Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a serious, long-term mental health condition.
Patients experience two extreme moods at different times: mania and depression, sometimes alternating between the two. The degree of mood fluctuation is more severe than in the general population.
During an episode, the patient's mood becomes excessively elevated or depressed, affecting their thoughts and behaviors and disrupting their normal life.
Do you have the following symptoms?
The incidence of bipolar can be divided into mania and hypomania episodes, and depressive episodes. Bipolar is not easy to diagnose. The patient’s friends and family members may have noticed the relevant symptoms but they may not be aware of the appearance of bipolar disorder.
The following are the possible symptoms of bipolar disorder:
Manic & Hypomanic Symptoms
．Continuously be overwhelmingly excited and hyper
．Very grumpy, irritable, feeling jittery
．Speaking rapidly, jumping from one thought to another
．Easily distracted
．Add up of plans
．Difficulty sleeping
．Unrealistic assessment of own abilities
．Impulsive and dangerous behaviour
Depressive Symptoms
．Continuously feeling depressed, anxious or lonely
．Lost interest in the activity that used to like
．Decreased energy, exhausted, slower pace
．Poor memory, difficulty concentrating, hard to make decisions
．Feeling uneasy and empty
．Change in diet, sleeping and other habits
Types
There are several types of bipolar disorders based on the diagnostic of mania or hypomania and depression :
Type I
Had at least one manic episode, which may be preceded or followed by hypomanic or major depressive episodes
Type II
Had at least one major depressive episode and at least one hypomanic episode, without ever
having a manic episode
Rapid-cycling
Had four or more episodes of depression and mania within 12 months
Cyclothymic disorder.
Milder mood swings than bipolar disorder, with persistent hypomanic and mild depressive symptoms for at least two years
When using medications, psychological therapy can help manage the condition better. Psychoeducation, cognitive behavioural therapy, interpersonal and social rhythm therapy, and family-focused therapy are proved to be effective for the condition.
Psychotherapy
Psychiatrists will prescribe a single type of medication or in combination with other ones for the symptoms, including mood stabilisers, lithium salts, antidepressants, antimanic and anti-anxiety drugs, etc.
Medication
Treatment
Bipolar disorder requires a long term treatment to manage the condition and stable the emotion.
Support and understanding from family are very important. Good lifestyle habits can also help prevent episodes. These include regular exercise, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, avoiding alcohol and substance misuse, managing stress, and staying connected with others to avoid isolation.
Lifestyle