Bipolar Disorder

Extreme mood swings characterised by emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression) are the hallmark of bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic depression.

When you’re depressed, you might experience sadness or hopelessness as well as lose interest in or enjoyment from most things. Mania or hypomania, which is less severe than mania, can cause mood swings that include euphoria, excessive energy, or unusual irritability. Sleep, energy, activity, judgement, behaviour, and the capacity for clear thought can all be impacted by these mood swings.

Mood swing episodes can happen infrequently or frequently throughout the year. Some people may not have any emotional symptoms in between episodes, but most people will.

Even though bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, you can control other symptoms like mood swings by adhering to a treatment plan. The majority of the time, psychotherapy and medication are used to treat bipolar disorder.

Symptoms

Bipolar disorder and its related disorders come in various forms. They could consist of depression and mania or hypomania. The unpredictability of mood and behaviour swings brought on by symptoms can cause severe distress and make life difficult.

Bipolar I illness. You have experienced at least one manic episode, which may have been followed or preceded by major depressive or hypomanic episodes. Mania can sometimes lead to psychosis, or a detachment from reality.

bipolar II illness. You have never experienced a manic episode, but you have experienced at least one major depressive episode and one hypomanic episode.

Cyclothymic disorder. You’ve experienced multiple episodes of hypomania symptoms and depressive symptoms (though not as severe as major depression) for at least two years, or one year in children and teenagers.

Different kinds. These comprise, for instance, bipolar disorder and related disorders brought on by specific drugs or alcohol, or resulting from a physical ailment like multiple sclerosis, stroke, or Cushing’s disease.

Bipolar II disorder is a distinct diagnosis rather than a less severe variation of bipolar I disorder. People with bipolar II disorder may experience prolonged periods of depression, which can significantly impair their lives, in contrast to the severe and dangerous manic episodes associated with bipolar I disorder.

While bipolar disorder can strike at any age, it is usually identified in adolescence or the early twenties. Individual differences in symptoms as well as changes in symptoms over time are possible.

Both hypomania and mania

Although manic and hypomanic episodes are different, they share similar symptoms. Mania is more severe than hypomania and results in more obvious issues with relationships, work, school, and social activities. Additionally, psychosis—a detachment from reality—caused by mania may necessitate hospitalisation.

An episode of manic or hypomanic behaviour involves three or more of the following symptoms:

• unusually happy, jittery, or wired
• heightened vigour, vitality, or agitation
• exaggerated feelings of confidence and well-being (euphoria)
• reduced demand for sleep
• atypical talkativeness
• thoughts that race
• distraction
• making poor decisions, such as going on shopping binges, taking chances with your partner, or making stupid investments

Severe episode of depression

When symptoms of a major depressive episode are severe enough to interfere noticeably with daily activities, such as relationships, work, school, or social activities, it is considered a major episode. At least five of these symptoms are present during an episode:

Depression, characterised by feelings of melancholy, emptiness, hopelessness, or tears (in kids and teenagers, depression can manifest as irritability).
marked disinterest in or lack of enjoyment from all or nearly all activities

Not gaining weight, losing weight while not dieting, or experiencing an increase or decrease in appetite (in children, not gaining weight as planned can indicate depression)

• Insomnia or excessive sleeping
• Agitation or slowed down actions
• Tiredness or low vitality
• Sensations of excessive or inappropriate guilt or worthlessness
• Diminished capacity for thought or focus, or indecision
• Contemplating, organising, or attempting suicide

Additional bipolar disorder symptoms

Bipolar I and II disorders can present with additional signs and symptoms, such as anxiety, sadness, psychosis, or other conditions. When symptoms first appear, they may be diagnosed with mixed or rapid cycling, among other labels. Moreover, bipolar symptoms can fluctuate with the seasons or manifest during pregnancy.

Signs in kids and teenagers

Bipolar disorder symptoms in children and teenagers can be challenging to recognise. It can be challenging to determine whether these are symptoms of stress or trauma, typical ups and downs, or another mental health issue other than bipolar disorder.

While major depressive, manic, or hypomanic episodes can occur in children and teens, the pattern of these episodes may differ from that of adults with bipolar disorder. And throughout episodes, moods can change quickly. Between episodes, certain children may experience periods free of mood symptoms.

Severe mood fluctuations that differ significantly from the patient’s typical mood swings may be one of the most noticeable symptoms of bipolar disorder in children and teenagers.

When to visit a physician

Even though bipolar disorder causes extreme mood swings, many sufferers are unaware of how much their emotional instability affects them and their loved ones, and they frequently go untreated.

Additionally, if you have bipolar disorder like some people do, you might find that the cycles of increased productivity and exhilaration are enjoyable. But this exhilaration is always followed by an emotional collapse that can leave you exhausted, depressed, and possibly in trouble with the law, money, or relationships.

See your physician or a mental health professional if you experience any signs of mania or depression. Bipolar disorder does not improve by itself. You can manage your symptoms by seeking treatment from a mental health professional who specialises in treating bipolar disorder.

When to seek immediate medical attention

Bipolar disorder sufferers frequently have suicidal thoughts and actions. If you have suicidal thoughts, get help right away by calling 911 or your local emergency number, visiting the hospital, or confiding in a friend or relative you can trust. or give a suicide hotline a call. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is accessible in the United States by phone or text, and is manned twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Alternatively, use Lifeline Chat. Services are private and offered without charge.

Make sure someone stays with your loved one if they are in danger of suicide or have attempted suicide. Dial your local emergency number or 911 right away. Alternatively, transport the person to the closest hospital emergency room, if you believe it is safe to do so.