Bipolar Disorder: Signs, Causes and Available Treatment Methods
Mental illnesses are not something we often talk about, yet bipolar disorder alone affects 46 million people globally. It causes mood changes that are more severe than normal mood swings, but it also comes with a plethora of other symptoms. Some individuals experience psychosis, which involves delusions, hallucinations, and paranoia that become overwhelming or disruptive to relationships, work lives, or the overall well-being of the individual.
This is a condition that requires careful understanding and compassionate support.
In this blog post, we’ll delve into the intricate nuances of this disorder by exploring its signs, underlying causes, and treatment methods available to individuals so they may carry on leading full and joyful lives.
Equally important, we will navigate through the diverse treatment methods available for bipolar disorder like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT for bipolar disorder has been shown to stabilize mood swings and has helped to manage this condition effectively.
Join us as we explore bipolar disorder and gain insights that can offer hope and lay a strong foundation for supporting those living with this complex mental health challenge.
Signs and Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder can look and manifest very differently in different people. How severe and frequent its symptoms are can vary greatly. Some people are prone to mania, others to depression. Some individuals experience mood disturbances on an ongoing basis while others only ever have them a few times in their lifetime. Bipolar disorder encompasses four different forms of mood episodes: mania, hypomania, depression, and mixed episodes. Each bipolar disorder mood type has its own unique set of symptoms.
Mania Symptoms
Mania manifests as a frenetic surge of energy and heightened emotions. Individuals in a manic phase often experience racing thoughts, grandiose beliefs about their abilities, and an intense desire for impulsive and risky behaviors. Sleep becomes elusive, and concentration diminishes as ideas seem to overflow uncontrollably. This euphoric state, while initially invigorating, can quickly spiral into agitation, irritability, and even psychosis, underscoring the urgent need for effective management strategies.
Hypomania Symptoms
Hypomania is the milder form of mania. While a hypomanic state makes you energetic and productive, without losing touch with reality, people might perceive your behavior as unusually good mood. Hypomania can lead to harmful decisions which impact career advancement, relationships, or reputation negatively. It can also progress into full-blown manic episodes or be followed by major depression.
Bipolar Depression Symptoms
Bipolar depression was long considered to be part of regular depressive disorder. However, research indicates significant distinctions. This is especially noticeable when considering treatment.
Antidepressants don’t help most people living with bipolar disorder. In fact, antidepressants may even make the condition worse by precipitating episodes of hypomania or mania, rapid mood shifts, or interfering with mood-stabilizing medications.
Bipolar depression is more likely to have certain symptoms, despite many similarities. Bipolar depression can be characterized by irritability and guilt as well as unpredictable mood swings. Bipolar depression can cause you to move and speak slowly and sleep a lot. You may also gain weight. You’re also more likely to suffer from psychotic depression, a condition where you lose touch with reality.
Bipolar depression is characterized by:
- Feeling empty, hopeless, or sad
- Irritability
- Being unable to enjoy pleasure
- Fatigue or loss of energy
- Sluggishness, both physical and mental
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Sleep disorders
Symptoms of Mixed Episode
Mixed episodes of bipolar disorder are characterized by symptoms of both hypomania or mania and depression. A mixed episode can also include symptoms like irritability and anxiety. This combination can increase suicide risk substantially.
Causes
Bipolar disorder doesn’t have one simple cause. While some individuals are genetically predisposed to this illness, not everyone who inherits this susceptibility develops the illness, suggesting that genes alone don’t account for its development. Bipolar disorder patients’ brains show physical changes, according to some brain imaging studies.
Other research suggests that bipolar disorder is often related to neurotransmitter dysfunction, thyroid issues, circadian rhythm disturbances, and high cortisol levels. Bipolar disorder may also be affected by environmental and psychological factors. Such external factors are called triggers and can cause new episodes of depression or mania, or worsen existing symptoms. However, many bipolar episodes are not triggered by an external factor.
Treatment
Untreated bipolar can affect all aspects of life including careers, relationships, and health. Bipolar disorder can be treated, and early diagnosis and treatment will help to prevent complications.
Bipolar disorder requires long-term treatment. Because bipolar disorder is a chronic and relapsing disorder, it’s essential to keep up with treatment, even when you feel better. Many people need medication to prevent new episodes and stay free of symptoms.
Treatment is not just about medication. Bipolar disorder symptoms cannot typically be fully controlled with medications. Instead, treatment requires a multifaceted approach, including medications, social support, lifestyle changes, and cognitive behavioral therapy. CBT has proven effective in managing bipolar disorder. By identifying and challenging negative thought patterns, individuals learn to regulate mood swings, develop coping strategies, and enhance their overall quality of life.
Final Thoughts
Understanding bipolar disorder is vital to fostering empathy and support for those navigating its challenging terrain. By recognizing its signs, delving into its complex causes, and exploring the array of available treatment methods like therapy and medication, we can collectively work towards destigmatizing the condition and providing individuals with the tools they need to lead balanced and fulfilling lives. Remember, education and compassion are key in the journey toward mental well-being.
