Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive disorder, is an abnormal mental state that causes sudden mood swings (hyperactivity, agitation) or depression. When people feel depressed, they may feel hopeless and lose interest in daily activities. When a person’s mood swings in a different direction, they feel euphoric and energetic. This state of sudden mood swings usually occurs several times a year or even if more severe, several times a week. Let’s explore what is bipolar disorder in this article!
Contents
What are the signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder?
During mania, the patient will have some of the following symptoms:
- Eat and drink more
- Do not like to sleep much
- Think positive and talk more
- Vigorous activity to expend energy
- Feeling energetic and happy
- Reduced judgment and often confusion when making decisions
- You may hear strange voices or see hallucinations
In a state of depression, patients will experience some of the following symptoms:
- Eat less
- Feeling sluggish
- Feeling low in self-esteem
- Feeling that life is boring
- Sadness and crying for no reason, sleep disturbance
- Thinking about death or wanting to commit suicide
The manic-depressive disorder is often cyclical. Mood changes every month, every week, every season, or worse, every day.
You may experience other symptoms not mentioned. If you have any questions about signs of illness, consult your doctor.
What causes bipolar disorder?
Currently, the cause of the bipolar disorder is unknown. However, this mental instability can be influenced by many social factors such as stress and alcoholism. In addition, bipolar disorder can also occur when you take the wrong medication or change the dose without your doctor’s approval.
What factors increase the risk of bipolar disorder?
Risk factors that increase your chances of developing bipolar disorder include:
- Psychological stress in the long run
- Addiction to drugs or alcohol
- Have a family history of bipolar disorder or other mental illness
- Psychological stress in the long run
- Addiction to drugs or alcohol
- Have a family history of bipolar disorder or other mental illness
What medical techniques are used to diagnose bipolar disorder?
Doctors diagnosed bipolar disorder after a physical examination. In addition, your doctor may order blood or other tests to make sure your symptoms are not due to another medical condition.
What treatments are used to treat bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder cannot be completely cured. Your doctor will prescribe medication containing lithium to help you balance your emotions. In addition, your doctor will monitor you continuously for a long time to prevent the recurrence of depression or mania. If your condition is severe, you may need to take lithium for the rest of your life.
Compared with physical diseases, psychological diseases in general are more complex, many diseases cannot be completely cured but can only be mitigated and controlled for development. With bipolar disorder, too, it is not possible to completely cure the disease, the patient will be treated to balance emotions, and better manage their own moods.
When signs of illness are suspected to be due to bipolar disorder, the patient will be asked to have other diagnostic tests to rule out another medical cause. Once diagnosed with bipolar disorder, patients have often prescribed medication containing lithium to help balance emotions.
When the disease is in remission, the patient still needs to be monitored for a long time to prevent a recurrence. In severe cases, the patient may need to take lithium for life.
In addition to drug treatment, bipolar disorder is often treated with psychotherapy with the goal of controlling the person’s behavioral and thinking disorders. In order to better control the disease, patients with bipolar disorder need to have a scientific and reasonable lifestyle, such as: getting enough sleep, exercising properly, communicating with the surroundings, and staying away from stimulants such as coffee, alcohol, and tobacco.
Alternatively, you can ask a psychologist to help you treat your conduct disorder and guide you in controlling your thoughts and perceptions.
Final thought
Here are some things to keep in mind to manage the progression of bipolar disorder:
- Tell your doctor or someone you trust right away if you have suicidal thoughts
- Try to sleep on a fixed schedule and get enough sleep
- Don’t feel guilty or isolate yourself from society
- Stay away from stimulants like alcohol, and addictive substances like cocaine, drugs, and ecstasy.
If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best treatment support.
Top News hopes this article can help you learn more about what is bipolar disorder and wishes you all the best!
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