Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a type of mental illness which is also known as manic depression. Bipolar disorder is mainly characterized by the presence of two phases of moods. Here, the respective individual comprises of high and low moods where at times one feels excited and happy and during some other times one feels low and discouraged combined with loss of hope from life.
Causes of Bipolar Disorder: Bipolar disorder is caused due to a combination of certain factors rather than one factor alone. Genetic link of bipolar disorder is quite common and if this disorder was diagnosed in any of the direct relatives and family members. Hormonal disorders and environmental factors also contribute to the occurrence of bipolar disorder in several cases.
Symptoms of manic (high) phases of the bipolar disorder: The symptoms which are commonly seen in the patients during the high phases of this disorder include the following:
- High levels of happiness
- Planning and thinking to execute some grand plans
- Development of the drug or alcohol abuse
- High sex drive when compared to the usual times
- Increased impulsive nature of the concerned individual
- Reduced requirement of sleep than the normal times
- Sudden changes from joyful mood to angry and irritating mood
Symptoms of low phases of the bipolar disorder: The low phases of bipolar disorder, which is also known as depressive phases have certain specific symptoms which need to be understood for timely diagnosis of this mental illness.
- Feeling of eating more or less which makes the respective individual gain or loss weight which leads to unhealthy lifestyle
- Loss of interest in the things which were most favorite at one time
- Feeling less energetic which makes the individual sleep more on a regular basis and makes him feel that he needs to sleep more than earlier
- Development of suicidal thoughts is seen in most of the cases when a person is in the depressive phase of the bipolar disorder
- Trouble in concentrating on essential tasks in hand and difficulty in taking the right decisions
Treatment of Bipolar Disorder: Bipolar disorder needs to be treated in the best possible manner and if it is left untreated then it might take the individual to heal themselves and get mentally fit till one year time period. With the combination of the following treatment options, one can get treated after being diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
- Usage of medications: Bipolar disorder is efficiently treated with the help of a set of medications, including anticonvulsants and anti-psychotic ones. The mental health specialist prescribes the required dosage according to the condition of the patient.
- Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy is also a useful treatment option for bipolar disorder. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) works well for the patients when considering therapies for the treatment of the symptoms associated with bipolar disorder.
Thus, bipolar disorder is a sensitive type of mental condition where the patient needs to notice the changes in the behavior, lifestyle, and health in himself. Timely counseling will ensure that the respective individual gets himself on the right track along with diagnosis followed by treatment of the condition.
