Bipolar Disorder

We all experience ups and downs, but with bipolar disorder, these ups and downs are more severe. The symptoms of Bipolar disorder can disrupt one's daily life. Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depressive disorder is linked with mood swings that range from the lows of depression to the highs of mania.

Bipolar disorder is divided into subtypes, each having a different pattern of symptoms. The types of bipolar disorders include:

Bipolar I disorder: The mood swings associated with bipolar I cause significant problems in one's job, school and relationships. The manic episodes can be quite severe and dangerous.

Bipolar II disorder: This is less severe than Bipolar I. One may have an elevated mood, irritability as well as changes in functioning. But one can carry on with the normal daily routine. Instead of a full-blown mania, one may have hypomania, which is a less severe form of mania. In this type, the periods of depression last longer than periods of mania.

Cyclothymic disorder: This is also known as Cyclothymia and is a mild form of bipolar disorder. In this type, hypomania and depression can be quite disruptive, but the highs and lows are not as intense as they are with other types of bipolar disorders.

What causes Bipolar disorder?

The causes of bipolar disorder are not completely understood, but it often runs in families. The first manic or depressive episode usually occurs in teenage years or early adulthood. The symptoms may be subtle and quite confusing; hence many people with this disorder are overlooked or misdiagnosed resulting in unnecessary suffering.

The symptoms of depression and symptoms of mania or hypomania may occur together and this is known as a "mixed episode."

The symptoms of manic of hypomanic episode of bipolar disorder can include:

• Racing thoughts and risky behaviour
• Rapid speech, inflated self-esteem or euphoria
• Poor judgement, agitation, irritation, easily distracted and increased sex drive
• Decreased need for sleep
• Spending unwisely
• Poor performance at work or school
• Delusions or a break from reality (psychosis)
• An increased drive to perform or achieve goals
• Being careless and dangerous about the use of alcohol or drugs

The symptoms of depressive phase of bipolar disorder include:

• Guilt, anxiety, or sadness
• Hopelessness, suicidal thoughts or behaviour
• Fatigue and sleep problems
• Problem concentrating
• Low appetite or increased appetite
• Chronic pain without an apparent cause
• Frequent absences from school or work
• Poor performance at work or school
• Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed

If you or your loved one has any symptoms of depression or mania, seek help from a mental health professional as this disorder doesn't get better on its own!