Bipolar Disorder – Types, Causes, Symptoms, Treatment
What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depressive disorder, is a type of mental health condition where there are alternating episodes of elevated mood (mania) and depression which hampers the ability to function in life. To people who are unfamiliar with the condition, it may seem like it is just a matter of having mood swings. However, there is much more to bipolar disorder.
Fluctuations in mood are a characteristic feature of bipolar disorder. It can occur a few times in a year but in some patients the episodes of alternate depression and mania may occur even within a day. Worldwide 4 out of every 100 people suffer from bipolar disorder. It should not be confused with depression. The exact underlying cause is not known but genetic and environmental factors are known to play a significant role.
Types
There are different sub-types of bipolar disorder and there may be some variation in the intensity of symptoms within each subtype.
- Bipolar I disorder: In this type there is severe impairment of personal and professional life. Manic episodes in this sub-type are known to be quite severe.
- Bipolar II disorder: This form is known to be less severe in comparison to type I variety. Patients suffering from this sub-type experience episodes of depression that last longer than episodes of mania.
- Cyclothymic disorder: This is a very mild form of bipolar disorder.
Symptoms
The severity of depression or mania varies from person to person. For some patients the periods of depression are more bothersome and in others the manic attacks are more severe. Sometimes both the symptoms of depression and mania may occur together causing mixed symptoms.
Manic Phase
Common symptoms of manic phase include:
- Euphoria
- Inflated ego
- Poor judgement of some situations carefully
- Excessive talking
- Aggression
- Irritation
- Hyperactivity
- Increased motivation to achieve goals
- Insomnia
- Poor concentration
- Heightened libido
- Risky behaviour
- Prone to bad financial choices
- Poor performance at workplace or school
- Delusional
Depressive Phase
Common presenting symptoms of the depressive phase include:
- Unexplained sadness
- Easily frustrated
- Anxiety
- Sense of hopelessness
- Suicidal tendencies
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Appetite changes – decrease or increase
- Unexplained fatigue
- Medical complaints like chronic pain without any identifiable cause
Other than symptoms of mania and depression, people with bipolar disorder may also suffer from seasonal changes in moods such as mania in summer and depression during winter, rapid mood shifts and sometimes even psychosis characterized by hallucinations and delusions. There is also a tendency towards substance abuse (alcohol, prescription medication and illicit drugs), legal and financial problems and relationship problems.
Causes of Bipolar Disorder
Although the exact cause is unclear several factors are known to trigger episodes of bipolar disorder. Certain people are more prone to developing bipolar disorders. Risk factors include certain physical features in brain, imbalance in the chemicals in the nervous system (neurotransmitters), hormonal disorders, substance abuse, family history of bipolar disorder, experiencing certain stressful events like abuse in childhood, loss of loved one or other traumatic life events.
Bipolar disorder is also associated with certain physical and mental health disorders although the exact link is not always known. These conditions include anxiety disorder, attention deficit hyperactive disease (ADHD), physical ailment like thyroid disease, obesity and heart disease. This does not mean that every person who has one or more of these condition will develop bipolar disorder. Similarly a person with bipolar disorder will not definitely develop these other physical and mental health conditions.
Treatment for Bipolar Disorder
Patients with bipolar disorder require treatment throughout their life, even if they are feeling better and coping well. Treatment options include:
- Drugs like lithium, anticonvulsants, antipsychotics, antidepressants, benzodiazepines and so on.
- Psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy, psychoeducation, family therapy and group sessions.
- Electroconvulsive therapy is rarely done but may be considered for patients with suicidal tendencies who are not responding to other treatment options.
- Hospitalisation is not usually necessary but may be required for short periods during severe phases.