Written by Ardil Ulucay
Chapter I, What is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder, once called manic-depressive illness, is a tricky brain and behavior condition. It causes big shifts in how a person feels and acts, making it unbearable for them to handle daily life. Over 5.7 million American adults, or about 2.6 percent of adults, deal with bipolar disorder each year. This issue usually starts in late teens or early adulthood, but it can happen in kids and older folks too. Many folks live with bipolar disorder without getting the right diagnosis and help. This makes dealing with the ups and downs of bipolar disorder even tougher. It's crucial to know about this and have support available for those facing these challenges.
Mood swings can happen infrequently or several times throughout the year. While many individuals may encounter emotional symptoms between these episodes, others might not feel any. Despite being a long-term condition, effectively dealing with mood swings and related symptoms is possible through a tailored treatment approach. Typically, bipolar disorder is addressed using medications and psychological counseling, commonly known as psychotherapy. This combination helps individuals navigate the challenges associated with bipolar disorder and manage their well-being [2, 1].
Image Credit: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/4-myths-you-shouldnt-believe-about-bipolar-disorder.
Chapter II, Causes of the Bipolar Disorder
Millions of adults in the U.S. deal with bipolar disorder, often diagnosed in their teens or twenties. It can occur at any age, and while symptoms persist, many find ways to manage them. Risk factors include a family history of bipolar disorder (inheritance), exposure to trauma, and substance misuse. Brain structure differences may also contribute. If you suspect you have it, consult with a healthcare provider for early intervention and management [3, 5].
Chapter III, Signs of the Disorder
Bipolar disorder may make a patient feel overwhelmingly sad or stressed depending on the situation. These are called; manic and depressive episodes. Both of these have different signs and symptoms and can happen in the blink of an eye.
A person who’s having a manic episode might feel:
Strong sensations of euphoria, excitement, or joy
Displaying unusually high levels of energy
Abnormally jittery or wired appearance
Difficulty sleeping or restlessness (reduced need for sleep)
Speaking rapidly or excessively talkative
Experiencing racing or jumbled thoughts
Prone to distraction
Inflated self-esteem
Engaging in impulsive, atypical, or risky behaviors, such as unsafe sex or excessive spending
Heightened agitation and irritability
Episodes of hypomania
A person who’s having a depressive episode has different symptoms compared to a manic episode. These can be listed as [5].
Feeling down, sad, worried, worthless, anxious, guilty, empty, or hopeless
Lack of interest, or no interest, in activities
Feeling tired, low energy
Forgetfulness
Indecisiveness
Difficulty concentrating
Changes in sleep, either sleeping too much or too little
Changes in appetite, either eating too much or too little Thoughts of death and/or suicide
Chapter IV, Treatment and Recovery
Treatment for bipolar disorder typically involves a combination of medication and psychotherapy. It's important to note that bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, characterized by episodes of mania and depression that may recur over time. While some individuals may experience periods without mood changes, continuous, long-term treatment is crucial for symptom management. Medications play a key role in managing bipolar symptoms. Mood stabilizers like lithium or valproate can prevent or lessen the severity of mood episodes. They are often accompanied by atypical antipsychotics. Antidepressant medication may be used for bipolar depression, but it must be paired with a mood stabilizer to avoid triggering manic episodes or rapid cycling.
Consistency in taking prescribed medication, even during periods of stability, is essential. Individuals should communicate with their healthcare providers about potential side effects, concerns, and any other medications or supplements they are taking. Abruptly ceasing to take medication can lead to worsened symptoms, emphasizing the importance of consulting with a healthcare provider before making any changes.
Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is another integral component of treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is effective in addressing troubling emotions, thoughts, and behaviors associated with bipolar disorder. Adaptations of CBT, such as addressing insomnia, can be particularly beneficial for bipolar depression.
Various psychotherapies, including interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT) and family-focused therapy, are designed specifically for bipolar disorder treatment. These approaches provide support, education, and guidance to individuals and their families.
Additionally, some individuals may find relief through other treatment options:
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT): A brain stimulation procedure considered when other treatments prove ineffective, especially in cases with a high suicide risk or catatonia.
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS): A less powerful alternative to ECT that uses magnetic waves to relieve depression with minimal impact on memory and thinking.
Light Therapy: An evidence-based treatment for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and seasonal worsening of bipolar depression, involving exposure to light to alleviate symptoms.
Navigating bipolar disorder involves tailoring treatment plans to individual needs, combining medication and psychotherapy, and considering additional therapies for specific situations. Regular communication with healthcare providers is crucial for effective symptom management and overall well-being [1, 3].
References:
Bipolar disorder - Symptoms and causes. (2022, December 13). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bipolar-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20355955#:~
Frequently asked questions about bipolar disorder. (2023, June 30). Frequently Asked Questions about Bipolar Disorder | Brain & Behavior Research Foundation. https://bbrfoundation.org/faq/frequently-asked-questions-about-bipolar-disorder
Bipolar disorder. (n.d.). National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/bipolar-disorder
Overview - Bipolar disorder. (2021, February 11). nhs.uk. https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/bipolar-disorder/overview/
Bipolar disorder. (2023, April 24). SAMHSA - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/bipolar
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