Bipolar as the name indicates is a disorder exhibiting two extreme opposite orientation of behaviors namely maniac and depression. It is a type of mental illness in which the affected individual might show changes in mood. There are two phases in bipolar disorder. Manic phase is characterized by high energy, impulsive behavior restlessness, powerful and euphoric feeling. Depressive phase is marked by loss of energy, sadness and in many cases with suicidal thoughts.
It does not mean that all people with bipolar disorder will show any of the two phases. They might experience normal moods between the episodes of manic and depressive episodes. Both the phases of mood swings can last for several months and for some people it can occur frequently as dramatic mood changes. They might behave like normal people but suddenly get irritated and becomes aggressive. With psychological intervention and effective treatments most of the symptoms of bipolar disorder can be managed. However it may take long term and the person affected should follow the treatment plan regularly.
Bipolar Disorder Types :
- Bipolar 1 : In this form, the mood swings are so severe that it can disrupt your normal activity and even relationships. You may not be able to go to school or office due to extreme manic reaction and anxiety.
- Bipolar 2 : In this type, people can with daily routine, in spite of elevated mood. It is less severe when compared with the first type. This form of bipolar disorder is marked by hypomania (less severe form of mania) and depression.
- Cyclothymic Type : It is a mild kind of bipolar disorder wherein the highs and lows are not very extreme and affected person can remain in normal mood most of the time, with effective medications.
Bipolar Disorder Symptoms
Bipolar disorder is characterized with mood swing and the affected person will exhibit dramatic mood changes. He may show manic and depressive phase of behavior frequently.
- Manic Phase :
During this period, the person may show symptoms of anxiety, restlessness, irritability, excitement, racing thoughts, increased sex drive and energy for attaining unachievable goals. The affected individual may have inflated self esteem, aggressive behavior, agitation, poor judgment, increased physical activity, less need for sleep, racing thoughts, risky behavior, spending too much of money, unruly sex behavior and addiction to drugs/alcohol. He may not be able to concentrate on work easily due to frequent distraction and racing of thoughts. He may absent frequently to office or school.
- Depressive Phase :
This is exactly opposite to manic phase. The individual may become sad and feel hopeless for no reason. He may feel guilty and preoccupied with thoughts of shame and despair. Lack of appetite, decreased energy, fatigue, loss of interest in work, loss of weight, problems in concentrating and frequent absences from workplace are some of the general symptoms in this phase.
It is during this period, the patient may have increased suicidal thoughts and frequent thought about death. For some people, mood can change according to season also. In extreme cases, bipolar disorder can cause rapid mood shifts disrupting their normal life. In rare cases, the person may undergo severe transformation resulting in psychoses, a deep state of detachment from reality which can cause abnormal feelings, delusions and hallucinations. They might see or hear things that does not exist and would have strong belief about what they see or hear.
Bipolar Disorder Causes :
There is no clear cut reason for bipolar disorder and even expert cannot explain why some people are affected and others are not. Changes in brain chemicals, any abnormal physical changes in brain and imbalance in hormone is believed to trigger bipolar disorder. If you have family history of mental illness you are likely to develop bipolar.
Who Are At Risk?