What You Need to Know About Bipolar Disorder: Diagnosis and Treatment
Bipolar disorder is a type of depression that is characterized by mood swings or times of extreme sadness and depression followed by a manic period of excessive energy. This condition is also referred to as "manic depression."
Around 568,000 Australians, or roughly 2.9 percent of the adult population, are believed to suffer from bipolar illness.
Bipolar Disorder Symptoms
A person with bipolar disorder will typically have a lot of energy and feel fantastic during a manic episode. Manic episodes, on the other hand, can quickly become excessively intense and unpleasant, resulting in frustration, trouble concentrating, and even hallucinations and psychotic episodes.
Because bipolar disorder is difficult to detect without experiencing a manic episode, it is frequently misdiagnosed as another type of depression. Additionally, persons who suffer from the disorder are less inclined to seek help while they are experiencing a pleasant and constructive mood swing. If you are having mood fluctuations in addition to depression, it is critical to communicate this to your doctor.
Among the warning symptoms of mania are the following:
A decreased requirement for sleep
Rapid-fire communication
Having a restless or agitated state of mind
Overconfident and taking up numerous new initiatives
Gambling and other high-risk behaviors
Depressive episodes can produce a variety of symptoms, including the following:
Feeling down for no apparent reason for extended periods of time
Absence of interest in hobbies and other common interests
Distancing oneself from relatives and family
Extreme exhaustion
Oversleeping or insomnia
Appetite changes
Suicidal ideation
Bipolar Disorder's Causes
Although the causes of bipolar illness are unknown, there appears to be a genetic component, and you are more likely to acquire the disorder if you have a close family who has struggled with similar issues in the past.
Other factors that contribute to depressed or manic episodes include stress, traumatic events, and substance abuse. Bipolar disorder can also develop during pregnancy or shortly after delivery.
Certain individuals have other psychological or physical health problems that might exacerbate the symptoms of bipolar illness. There are several of them, including anxiety and eating disorders.
Treatment Alternatives
Although bipolar disorder is incurable, it can be treated. Treatments may be brief to address an acute episode of depression or mania, or they may be part of a longer-term therapy program aimed at preventing large mood swings and assisting you in coping with your feelings.
Medications
Bipolar disorder's depressed episodes react well to antidepressants used to treat other types of depression.
SRIs (Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) are the most often prescribed drugs in Australia for bipolar disorder and depression. Due to the fact that these medications have less adverse effects than some other types of pharmaceuticals, they are frequently tested initially.
SRIs function by boosting serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is a naturally occurring molecule that is dubbed the "happy chemical" due to its role in mood regulation. Serotonin deficiency has been linked to depression and mood disorders.
SSRIs come in a variety of formulations and are marketed under a variety of brand names. A medicine that is appropriate for one person may not be appropriate for another – whether it is incompatible with your medical history, causes unpleasant side effects, or simply does not function. As a result, some persons taking medication for bipolar illness or depression may need to test multiple different medications before finding one that works for them.
Additionally, mood stabilizers are used to mitigate the mood swings associated with bipolar disorder. Lithium carbonate and sodium valproate are both frequently prescribed drugs in Australia.
CBT stands for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or CBT, is a type of psychiatric therapy that is frequently combined with medication to treat bipolar illness. This sort of therapy assists you in identifying harmful attitudes and behaviors and developing methods to replace them with more beneficial ones.
Psychotherapy for Families
Living with someone who has bipolar disorder can be a source of stress for the entire family. Additionally, those who suffer from bipolar disease are not always aware of the negative impact their mood swings have on others.
Family therapy aims to improve the effectiveness of communication and understanding within the family unit. Therapy can assist individuals in coping more effectively with traumatic situations such as divorce or a family death. Additionally, family members can be trained to recognize the warning symptoms of a depressed or manic episode in order to take preventative measures.
Strategies for Coping and Support
Being aware of the warning signs and symptoms that you may be entering a major depressive or manic episode enables you to seek medical care before things deteriorate further.
If you have bipolar illness, you should abstain from drugs and alcohol, as these might exacerbate your symptoms and impair the effectiveness of your prescriptions.
It is critical that you continue to take any medication provided to you as directed and do not stop taking it even if you feel better. Consult your doctor beforehand if you wish to discontinue medicine or if your health status has changed (for example, if you become pregnant).
Family and friend support is very critical to your coping approach. Surround yourself with positive and encouraging individuals and stay away from those who have a bad effect on your mood or who encourage destructive behaviors such as consuming alcohol or using drugs.
Additionally, it is critical to maintain a healthy lifestyle in general, which includes eating a varied and nutritious diet, drinking lots of water, and sleeping sufficiently. Exercise and meditation can both aid in the fight against stress's effects.
Joining a support group or attending group therapy sessions with other individuals who deal with depression or bipolar disorder can help you feel less alone in your troubles and can teach you how to cope with others' coping tactics.
Where to Look for Assistance
If you believe you may have bipolar disorder, your first point of call should be your regular family physician. He or she will discuss your symptoms and any other issues you may have and may recommend medication.
It may be beneficial to keep a mood diary, noting any significant events or triggers in your life, and showing it to your doctor during your consultation.
Psychotherapy is also a critical component of bipolar illness treatment, and there are various different types of therapy that can be beneficial.