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Balancing the Extremes: Bipolar Disorder Explained
Rachel had always been vibrant and creative. But over the years she found herself in an emotional tug-of-war swinging from extreme excitement to being consumed by sadness, fatigue and hopelessness. Without having to make any phone call Rachel’s father booked an online appointment with a healthcare provider on Cellmaflex. It was upon seeing her doctor that Rachel was able to get an accurate diagnosis of her condition which was bipolar disorder.
Rachel’s provider was able to assess and manage her fluctuation of moods and then implemented a combination of pharmacological and psychological treatment, as well as recommend certain changes in his her everyday routine. Rachel was able to remain in contact with her care team with the help of Cellmaflex and received reminders for appointments and medications which contributed to the normalisation of her life.
Bipolar disorder is a complex disorder that can significantly impact a person’s life. However, with proper treatment, individuals can manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives. Read the blog to know what bipolar disorder is, its types and stages, symptoms, hormonal changes and risk associated with the disorder.
What is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder, previously known as manic-depressive illness, is a lifelong mental health condition and a mood disorder. The disorder causes extreme shift in mood, energy levels, thinking and behavioural patterns. These shifts can last for hours, days, weeks or months. Due to these shifts, the individual’s day-to-day life and tasks are disrupted.
There are types of bipolar disorder which involve significant experience of fluctuations in mood. These can include hypomanic or manic and depressive episodes. These individuals also experience periods of normal mood, which is known as euthymia.
According to an article published by WHO, currently over 40 million people live with bipolar disorder globally.
The age of occurrence
Mania
In this condition, an individual will have unusually raised or irritable mood along with extreme changes in emotions, thoughts and energy, activity level and talkativeness. Such highly enhanced level of activities and behaviour is a drastic change and is noticeable by others. People in the manic state might yield to activities that might cause social, physical or financial harm. They also might develop psychotic symptoms from time to time, such as hallucinations or delusions.
Hypomania
Hypomania is a less severe form of mania, and it shares some characteristics of mania such as enhanced creativity and increased energy. This state does not cause severe psychotic issues like mania. Individuals in this state might feel a positive mood, more productive and outgoing but they still may function well in their day-to-day lives. But the individuals may sometimes progress to full-blown manic episodes.
Depressive
Whilst in a depressive episode, you experience a low or depressed mood and/or loss of interest in most of the activities, as well as many other symptoms of depression, such as tiredness, changes in appetite, worthlessness and hopelessness, sadness, sleep pattern disturbances, suicidal thoughts, trouble concentrating, etc.
Mixed Episodes
Mixed episode is a perceptible period during which a person experiences symptoms of both mania or hypomania and depression, concurrently. During these episodes, the person experiences a complicated and often intense emotional state.
Rapid cycling
This is having four or more mood episodes of either manic, hypomanic, depressive, or mixed in a year. These episodes can occur in any combination and may involve abrupt shifts between different mood states.
There are four types of bipolar disorder, they are:
Bipolar I Disorder: In this, mania lasts for at least a week or requires hospitalisation. It is also characterized by fluctuations between hypomania and depression.
Bipolar II Disorder: It is characterised by the presence of an episode of recurrent depression and hypomanic episodes but does not meet the full criteria for manic episodes.
Cyclothymic Disorder (Cyclothymia): Persistent mood swings of at least two years’ duration with episodes of hypomania and mild depression.
Other Bipolar Disorders: It includes an elevation of mood which is not enough to categorise under above types of bipolar disorder.
Signs and symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
People with bipolar disorder will have episodes of mania or hypomania many times throughout their life; others may experience them only rarely.
Signs and symptoms include:
- Excessive happiness, hopefulness and excitement
- Restlessness
- Rapid speech and racing thoughts
- Increased energy and less need for sleep
- Sudden and severe changes in mood, such as going from being joyful to being angry and hostile
- Making grand and unattainable plans
- Increased impulsivity and poor judgment, such as suddenly quitting your job
- Feeling like you’re unusually important, talented or powerful
- Psychosis — experiencing hallucinations and delusions (in the most severe manic episodes)
- Reckless and risk-taking behaviour, such as drug and alcohol misuse and having unsafe or unprotected sex
Most of the time, people experiencing a manic episode are unaware of the negative consequences of their actions. With bipolar disorder, suicide is an ever-present danger — some people become suicidal in manic episodes, not just depressive episodes.
Signs and symptoms of hypomania
Some people with bipolar disorder have mild manic-like symptoms. With hypomania, you may feel very good and find that you can get a lot done. People with hypomania can often function well in social situations or at work.
You may not feel like anything is wrong during a hypomanic episode. But your family and friends may notice your mood swings and activity level changes and think that they’re unusual for you. After hypomania, you might experience severe depression.
Signs and symptoms of depressive episodes
The symptoms of depressive episodes in bipolar disorder are the same as those of major depression. They include:
- Overwhelming sadness
- Low energy and fatigue
- Irritability
- Increased need for sleep
- Lack of motivation
- Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
- Loss of enjoyment of things that were once pleasurable for you
- Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
- Uncontrollable crying
- Insomnia or excessive sleep
- A change in appetite, causing weight loss or gain
- Thoughts of death or suicide
Health Risks Associated with Bipolar Disorder
If the disorder is left untreated, it can lead to serious health risks, such as: substance abuse, physical health issues, suicide risk, self-harm, sleep disorders, cognitive impairment, etc.
Bipolar Disorder Treatment
A person can never be cured of bipolar disorder. However, there are treatments that can significantly alleviate the symptoms, and allow a person to maintain a reasonable life. The standard treatment approaches include the following:
- Medication: Mood stabilizers or antipsychotics and antidepressants are used.
- Therapy: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT), Stress management and cognitive-behavioural therapy, etc.
- Lifestyle Changes: Engaging in physical activities on a regular basis, sleeping adequately and on time, and eating a balanced diet are some strategies to alleviate symptoms of bipolar disorder.
- Support Systems: Support from family, peers and professionals is fundamental for individuals who suffer from bipolar disorder.
How Cellmaflex helps patients:
Cellmaflex is an all-in-one digital healthcare hub for patients. Patients can sign up on Cellmaflex for free. Through Cellmaflex, they can search the directory to find the right specialist in a few clicks. Patients can easily view the doctors’ calendars and check their availability. With Cellmaflex, patients can directly book doctor appointments online without any phone calls. Patients can book online appointments with desired doctors with ease and receive appointment reminders.
Patients can receive their test results directly, access the test results and health records anytime, anywhere. Patients can order prescriptions by finding pharmacies on Cellmaflex.
Bipolar disorder is known to be a chronic illness. However, if you consistently undergo long-term treatment, you are able to manage your conditions and lead a balanced and healthy quality of life. Regular visits with your healthcare team are vital to ensure proper management of the treatment plan and the symptoms. Login to Cellmaflex for free and take charge of your health.
