Bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder, formerly called depression, is a mental illness that causes excessive mood swings that include mood swings (mania or hypomania) and depression. When you are stressed, you may feel sad or hopeless and lose interest or happiness in many jobs. When you are stressed, you may feel sad or hopeless and lose interest or happiness in many jobs. When your mood changes to mania or hypomania (slightly higher than mania), you may feel happy, full of energy, or unusually angry. These mood swings can affect sleep, energy, activity, judgment, behavior, and the ability to think clearly. Episodes of mood swings may occur infrequently or multiple times a year. While most people will experience some emotional symptoms in between episodes, others may not. Although bipolar disorder is a lifelong disorder, you can manage your mood swings and other symptoms by following a treatment plan. In many cases, bipolar disorder is treated with medication and psychotherapy. Symptoms; there are several types of bipolar disorder and related disorders. They may associate mania or hypomania with depression. Symptoms can cause unexpected changes in mood and behavior, leading to major depression and stress in life. Bipolar Disorder I; you have had at least one episode of personality that may be preceded by or followed by hypomanic or major episodes of depression. In some cases, mania can cause a break in the truth (psychosis). Bipolar Disorder II; you’ve had at least one major episode of depression and at least one hypomanic episode, but you’ve never had a manic episode. Bipolar II disorder is not the worst form of bipolar disorder, but a different diagnosis. Although manic episodes of bipolar I disorder can be severe and dangerous, people with bipolar II disorder can be depressed for a long time, which can lead to severe disability. Cyclothymic disorder; have at least two years - or one year in children and adolescents - for most cases of symptoms of hypomania and periods of symptoms of depression (although much less severe than major depression). Other types; include, for example, digestive and related disorders caused by certain drugs or alcohol or by a medical condition, such as Cushing's disease, multiple sclerosis, or stroke. Although bipolar disorder can occur at any age, it is most commonly found in the teens or early 20s. Symptoms may vary from person to person, and symptoms may change over time. Symptoms in children and teens: Symptoms of bipolar disorder can be difficult to detect in children and adolescents. It is often difficult to say whether this is a normal increase and decrease, the effects of stress or trauma, or symptoms of a mental disorder other than bipolar disorder. Children and teens may have major depressive or manic or hypomanic episodes that are different, but the pattern may differ from that of adults with bipolar disorder. And emotions can change quickly during episodes. Some children may have moments without emotional symptoms between episodes. The most obvious symptoms of bipolar disorder in children and adolescents may include major mood swings that are different from their normal mood swings.

Causes: The exact cause of bipolar disorder is unknown, but several factors may be involved, such as Biological differences; people with bipolar disorder appear to have physical changes in their brain. The significance of these changes has not yet been determined but may eventually help identify the causes. Genetics; bipolar disorder is more common in people with a first relative, such as a sibling or parent, who has the condition. Researchers are trying to determine the genes that may play a role in causing bipolar disorder. Risk factors; factors that may increase the risk of bipolar disorder or cause the first episode include: Having a first-degree relative, such as a parent or sibling, with bipolar disorder. Times of deep depression, such as the death of a loved one or some other traumatic event Complications: Left untreated, bipolar disorder can lead to serious problems affecting every aspect of your life, such as Problems related to drug and alcohol use, suicide or suicide attempts, legal or financial problems, bad relationship and poor performance at school.

Mania and hypomania; mania and hypomania are two different types of episodes, but they have the same symptoms. Mania is more severe than hypomania and causes more serious problems at work, school, and social, and relationship problems. Mania can also initiate a break from the realities (psychosis) and requires hospitalization. Both the manic and hypomanic episodes include three or more of these symptoms: Abnormally upbeat, jumpy or wired, increased activity, energy or agitation, extreme feelings of well-being and self-esteem (euphoria), decreased need for sleep, unusual talk, thoughts of racing, disruption and wrong decisions - for example, continuing to buy sprees and investing foolishly. A major episode of depression involves symptoms that are severe enough to cause significant difficulties in everyday activities, such as work, school, community activities, or relationships. An article covers five or more of these characteristics: Depression; such as feelings of depression, worthlessness, hopelessness, or tears (for children and teens, depression can be seen as frustrating).  Marked loss of interest or feeling unhappy in all - or almost all – activities. Significant weight loss when not eating, obesity, or weight loss or increased appetite (in children, failure to gain weight as expected can be a sign of depression), insomnia or too much sleep, unstable or sloppy behavior, fatigue or exhaustion, feelings of worthlessness or inordinate guilt or inadequacy, decreased ability to think or concentrate, or inability to make decisions and thinking, planning or attempting suicide.

When to see a doctor?  Despite the mood swings, people with bipolar disorder often do not realize how much their emotional instability is affecting their lives and the lives of their loved ones, and not receiving the treatment they need. And if you are like other people with bipolar disorder, you may be able to enjoy a happy and productive life. However, this happiness is often followed by the emotional turmoil that may leave you feeling depressed, old, and perhaps even financial, legal, or relationship problems. If you have symptoms of depression or dementia, see your doctor or mental health professional. Bipolar disorder does not get better by itself. Getting treatment from a mental health professional that specializes in bipolar disorder can help you manage your symptoms.

Prevention; There is no definite way to prevent bipolar disorder. However, getting immediate treatment for a mental illness can help prevent bipolar disorder or other mental health conditions from getting worse. If you have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, some strategies can help prevent small symptoms from becoming full episodes of mania or depression: Pay attention to the warning signs; dealing with the symptoms early can prevent episodes from getting worse. You may have identified the pattern in your bipolar episodes and what caused them. Call your doctor if you feel you are falling into a state of depression or insanity. Involve family members or friends in looking for warning signs. Avoid drugs and alcohol; using alcohol or recreational drugs can make your symptoms worse and make them more likely to relapse. Take your medicine as prescribed; you may be tempted to stop treatment - but do not stop. Stopping your medication or lowering your dose yourself may cause withdrawal effects or your symptoms may be worse or recurrent.

Samina Zaheer (Health Tips, Health Care).