Bipolar disorder is a mental illness where a person goes through two opposite mood. One is an elevated mood, also known as manic. Whereas, another one is a downbeat mood also referred as depression. People with bipolar disorder also experience changes in level of energy, sleeping pattern and level of activity. These changes have a major impact since they badly affect normal functioning of the individual at home, school and work. Plus, the impact on personal relationship also noticed. These changes in mood are generally distinguished according to duration of normal mood behavior. During the manic stage, a person with mania is extremely excited, happy and over confident. In addition, such people are impulsive as well as they show keen interest in hiring additional responsibilities. Besides these, they are also impatient and gets disturb soon. The depressive phase is exactly opposite to manic phase.
During the depression, the individual feels very sad, hopeless and have poor confidence as well. Most often they lose interest in those tasks which they used to enjoy a lot. These behavioral changes further from severe symptoms of this mental illness. According to several studies, severity and period of symptoms determine bipolar disorder and is classified into four parts that is Bipolar disorder 1, Bipolar disorder 2, Bipolar disorder Not Otherwise Specified (BP-NOS) and Cyclothymic disorder or cyclothymia.
CAUSES ASSOCIATED WITH BIPOLAR DISORDER
- Hereditary:-
In most of the cases, hereditary is leading reason behind bipolar disorder. If there is any close family member like parent or siblings have suffered through these diseases, then chances are high that individual may susceptible to bipolar disorder.
- Environment:-
The critical situation experience by a person in childhood also affects a lot in developing this mental condition. According to several studies, people who have affected with this disorder have either abused or undergone extreme stressful condition during their early years. In simple words, stress, major loss and abuse play a dominant role in forming bipolar disorder.
- Hormone:-
Pineal gland present in the brain, retina, lens and some other tissues is responsible for secreting melatonin hormone. This hormone plays a crucial role in boosting sleepiness. Darkness induces its production. Studies indicate that, people suffering from bipolar disorder are most susceptible to light during sleep. This lead to a reduction in melatonin level and this is because result in sleeplessness. But, till the exact role of melatonin level in developing this mental condition is not reliably founded.
- Neurotransmitters:-
Most of the studies say that instability in a naturally stimulating brain chemical termed neurotransmitters plays a key role in causing bipolar disorder and mood disorder.
- Biological differences:-
People affected with bipolar disorder often experienced physical shifts in their brain. The consequence of these changes is still doubtful, but sometimes finally becomes an obstacle.
TYPES OF BIPOLAR DIOSRDER
- Bipolar 1 disorder:-
One manic episode and one or more depression episodes are a consequence of this type of bipolar disorder and is usually common in both genders. The first occurrence in men is generally mania. On the other hand, in women first incident is normally severe depression.
- Bipolar 2 disorder:-
Bipolar 2 disorders is not much severe comparing to bipolar 1. People with bipolar 2 disorders frequently observe irritability, an elevated mood. In short, people go through hypomania (less severe type of mania) rather than full-blown mania. In this type of bipolar disorder, duration of depression is longer comparing to duration of hypomania.
- Cyclothymic disorder:-
This type of mental condition is commonly known as cyclothymia and is a mild from than other types of bipolar disorder. This mental condition is less severe and changing sequences from hypomania to mild depression.
- Rapid cycling bipolar disorder:-
This type of mental illness induces rapid changes in mood. People suffering from this disorder confront 4 or more incidences of severe depression, hypomania, mania or mingled signs within a year. Some patient confronts more than 1 incidence in a week or sometime within a one day also. Rapid cycling bipolar disorder is more common among those people who have gone through the first episode at an early age. Women are highly prone to this mental disorder than men.
TREATMENT TO COPE WITH BIPOLAR DISORDER
A combination of psychotherapy and medication is the best solution in order to cope with bipolar disorder. Majorly prescribed medication includes mood stabilizing drugs that hold valproic acid, lamotrigine and lithium. Besides a typical antipsychotic drug consisting of aripiprazole, quetiapine, risperidone and olanzapine also proven beneficial to treat bipolar disorder. Antidepressant drugs like paroxetine and fluoxetine plays a leading role in healing bipolar disorder.
Though, aforesaid medications contribute a lot in curing bipolar disorder, but some of them carries certain side effects as well. So, people with bipolar disorder are suggested to consume these medications after taking doctor’s permission only. Since the possibilities are high that overdosage may affect severely on the patient’s body. Hence, to obviate all such complications take medicine mentioned above under proper medical guidance and overcome bipolar disorder at earliest.
In addition to medication, psychotherapies are also equally necessary to get rid of bipolar disorder. Most potent psychotherapies include family focused therapy, psycho education, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal and social rhythm therapy. These therapies are extremely essential as they provide enough knowledge about the disorder, build up positive thoughts and improve their relationship with other people.
Remember bipolar disorder is a lasting medical condition and does not have any permanent cure. However, there are chances that with the help of medical treatment, it can be controlled to a certain extent. And patient may live stress free life by diminishing the severity of the incidence of its symptoms. In addition, patient need to limit caffeine and nicotine consumption, daily exercise, a healthy, balanced diet, daily sufficient sleep, massage therapy also necessary. Kick all bad habits; obviate stress and unhealthy relationship too. These are some effective tips which may definitely help you to obtain control over bipolar disorder. Remember, this disorder is enduring and it needs enough patience and constant treatment.