Table of contents:
- Definition of bipolar disorder
- What is bipolar disorder?
- How common is this condition?
- Bipolar disorder signs & symptoms
- What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?
- Manic (mania) and hypomania
- Depressive episodes
- What are the symptoms bipolar disorder in children and adolescents?
- When should I see a doctor?
- Types of bipolar disorder
- 1. Bipolar disorder I
- 2. Bipolar II disorder
- 3. Cyclothymic disorders
- 4. Other types of bipolar disorder
- Causes of bipolar disorder
- Brain conditions
- Heredity (genetic)
- The influence of the social environment
- Risk factors for bipolar disorder
- Bipolar disorder diagnosis & treatment
- What are the usual tests to diagnose bipolar disorder?
- How do you deal with bipolar disorder?
- 1. Medicines
- 2. Psychotherapy
- 3. Treatment of certain substance abuse
- 4. Hospital care
- Home treatment of bipolar disorder
Definition of bipolar disorder
What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder, also known as bipolar disorder, is a mental disorder that causes changes to occur mood the extreme. This allows the person experiencing it to change their feelings suddenly from very happy (mania) to very sad (depression).
Often times, between the two changes, the patient remains in a normal mood state. However, it should be emphasized, depression and illness bipolar disorder are not the same thing.
When someone with bipolar disorder is sad, they will feel very depressed, lose hope, and may even lose their desire to carry out daily activities. However, when a happy episode occurs, he will feel very excited and full of passion.
Change mood this can happen several times a year. In severe cases, these changes can occur several times a week.
This mental condition can lead to damaged personal relationships, low motivation and productivity in the workplace, and even worse, can lead to feelings of suicidal thoughts.
Hence, people who have bipolar disorder it is highly recommended to call for medical assistance when changes occur mood significant.
How common is this condition?
Bipolar disorder is one of the most common types of mental illness. Data from the World Health Organization (WHO) states, as many as 45 million people in the world suffer from this disease.
Bipolar disorder also often appears in late adolescence or early adulthood. At least half of all cases of bipolar disorder are those under 25 years of age.
However, it is possible that this condition can also be found in children and adults. Always consult a doctor for more information.
Bipolar disorder signs & symptoms
What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?
A person affected by bipolar disorder will experience intense emotional feelings and occur over a certain period, known as "episodes." mood". Every episode mood indicates a drastic change from the person's normal mood and behavior.
The following is an explanation regarding the episode mood these:
Mania and hypomania are two different types of episodes, but they have the same symptoms. Mania is more severe than hypomania and causes more pronounced problems in everyday life. Mania can also lead to psychosis (feeling unfamiliar with the world around you) and generally requires hospitalization.
Some of the symptoms of bipolar disorder that appear during a manic (manic) episode include:
- Feeling too happy, energized, and excited.
- Very sensitive and irritable.
- Lack of sleep or feel you don't need to sleep long.
- Talking very fast and changing the topic of conversation from one topic to another.
- Feel like their mind is racing.
- Thinking can do many things at once.
- Making bad decisions, such as overeating and drinking, spending a lot of money, or engaging in reckless sex.
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Depressive episodes
Depressive episodes are among the hallmarks of moderately severe bipolar disorder. This condition can cause the sufferer to have difficulty carrying out daily activities, such as work, school, or doing social activities.
People with bipolar disorder who experience episodes of depression may experience the following symptoms:
- Feeling very sad, worried, empty, or hopeless.
- Losing interest in doing daily activities.
- Eat less.
- Feeling sleepy and lazy.
- Feeling too self-conscious and insecure.
- Difficulty concentrating.
- Having suicidal thoughts.
In addition to the two main symptoms above, other signs of bipolar disorder can include anxiety, melancholy, and psychosis. Symptoms can also appear during pregnancy or changes in seasons.
What are the symptoms bipolar disorder in children and adolescents?
In contrast to adults, symptoms bipolar disorder in children and adolescents it is difficult to identify. Often times, the symptoms appear similar to normal behavior.
Children and adolescents may have episodes of depression, mania, or hypomania. However, the patterns can differ from those of adults. However, the most prominent signs in children and adolescents may include severe mood swings.
When should I see a doctor?
Apart from extreme mood swings, people with bipolar disorder often don't realize how much emotional instability they are. They also may not realize how much these mood swings are disrupting the lives of themselves and others.
Therefore, if you feel you have the symptoms mentioned above, do not hesitate to consult a doctor immediately. The same thing needs to be done if you suspect your partner has bipolar disorder based on the symptoms that arise.
Types of bipolar disorder
Based on the symptoms that appear, there are several types of bipolar disorder or related disorders that may occur. The following are some of the types of bipolar disorder (bipolar disorder) said:
1. Bipolar disorder I
Onbipolar disorder type I, you have at least one or more episodes of mania that can be preceded or followed by episodes of hypomania or depression.
2. Bipolar II disorder
With this type, you have had at least one episode of depression and / or hypomania. However, you never have a manic episode.
3. Cyclothymic disorders
Cyclothymic disorder is defined as a period of hypomania and depression symptoms that last for at least two years (one year in children and adolescents). Symptoms on the type bipolar disorder it is generally lighter than type I or II.
4. Other types of bipolar disorder
This type generally goes through a period of change mood were significantly abnormal, but did not meet the criteria for bipolar I, II, or cyclothymia. For example, bipolar disorder and other disorders caused by certain drugs, alcohol, or due to medical conditions, such as Cushing's disease, multiple sclerosis, or stroke.
Causes of bipolar disorder
Until now, it is not certain what causes this condition. However, there are several factors that are believed to cause bipolar disorder. Following are the factors that are said to be the causes of bipolar disorder (bipolar disorder):
The brain can undergo a variety of physical changes that affect the levels of brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) in it. These chemicals, including noradrenaline, serotonin and dopamine, are substances that affect it mood.
When there is an imbalance in these chemicals, a person can experience symptoms bipolar disorder.
Genetic or hereditary factors can cause bipolar disorder. This disorder is more common in people who have first-degree families, such as siblings or parents, with similar conditions.
Researchers have found that there may be several social factors that can contribute to this bipolar disorder. These factors can include feelings of stress about an event or trauma, such as the death of a close family member, bad relationships with other people, divorce, financial problems, and others.
Risk factors for bipolar disorder
Several factors can increase a person's risk or likelihood of developing it bipolar disorder.The following are risk factors for bipolar disorder:
- High stress period.
- Alcohol or drug abuse (check with this blood alcohol calculator to see if you are at risk).
- Have family members of the sufferer bipolar disorder or another mental condition disorder.
- Experiencing a loss that occurs suddenly, such as the death of a loved one.
Bipolar disorder diagnosis & treatment
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.
What are the usual tests to diagnose bipolar disorder?
Some of the common tests that a doctor or psychiatrist performs to help make a diagnosis of bipolar disorder are:
- Physical tests or examinations. This test will help determine the cause of the symptoms.
- Laboratory test. As with a physical exam, laboratory tests, such as blood tests, are sometimes needed to rule out other medical conditions that may be causing the symptoms.
- Psychological test. You may be asked or need to complete a psychological questionnaire to find out about your feelings, thoughts and behavior.
- Depiction mood. You may be asked to keep a diary of sleep, mood, and behavior to help determine the diagnosis.
How do you deal with bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a condition that cannot be completely cured. That is, you will have this disease for the rest of your life. The treatment for bipolar disorder aims to stabilize the changes mood You.
Depending on the individual patient's condition, some of the treatments for bipolar disorder that a psychiatrist or doctor may provide are:
1. Medicines
Your doctor can prescribe medications to help reduce, manage, and prevent your bipolar disorder symptoms. These include medications to treat sleep problems and anxiety, which are also commonly associated with bipolar sufferers.
The drugs usually given consist of antidepressants, stabilizers mood, antipsychotic, or anti-anxiety.
2. Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, is often used for people with bipolar disorder. This treatment is done with the aim of helping a person identify and change disturbing emotions, thoughts and behaviors.
The form of psychotherapy that is commonly given for bipolar disorder is cognitive behavioral therapy (cognitive-behavioral therapy / CBT) and psychoeducation. However, other forms of psychotherapy are also possible.
3. Treatment of certain substance abuse
If you experience bipolar disorder because of dependence on certain substances, such as alcohol or drugs, you may need to take this special treatment. Constantly abusing certain drugs will make it even more difficult for you to cope bipolar disorder.
4. Hospital care
In more severe cases, you may be required to undergo an inpatient hospital program for periodic surveillance. This method is especially recommended if you experience signs of suicidal thoughts. At this level, you may injure yourself and others.
In addition to medical treatment, you can also choose alternative or complementary ways to help overcome bipolar disorder. These types of alternative medicine can be in the form of meditation, aerobic exercise, and so on.
Not all situations are the same. So it's better to always discuss any complaints you have with a psychiatrist to get the right treatment.
Home treatment of bipolar disorder
Some healthy lifestyle changes and home remedies can help you cope bipolar disorder is:
- Get enough sleep by following a regular sleep schedule.
- Doing physical activity regularly.
- Build healthy relationships with people who have a positive influence. This also applies to those of you who have friends with bipolar disorder in helping to cope with their condition.
- End the habit of consuming alcohol and avoid substance abuse.
If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.
