Hey there! As you might have understood from the title itself, this week's blog talks about Bipolar Disorder. What is Bipolar Disorder? Common symptoms, types of bipolar disorders, cures, and treatments for it.
What exactly is Bipolar Disorder?
It is a disorder associated with episodes of mood swings ranging from depressive lows to manic highs. The exact cause of bipolar disorder isn’t known, but a combination of genetics, environment, and altered brain structure and chemistry may play a role.
What are some common symptoms a person may be having bipolar disorder?
People suffering from Bipolar Disorder may experience:
Mood: Mood Swings, Sadness, Elevated Mood, Anger, Anxiety, Apathy, Apprehension, Euphoria, General Discontent, Guilt, Hopelessness, Loss of Interest, or Loss of Interest or Pleasure in Activities
Behavioural: Irritability, Risk-taking Behaviours, Disorganised Behaviour, Aggression, Agitation, Crying, Hyperactivity, Impulsivity, Restlessness, or Self-harm
Cognitive: Unwanted Thoughts, Delusion, Lack of Concentration, Racing Thoughts, Slowness in Activity, or False Belief of Superiority
Psychological: Depression, Manic Episode, Agitated Depression, or Paranoia
Weight: Weight Gain or Weight Loss
Sleep: Difficulty falling asleep or Excess sleepiness
Also common: Fatigue or rapid and frenzied speaking
What are the different categories of Bipolar Disorder?
The different categories include:
Cyclothymic disorder: Also known as cyclothymia, this type includes symptoms of hypomania and depression that last for 2 years or more in adults or 1 year in children. These symptoms do not fit the criteria for wholly manic or depressive episodes.
Other types: People with these disorders experience symptoms that do not fall into the above categories. The symptoms may stem from drug or alcohol use or medical conditions, for example.
Bipolar I and II are the most common subtypes, with bipolar I being more severe in terms of manic symptoms.
Bipolar I disorder: This involves manic episodes lasting 7 days or more, or severe mania that requires hospitalization. The person may also experience a major depressive episode that lasts 2 weeks or more. A person does not have to experience this type of episode to receive a bipolar I diagnosis.
Bipolar II disorder: This features both mania and depression, but the mania is less severe than in bipolar I, and doctors call it hypomania. A person with bipolar II may experience a major depressive episode preceding or following a manic episode.
Is there a cure for Bipolar Disorder?
Unfortunately, no. Bipolar disorder is not curable, but there are many treatments and strategies that a person can use to manage their symptoms.
Treatments
There are many treatment options for bipolar disorder. Each person with bipolar disorder may respond differently to treatment, and it is common to require a unique combination of treatments.
A combination of medication and talk therapy is most effective.
Types of talk therapy that may help a person manage bipolar disorder include:
Psycho Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Functional Remediation
Family-focused Psychotherapy
Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy
Integrated Care Management
Medications that are the most useful for Bipolar Disorder are Mood Stabilizers, Anti Depressants, although not everyone suffering from Bipolar Disorder may get benefited from Anti Depressants. In some cases, antidepressants can even worsen the manic episodes. Though mood stabilizers are said to be proven effective, and here are some common examples of mood stabilizers a person with bipolar disorder should try ~
Lithium (Lithobid), Valproic Acid (Depakene), Divalproex Sodium (Depakote), Carbamazepine (Tegretol, Equetro, others) and Lamotrigine (Lamictal).
How can I treat someone with Bipolar Disorder?
Supporting a loved one with Bipolar Disorder emotionally.
What you can say that helps:
1. “You’re not alone in this. I’m here for you.”
2. “I understand that it’s your illness that causes these thoughts and feelings.”
3. “You may not believe it now, but the way you’re feeling can and will change.”
4. “I may not be able to understand exactly how you feel, but I care about you and want to help and support you.”
5. “You are important to me. Your life is important to me.”
Supporting a loved one during bipolar disorder treatment medically.
Once your friend or family member agrees to see a doctor, you can help by being a partner in treatment. Your support can make a big difference in their treatment success, so offer to be involved in any way your loved one wants or needs.
Things you can do to support a loved one’s bipolar disorder treatment:
1. Find qualified doctors and therapists.
2. Set up appointments and go along.
3. Offer your insights to the doctor.
4. Monitor your loved one’s moods.
5. Learn about their medications.
6. Track treatment progress.
7. Watch for signs of relapse.
8. Alert the doctor to problems.
A love letter to those of you living with a mental illness :)
You are enough.
You are seen.
You matter in this world.
You are both the sun and the storm, a beautiful contradiction.
I love you for exactly who you are.
My deepest wish is that you learn to love yourself in the same way I love you.
You are never alone. 💛
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