Bipolar disorder is caused by a combination of genetics and environmental factors that alter the structure of the brain, however, the exact cause of the disease is not yet known. (Image: shutterstock)
While dealing with a patient suffering from bipolar disorder, one needs to be extremely alert and deal with the situation with utmost care.
Bipolar disorder, also formerly known as manic depression, is a medical condition that causes rapid fluctuations in a person’s mood and energy level. This lifelong mood disorder also affects thinking, behavior, decisions, and sleep patterns in humans. The emotional disposition of a person with bipolar disorder changes from extreme euphoria to extremely depressed and abnormally irritable.
The episodes experienced may last for days, weeks or months, they may occur rarely or frequently. Symptoms vary from case to case, but they affect a person’s ability to perform day-to-day tasks. Everything you need to know about bipolar disorder.
symptoms of bipolar disorder
manic episode
A manic episode is a term used to describe a period of abnormally elevated or irritable mood of a person. Changes are extreme that show in the way they think, talk or feel emotions. In extreme situations, manic episodes can result in hallucinations, delusions, or other more serious mental disorders such as schizophrenia.
depressive episode
Depressive episodes are when a person experiences a sudden drop in their emotions and sadness. Symptoms can be identified as being extremely tired, feeling exhausted, feeling worthless, and feeling hopeless.
types of bipolar disorder
Bipolar I Disorder:
Patients suffering from bipolar I disorder have gone through one or more manic episodes. They may also experience both mania and depression, but this diagnosis does not require the finding of a depressive episode. Symptoms can last for a week or two and interfere with a person’s ability to perform daily activities.
Bipolar II Disorder:
People who experience depressive episodes fall into the category of bipolar II disorder. However, he never had a full manic episode.
Cyclothymic Disorder:
People who have chronically unstable moods suffer from cyclothymic disorder. They have experienced mild depression for at least two years, although they may feel normal for short periods of time.
Other:
When a person does not suffer from bipolar I, II or cyclothymia, they fall into this bracket or specified and unspecified condition.
Causes and Treatment
Bipolar disorder is caused by a combination of genetics and environmental factors that alter the structure of the brain, however, the exact cause of the disease is not yet known. Treatment of bipolar disorder can be lifelong and often includes medications and psychotherapy.
read all Latest Lifestyle News Here