Bipolar Disorder

By
Bipolar disorder is a chronic mood disorder characterized by abrupt changes in mood, energy levels, and behavior. Manic and hypomanic episodes are the most common symptoms of bipolar disorder, and the majority of people with the disorder also have depressive episodes. Medication, talk therapy, lifestyle changes, and other treatments can help manage the condition.

Bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic depression, is a mental health condition characterised by extreme mood swings characterised by emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). You may feel sad or hopeless when you are depressed, and you may lose interest or pleasure in most activities. When your mood shifts to mania or hypomania (a milder form of mania), you may feel euphoric, energised, or unusually irritable. Sleep, energy, activity, judgement, behaviour, and the ability to think clearly can all be affected by mood swings.

Symptoms

People with bipolar disorder experience episodes of depression (feeling very low) and mania(feeling very high and overactive). The symptoms of bipolar disorder vary depending on the mood you're in. Unlike simple mood swings, each extreme episode of bipolar disorder can last several weeks (or even longer).

Causes

Although the exact cause of bipolar disorder is unknown, it is believed that a variety of factors can trigger an episode. These include:

  • Extreme stress
  • Overwhelming problems
  • Life-changing events
  • Genetic and chemical factors

Other factors that scientists believe contribute to the development of bipolar disorder include:

  • Changes in your brain: Researchers have discovered subtle differences in the average size or activation of certain brain structures in people with bipolar disorder. However, brain scans cannot diagnose the condition.
  • Environmental factors such as trauma and stress: A stressful event, such as the death of a loved one, a serious illness, divorce, or financial problems, can set off a manic or depressive episode. As a result, stress and trauma may also play a role in the development of bipolar disorder.



vectors by Freepick; graphic design by Vadot


Reference:

Bipolar disorder - Symptoms and causes. (2022). Mayo Clinic; https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bipolar-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20355955 ‌

NHS Choices. (2023). Overview - Bipolar disorder. https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/bipolar-disorder/overview/ ‌

‌Clinic, C. (2022). Bipolar Disorder (Manic Depression): Symptoms & Treatment - Cleveland Clinic. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9294-bipolar-disorder

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Neuro Developmental Disorders Intro

By
Image
Despite the fact that the term "neurodevelopmental disorders" has a long history, it was not included in prior editions of the ICD or the DSM. The term refers to a group of early-onset disorders that affect both cognitive and social communicative development, are multi-factorial in origin, have significant sex differences with males being more commonly affected than females, and have a chronic course with impairment lasting into adulthood. The term separates these diseases from other more prevalent childhood disorders, such as anxiety and mood disorders, which were assumed to be the result of some form of psychosocial stress and to have a more episodic history. Following extensive research, we divided these disorders into five major categories, each with its unique system: 1. Motor Disorders 2. Communication Disorders 3. Intelectual Developmental Disorders 4. Emotional and Behavioral Disorders 5. Specific Learning Disorder We st...
Read more

ADHD/ADD

By
Image
ADD, or attention deficit disorder, is an outdated term for the disorder known as ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. ADD was the name until 1987 when the word "hyperactivity" was added. Previously, a child would be diagnosed with ADD, either with or without hyperactivity, say in 1980. That child, however, would be diagnosed with ADHD beginning in the early 1990s. Diagnoses included one of three types from the early 1990s until recently. Inattentive type refers to children who only have inattentive symptoms. Children who were only hyperactive and impulsive were classified as hyperactive/impulsive. Children who had all three symptoms were identified as having the combined type. ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood. It is usually first diagnosed in childhood and often lasts into adulthood. Children with ADHD may have trouble paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviors (may act without thinking about what the resul...
Read more

Generalized Anxiety Disorder: GAD

By
Image
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is defined by persistent and excessive worry about a variety of things. People suffering from GAD may be overly concerned about money, health, family, work, or other issues. Individuals suffering from GAD have a difficult time controlling their anxiety. They may be overly concerned about actual events or may expect the worst even when there is no reason to be concerned. GAD is diagnosed when a person has three or more symptoms and finds it difficult to control worry on more days than not for at least six months. This distinguishes GAD from worry, which may be specific to a specific stressor or for a shorter period of time. Causes The exact cause of GAD is unknown, but it is likely that a combination of several factors is involved. According to research, these may include: Your parents' genes A history of stressful or traumatic experiences, such as domestic violence, child abuse, or bullying Painfu...
Read more

About Us