14 facts about bipolar disorder that everyone should know

Bipolar disorder is one of the most mysterious of mental States. Here are 14 key facts about bipolar disorder that will help to clarify the situation.

Bipolar disorder a mental disorder characterized by dramatic changes of mood and behavior

According to the National Institute of mental health (NIMH), these izmenenyaya episodes of mood. There are two basic types of episodes: manic and depressive episodes. Between these episodes people with bipolar disorder can have periods without symptoms of mania and depression.

Bipolar depressive episodes usually is very similar to classic depression

Not knowing the medical history of a person, it is almost impossible to determine whether his behavior is a result of bipolar disorder or major depressive disorder. But in General, NIMH emphasizes the following signs and symptoms of a bipolar depressive episode:

  • low energy level
  • the decrease in activity levels
  • feelings of hopelessness and despair
  • loss of pleasure from activities
  • excess sleeping or insomnia
  • the feeling of anxiety or emptiness
  • fatigue
  • overeating or malnutrition
  • problems with concentration or remembering things
  • suicidal thoughts

Severe episodes of depression can include psychosis, including brain fog, and even hallucinations.

Manic episodes are more complicated than just an emotional lift

As NIMH explains, there are many different signs and symptoms of mania:

  • a high level of energy
  • the increase in activity levels
  • a feeling of nervous tension
  • a sense of delight
  • feelings of excitement or irritability
  • the sense of self-confidence
  • sleep problems
  • talkativeness
  • desire to do several things at once
  • risk-taking behaviour, entailing sexual or financial risks

Hypomania can include many simptomov mania, but in a milder form

There are differences in up and mood. On the lower level of the spectrum is hypomania, where a person does not experience full-blown manic episode, but still has some of the symptoms in a milder form.

Some people experience only hypomania, while in others this condition alternates with serious addictions, which ultimately can be very dangerous. In such moments one becomes too cocky, and ceases to adequately assess the situation. This can lead to such undesirable consequences, such as unprotected sex or investing money in a business venture. That is why people suffering from delusions, it is recommended to be under the supervision of doctors.

The patient can experience symptoms of mania and depression

These mixed episodes combine a burst of energy and activity mania with hopelessness and despair of depression. These episodes are no less dangerous than active mania, therefore, require immediate medical attention.

There are several types of bipolar disorder

The symptoms of bipolar disorder can be of varying severity and manifest in people in different combinations, so there are actually four States associated with the disorder.

The first type of bipolar disorder

Consists of manic episodes dasami or more days, or severe manic symptoms that persist for some time, which require immediate hospitalization. This kind of disorder is also accompanied by depressive symptoms, ongoing for at least two weeks, or mixed episodes that include symptoms of depression and mania.

For bipolar disorder of the second type

People experiencing depressive episodes along with hypomanic episodes.

There is also a condition called cyclothymia

Cyclothymia resembles a less severe form of bipolar disorder. People with cyclothymia experience symptoms of hypomania and mild depression for at least two years, but symptoms are not severe enough to qualify as hypomanic or depressive episodes. However, the people who ignore cyclothymia are at increased risk of developing bipolar disorder.

Other specific and non-specific bipolar and related, disorders

Finally, people with symptoms of bipolar disorder that do not meet the above may have what is called in other specific and non-specific bipolar and related, disorders.

The duration of mood episodes can vary

Two weeks is minimum for a depressive episode, but often it lasts for several months. Mania usually lasts at least a week. However, the fixed range does not exist.

The causes of bipolar disorder are still unknown

Scientists are still studying the causes of the disorder, but they have identified three risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition: genetics, structure and function of the brain, and family history.

Experts have yet to determine what genes may be involved and to what extent. The same applies to brain structure and functioning, much remains to be seen. More clear that bipolar disorder is usually closely associated with a family history. The presence of a parent or sibling with bipolar disorder increases your chances of developing the condition.

The diagnosis of bipolar disorder can take some time as often the condition is misdiagnosed as depression

According to the NIMH, people who have bipolar disorder often seek help during depressive episodes than during manic or hypomanic. This is because mania outcasts productive state, not a problem requiring treatment. The diagnosis of bipolar disorder requires the detection of episodes of both mania and depression, so if everyone that sees a doctor during the first visit, signs of depression, the likelihood of a wrong diagnosis increases dramatically.

Even if during the first examination the patient demonstrates only the symptoms of depression, a good doctor, which is regularly faced with such patients, must be able to recognize mania over time and reassess your initial diagnosis.

Bipolar disorder can occur in children and adolescents

According to the NIMH, most people have the disease develops in late adolescence or adulthood. However, teenagers and children can also suffer from this disorder.

To diagnose a child or teenager can be even more difficult because their symptoms may not meet the diagnostic criteria. Children and adolescents with bipolar disorder also often have accompanying mental or behavioral health condition, such as the attention deficit disorder or hyperactivity, which complicate diagnosis and diagnosis. Finally, it is difficult to determine when fluctuations in mood and changes in activity level, it’s just part of growing up, and when the mental disorder. Specialized child psychiatrists are more knowledgeable in these matters.

Treatment is almost always associated with drugs, but the effectiveness of medicines and doses vary widely

The main goal of treatment is to stabilize the person’s mood, in order to minimize the number of manic and depressive episodes which he experiences.

There are several types of is effective for bipolar disorder medicines. According to NIMH, mood stabilizers reduce the amount of abnormal activity in the brain. Lithium is the most common. Anticonvulsant or antiseptic preparationsdesigned for the treatment of such disorders as epilepsy, are also sometimes used as mood stabilizers.

Another class of medicines prescribed for the treatment of bipolar disorder is antipsychotics for the treatment of mania (during the reception which can lead to psychotic episodes).

Some people will also benefit from antidepressantsthat help to manage the downs of mood associated with bipolar disorder. However, antidepressants can cause manic episodes. According to the Mayo clinic, they are usually combined with a mood stabilizer or antipsychotic. Some people helps short-term intake of sedative drugs.

Some of these products are better suited for the treatment of depressive or manic episodes, so the combination is often most effective. Despite the fact that treatment can be adjusted over time, patients working closely with their doctors, almost always find the right balance.

Bipolar disorder can affect pregnancy and contraception

Women with bipolar disorder who plan to become pregnant (or already pregnant) should talk with their doctor. According to the Mayo clinic, the medication can pass through the placenta and enter breast milk, and a variety of drugs used to treat bipolar disorder, are associated with an increased risk of birth defects.

In addition, some medications for bipolar disorder such as anti-epileptic drugs may reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills. Talk to your doctor if you are taking such drugs and trying to avoid an unplanned pregnancy.

Psychotherapy can also help to cope with bipolar disorder

Therapy helps people cope with episodes of mood, especially if the person first learned of his diagnosis. Many people suffer from the disease for many years before they put a bipolar diagnosis, so long time they make decisions in a manic or depressive state.

Therapy with a mental health professional helps people cope with stressors in their lives, which can exacerbate the condition, as well as pozvolyayet episode mood, before it becomes more serious.

People with bipolar disorder can lead happy, healthy lives

Undoubtedly, life with bipolar disorder has some problems. But it is also true that with proper treatment people can achieve stability and happiness.