Introduction
Bipolar disorder is a genetic mood condition that often first manifests in maturity, according to MedlinePlus (2022). This severe ailment impacts approximately 1% of the population (DBSA, 2022). Bipolar disorder (psychological disorder) is characterized by abnormal variations in mood, vigor, exercise habits, focus, and ability to carry out daily tasks. There are types of bipolar conditions. All categories show visible changes in mood, vitality, and exercise habits. These moods range from being significant “down,” melancholy, apathetic (manic episodes), or desperate to be high “up,” ecstatic, or invigorated (depressive experience). Hypomanic occurrences are manic experiences that are less intense. Manic periods that last at least seven days (most of the day, almost every day) or manic symptoms that are intense enough that the individual requires emergency medical treatment are both signs of bipolar I disorder. Depressive symptoms that last at least two weeks are common (NIMH, 2022). The pattern of depressed and hypomanic episodes that characterize bipolar II disorder is less severe than the manic episodes in bipolar I disorder. This essay will cover the causes, symptoms, treatments, and diagnoses of bipolar disorder.
Cause
It is not sure what causes bipolar disorder. Researchers believe several factors interplay to enhance a person’s risk of having it (Mayo Clinic organization, 2021). These are thought to be a diverse combination of social, physical, and ecological aspects, which include:
Chemical imbalance in the brain: It is widely acknowledged that chemical imbalances in the brain create bipolar .condition. Nerve cells, including serotonin, noradrenaline, and dopamine, control how the brain functions. According to some studies, a person may experience bipolar disease symptoms if the quantities of one or more neurotransmitters are out of equilibrium (Mayo Clinic organization, 2021). For example, there is evidence that mania can arise when adrenergic receptor concentrations are incredibly high, and sorrow can emerge when noradrenaline levels decline.
Genetics: It is also considered to have a genetic basis since it appears in families. An individual with bipolar disorders has a greater chance of passing it on to their families. However, bipolar disorder is not caused by a single gene. Instead, various genetic and environmental variables are thought to operate as triggers. A challenging situation or location frequently triggers bipolar illness symptoms. Emotional triggers include relationship breakdowns, sexual, physical, or mental abuse, and the death of an intimate relative or other loved one. These important life events may result in depressive experiences in a given context.
Other contributing variables include physical disease, sleep disorders, and severe troubles with relationships, employment, or finances.
Symptoms of Bipolar
The duration of symptoms can be several weeks, months, or even years. During the depressive and manic stages, the symptoms alternate between the manic and depressive phases. Extreme happiness, enthusiasm, restlessness, irritability, hopefulness, hostility, rage episodes, hostile conduct, agitation, impaired judgment, decreased need for sleep, unusually strong sex drive, and unrealistic goals are all characteristics of the manic phase (Mayo Clinic organization, 2021). The depressive phase may involve these symptoms: sadness and crying, remorse and hopelessness; loss of energy; enjoyment or interest in daily activities; feelings of worthlessness; irritability; insomnia; shifts in appetite; and suicidal thoughts.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis consists of the following:
- A medical exam. To determine any medical conditions causing your symptoms, your doctor may perform a physical examination and blood tests.
- Psychiatric evaluation. A psychiatrist who will discuss your thoughts, feelings and behavioral patterns with you may be recommended by your doctor. Another approach is a psychological self-assessment or questionnaire. With your permission, relatives or close friends may be questioned about their concerns.
- Mood mapping: keeping a daily journal of your emotions, sleeping habits, or other characteristics that could be used to diagnose and select the best course of treatment.
- Bipolar disorder criteria: DSM-5 contains criteria for bipolar and associated disorders. Psychiatrists evaluate the characteristics with these criteria (Mayo Clinic organization, 2021).
Treatment
A physician specializing in diagnosing and treating mental health difficulties and having experience with bipolar illness and associated illnesses is the best person to direct treatment. The purpose of therapy is to keep symptoms under control. Depending on the individual’s needs, the treatment plan may include, Medicines, Programs for day therapy and Support and education groups. To stabilize your mood, you may need to start taking medicines soon. Even if you feel better, you must maintain therapy since bipolar disorder requires medication for the rest of your life. Antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, antidepressants, and anti-anxiety medications such as benzodiazepines are also viable treatments. Individuals who fail to attend maintenance therapy risk getting their condition to recur or having minor mood swings and progressing to severe depression or mania (NIMH, 2022).
Programs for day therapy. These programs offer the assistance and guidance required; for instance, Substance abuse therapy can help you control your symptoms. You will also need addiction treatment if you have a problem with drugs and alcohol. Otherwise, managing bipolar disorder might be difficult. If you act dangerously, have suicidal thoughts, or lose contact with reality, your physician may recommend that you be admitted to the hospital. (psychotic). Whether you have a manic or major depressive episode, psychiatric care in a clinic can help you feel comfortable, peaceful, and in control of your reactions. Medication and psychotherapy are the primary forms of treatment for bipolar disorder. Also, Support and education groups may help manage symptoms.
References
DBSA. (2022). Bipolar Disorder Statistics. Retrieved from Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance: https://www.dbsalliance.org/education/bipolar-disorder/bipolar-disorder-statistics/
Mayo Clinic organization. (2021, February 16). Bipolar disorder – Symptoms, and causes. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bipolar-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20355955
MedlinePlus. (2022). Bipolar Disorder. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/bipolardisorder.html
NIMH. (2022). Bipolar disorder. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/bipolar-disorder
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