patient is in. Symptoms also vary from individual to individual but the following are some common symptoms.
Depressive phase symptoms
Without treatment, a person with bipolar disorder may experience intense episodes of depression. Symptoms include sadness, anxiety, and loss of energy, hopelessness and difficulty concentrating. Patients may lose interest in activities that were once pleasurable. They may gain or lose weight, sleep too much or too little and contemplate suicide.
Manic phase symptoms
During a manic phase, patients tend to feel euphoric and may believe they can accomplish anything. This can result in inflated self-esteem, agitation, and reduced need for sleep, being more talkative, being easily distracted and a sense of racing thoughts. Reckless behaviours, including spending sprees, sexual indiscretions, fast driving, and substance abuse, are common. Having three or more of these symptoms nearly everyday for a week may indicate a manic episode.
Bipolar I vs. Bipolar II
People with bipolar I disorder have manic episodes or mixed episodes and often have one or more depressive episodes. People with bipolar II have major depressive episodes with less severe mania. They experience hypomania, a condition that is less intense than mania or lasting less than a week. Patients may seem like the “life of the party” — full of charm and humour. They may feel and function fine, even if family and friends can see the mood swing. However, hypomania can lead to mania or depression.
Mixed episode
People with mixed episode experience depression and mania at the same time. This leads to unpredictable behaviour, such as sadness, while doing a favourite activity or feeling very energetic. It is more common in people who develop bipolar disorder at a young age, particularly during adolescence. Some doctors estimates suggest up to 70% of bipolar patients experience mixed episodes.
What causes bipolar disorder?
Doctors are not exactly sure what causes bipolar disorder. A leading theory is that brain chemicals fluctuate abnormally. When levels of certain chemicals become too high, the patient develops mania. When levels drop too low, depression may result.
Who gets bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder affects males and females equally. In most cases, the onset of symptoms is between 15 and 30 years old. People are at higher risk if a family member has been diagnosed, especially if it is a first degree relative, but doctors do not think that when the disorder first appears it is based on genetics alone. A stressful event, drug abuse, or other unknown factor may trigger the cycle of ups and downs.
Other effects of bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder can disrupt the affected individual’s goals at work and at home. In one survey, 88% of patients said the illness took a toll on their careers. The unpredictable mood swings can drive a wedge between patients and their co-workers or loved ones. In particular, the manic phase may scare off friends and family. People with bipolar disorder also have a higher risk of developing anxiety disorders. People with bipolar disorder are 10 to 20 times more likely to commit suicide than people without the illness.
Bipolar disorder and substance abuse
About 60% of people with bipolar disorder have trouble with drugs or alcohol. Patients may drink or abuse drugs to relieve the uncomfortable symptoms of their mood swings. This is especially common during the reckless manic phase.
Diagnosing Bipolar Disorder
A crucial step in diagnosing bipolar disorder is to rule out other possible causes of extreme mood swings. These may include brain infection or other neurological disorders, substance abuse, thyroid problem, HIV, ADHD, side effects of certain medications, or other psychiatric disorders. There is no lab test for bipolar disorder. A doctor or a psychiatrist usually makes the diagnosis based on a careful history and evaluation of the patient’s mood and other symptoms.
Medications for bipolar disorder
Medications are key in helping people with bipolar disorder live stable, productive lives. Some patients might also benefit from counselling and other forms of treatment. Some doctors also give medications between acute stages of mania or depression. Patients typically stay on maintenance medication to avoid a relapse.
Lifestyle changes
The following tips might prove beneficial for individuals with bipolar disorders: Individuals are encouraged to develop firm routines. These can help manage bipolar disorder. Routines should include sufficient sleep, regular meals, and exercise. As it is known that alcohol and recreational drugs can worsen the symptoms, these should be avoided. Patients should also learn to identify their personal early warning signs of mania and depression. This will allow them to get help before an episode spins out of control. Having a solid support system can help people with bipolar disorder feel less isolated and more motivated to manage their condition. Individuals with bipolar disorder should surround themselves with people who are a positive influence and would not encourage unhealthy behaviour or attitudes that can worsen bipolar disorder symptoms.
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)
Electroconvulsive therapy can help some people with bipolar disorder. ECT uses an electric current to cause a seizure in the brain. It is one of the fastest ways to ease severe symptoms. ECT is usually a last resort when a patient does not improve with medication or psychotherapy.
Seeking help for affected individuals
Many people with bipolar disorder do not realize they have a problem or avoid getting help. If you are concerned about a friend or family member you can do a lot to help him/her. Try to encourage him/her to seek professional help. Point out to him/her that his/her illness can be treated and is not a personality flaw – and there is a medical explanation for his/her symptoms. Effective medications are available in Anguilla for successfully treating someone with bipolar disorders.
Conclusion
Bipolar disorder is a mental health illness that affects both men and women. There is no sure way to prevent bipolar disorder. However, getting treatment at the earliest sign of a mental health disorder can help prevent bipolar disorder or other mental health conditions from worsening. If you have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder there are effective treatment options available to control the symptoms and allow individuals to live a productive life.
Ask Your Doctor is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. The reader should consult his or her physician for specific information concerning specific medical conditions. While all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that all information presented is accurate, as research and development in the medical field are ongoing, it is possible that new findings may supersede some data presented.
Dr Brett Hodge is an Obstetrician/Gynaecologist and Family Doctor who has over thirty years in clinical practice. Dr Hodge has a medical practice in The Johnson Building in The Valley (Tel: 264 4975828).
