Overview

Bipolar disorder or manic-depressive ailment is a brain disorder which results in strange swings in a temper, energy, and capacity to perform tasks. The person looses ability to rationalize and will to live. The symptoms of bipolar disorder are quite critical. They can cause spoiled relationships and decreasing functioning at job or school. Bipolar disorder generally progresses in late adolescence or early adulthood. Generally, the initial stages are not taken seriously and the individual might suffer for a long time before it is diagnosed. However, the bipolar disorder is treatable and these people can lead completely constructive lives.

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder can lead to exaggerated mood shifts that range from exceedingly high and/or short-tempered to miserable and discouraging with periods of regular mood in between. These mood swings are accompanied by extreme alteration in energy and performance. The phases of highs and lows are known as episodes of mania and depression.

Signs and symptoms of a manic episode are:

• Augmented energy, functioning, and impatience
• Tremendous sulkiness
• Extremely ecstatic mood
• Running thoughts
• Fast talking or shooting from one plan to another
• Feeling nothing wrong
• Less sleep
• Inability to concentrate
• Offensive, interfering, or hostile behavior
• Impracticable thinking in one’s aptitude 
• Extremely poor judgment
• Increased sexual desire
• Drug abuse specially alcohol or some sleeping medications

Signs and symptoms of a depressive episode are:

• Long-term gloomy or nervous mood 
• Thoughts of extreme pessimism
• Guilty feelings of unimportance or vulnerability
• Decreased sexual desire
• Loss of interest in favorite activities
• A feeling of weariness and decreased energy
• Trouble in focusing, recalling
• Inability to take decisions
• Restlessness
• Sleeping in extreme or getting no sleep
• Decreased or increased appetite resulting in weight loss or gain
• Unexplained body pains or other symptoms
• Feelings of suicide or suicide attempts

A manic or depressive episode is diagnosed if more than five of these symptoms are there for almost a day or every day, for duration of more than 2 weeks.

Suicide

Bipolar disorder might make a person suicidal. Anyone talking about suicide must be taken sincerely. Threat for suicide seems to be more in the initial stages of the disease. The symptoms that are present with suicidal feelings are:

• Talking about death
• Pathetic feelings of hopeless and death
• Feeling vulnerable and that nothing can make any change
• Sense of a burden to family
• Switching to alcohol or drugs
• Preparing for death like writing will, making finances in order
• Writing suicidal note
• Exposing oneself to dangerous situations which are harmful

In case you feel that the person is exhibiting any of the above symptoms then:

• call an emergency room to get instant help
• the person must not be left alone
• the reach to dangerous medication, sharp tools or weapons must be avoided

Causes of Bipolar Disorder

Scientists have found that there is not a single cause for bipolar disorder but many causes operate together to produce the disorder. This disorder is found to run in families and it is found that certain genes are responsible for the problem. These genes manipulate the working of mind and body, increasing the probability of the illness.

Genes alone are not responsible for illness but they act in combination with issues such as the person’s environment to cause bipolar disorder. It is quite difficult to pin point at genes that act together but advanced research tools will bring about discoveries for better treatments for bipolar disorder.
With new brain-imaging studies, scientists can take photographs of living brain while working to inspect its arrangement without the using any type of invasive procedures. The techniques used are magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Using these studies it is easier to diagnose bipolar disorder effectively.

Treatment of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is treatable even in its most severe forms. The treatment can aid in stabilization of mood swings and also treat the linked symptoms. As bipolar disorder is a reoccurring ailment, long-term treatment is a preventive measure and is advised. Medication as well as psychosocial treatment is best for the disorder management.

The medications for bipolar disorder are given by psychiatrists that specialize in treatment of mental disorders. While primary care physicians who do not specialize in psychiatry also may prescribe these medications, it is recommended that people with bipolar disorder see a psychiatrist for treatment. The medications known as ‘mood stabilizers’ are lithium, lamotrigine, gabapentin and topiramate.

Anticonvulsant medications like valproate or carbamazepine also exhibit a mood stabilizing effect and they aid in treating the severe forms of disorder. Children with this disorder are treated with lithium but valproate and carbamazepine are also advised.

Complications

Women suffering from bipolar disorder face complications in pregnancy due to the detrimental effects of available mood stabilizing medications on the fetus.  They must go for different treatments that have reduced risks. The medications of bipolar disorder show certain side effects. The side effects may include weight gain, tremor, nausea, decreased sexual desire, panic attacks, and problems in moving, hair loss or dry mouth. Lithium treatment can create decreased thyroid levels resulting in the requirement for thyroid supplementation.

Coping through Psychosocial Treatments

The psychosocial treatments along with certain types of psychotherapy are beneficial in giving education, assistance and advice to people with bipolar disorder. The psychosocial interference causes better mood stabilization, lesser episodes, and better performance. A licensed psychologist offers these therapies and they include

• Cognitive behavioral therapy aids people with bipolar disorder to modify their negative thinking patterns.
• Psychoeducation teaches the patients with bipolar disorder about the disease, its effects, and treatments and to know symptoms of any recurrent episode so that timely intervention can prevent a complete episode.
• Family therapy uses ways to decrease the level of grief in the family due to the patient’s condition.
• Social rhythm cure helps people with this ailment to develop interpersonal relations and to normalize daily routines. Proper routines aid in protecting against manic and depressive episodes.
• A proper treatment plan is required to get best advantage.