We all have our ups and downs, our “on” and “off” days, but if you have bipolar disorder, these peaks and valleys can be even worse. Symptoms of bipolar disorder can impair your performance at work and school, damage your relationships, and disrupt your daily life. While bipolar disorder is treatable, many people fail to recognize those warning signs and get the help they need. Since bipolar disorder tends to get worse without treatment, it is important to know what the symptoms of this disorder look like. Recognizing this is the first step to getting this problem under control.
What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder (also known as manic-depressive disorder) causes severe changes in mood, energy, thinking and behavior, shifting from one extreme manic high, to another extreme depressive low. More than just a fleeting good or bad mood, the cycle of bipolar disorder can last for days, weeks or months. And unlike ordinary mood swings, the mood changes of bipolar disorder are so intense that they can interfere with your ability to function. During a manic episode, a person may quit their job on a whim, swipe a huge credit card charge, or feel energized on only two hours of sleep. During a depressive episode, the same person may feel too tired to get out of bed, have high levels of self-loathing, and despair that exceeds unemployment and debt.
The etiology of bipolar disorder is not fully understood yet. The first manic or depressive episode of bipolar disorder usually occurs in the late teens or early adulthood. Symptoms can be subtle and confusing, so many people with bipolar disorder are overlooked or misdiagnosed, causing unnecessary suffering. But with proper treatment and support, you can lead a rich and fulfilling life.
Myths and facts about bipolar disorder
Myth #1: Patients with bipolar disorder cannot get better or lead normal lives.
Fact: Many people with bipolar disorder have successful careers, happy family lives, and satisfying relationships. Living with the symptoms of bipolar disorder can be challenging. But with treatment, healthy coping skills, and a solid support system, you can absolutely live a fulfilling life while dealing with your symptoms.
Myth #2: People with bipolar disorder swing back and forth between mania and depression.
Fact: Some patients alternate between extreme manic and depressive episodes, but most people spend more time in depression than in mania. Mania can be so mild that it goes unrecognized. People with bipolar disorder can also be asymptomatic for a long time.
Myth #3: Bipolar disorder only affects mood.
Fact: Bipolar disorder, too, affects your energy level, judgment, memory, concentration, appetite, sleep patterns, sex drive, and self-esteem. In addition, bipolar disorder has been linked to anxiety, substance abuse and health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, migraines and high blood pressure.
Myth #4: There is nothing you can do to manage bipolar disorder except take medication.
Fact: While medications are the foundation of bipolar disorder treatment, therapy and self-help strategies also play an important role. You can help manage your symptoms by getting regular exercise, getting enough sleep, eating right, monitoring your mood, keeping stress to a minimum, and staying in touch with supportive people of your own.
Signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder
The manifestations of bipolar disorder can vary in different people. The form, severity and frequency of symptoms can vary widely. Some people are more likely to suffer from a single manic or depressive symptom, while others alternate between the two bipolar types. Some people have frequent mood disturbances, while others experience only a few such episodes in their lifetime.
There are four types of episodes of bipolar disorder: manic, hypomanic, depressive and mixed episodes. Each mood episode type of bipolar disorder has a unique set of symptoms.
Signs and Symptoms of Mania
In the manic phase of bipolar disorder, common features are increased energy, increased creativity and excitement. People who are experiencing a manic episode often talk a lot, sleep less, and are overly active. They may also feel that they are omnipotent, invincible, or destined for greatness.
But once the person with a manic episode starts to feel good, it has a tendency to get out of hand. People often behave recklessly during manic episodes: gambling away from savings, engaging in inappropriate sexual activity, or making foolish business investments. They may also become angry, irritable and aggressive fighters, as well as accuse anyone who criticizes their behavior. Some people even develop delusions or hallucinations.
Common signs and symptoms of a manic episode include.
1. Feeling unusually “happy” and optimistic, or extremely irritable.
2, unrealistic and exaggerated beliefs about a person’s abilities or strengths.
3. Sleeping very little, but feeling very energetic.
4. talking so fast that no one else can keep up.
5.Thinking on the run, jumping quickly from one idea to another.
6.Highly distracted, unable to concentrate.
7, impaired judgment, easily impulsive.
8, brute force, without considering the consequences.
9, delusions and hallucinations (in severe cases).
Symptoms of Mild Mania
Hypomania is a much less severe form of mania. People in hypomania feel happy, energetic, and productive, but they are able to deal with everyday things and never disengage from reality. To others, the hypomanic person may seem to be in a very good mood. However, hypomania can cause the person to make poor decisions that are detrimental to relationships, career, and reputation. In addition, hypomania often progresses to a full-blown manic episode or a subsequent major depressive episode.
Signs and symptoms of bipolar depression
In the past, bipolar depression has focused on general depression. However, a growing body of research suggests that there are significant differences between the two, especially when it comes to recommended treatments. Most bipolar depression patients do not use antidepressants. In fact, there is a risk that using antidepressants can make bipolar disorder worse —- trigger mania or hypomania, cause rapid cycling between mood states, or hinder the effects of other mood stabilizing medications.
Despite the many similarities, certain symptoms are more common in bipolar depression than in general depression. For example, bipolar depression is more likely to involve feelings of irritability, guilt, unpredictable mood swings, and restlessness. People with bipolar depression also tend to move and speak slowly, sleep more, and gain weight. In addition, they are more likely to develop psychotic depression —- in that state of illness where they have become disconnected from reality as well as experience more disability in work and social functioning.
Common symptoms of bipolar depression include.
1. feelings of hopelessness, sadness, and emptiness.
2. irritability and irritability.
3. inability to feel happy.
4. fatigue or poor energy.
5. slow physical and mental performance.
6. changes in appetite or weight.
7. problems with sleep.
8. problems with concentration and memory.
9. feelings of worthlessness or guilt.
10. Thoughts of death or suicide.
Treatment of bipolar disorder
If you find yourself or someone else with symptoms of bipolar depression, don’t wait for someone to help. In fact, ignoring the problem won’t make it go away; it will almost certainly get worse. Living with untreated bipolar disorder symptoms can lead to a host of problems, from your career to your relationships to health issues. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent these comorbidities from arising.
If you’re reluctant to seek treatment because you like the way you feel when you’re in a manic mood, remember that being energetic and mentally happy comes at a cost. Mania and hypomania are often destructive and hurt you and those around you.
Essential elements of bipolar disorder treatment
Bipolar disorder requires long-term treatment. Because bipolar disorder is a chronic, relapse-prone disorder, it is important to continue treatment while you are feeling well. Most people with bipolar disorder need medication to prevent new episodes as well as to remain symptom-free.
More than medication is needed. Medication alone is often not enough to fully control the symptoms of bipolar disorder. The most effective treatment strategies for bipolar disorder include a combination of medications, psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, and social support.
It is best to work with an experienced psychiatrist. Bipolar disorder is a complex disorder. It takes great resourcefulness to arrive at a diagnosis, and treatment is often difficult. For safety reasons, the use of medications should be closely monitored. A psychiatrist with experience in treating bipolar disorder can help you manage these changes.
Self-help for people with bipolar disorder
Although dealing with bipolar disorder is often not easy, you must make wise choices in order to successfully manage bipolar disorder. Your lifestyle and daily habits can have a major impact on your mood. Take a look at the following methods used to help yourself.
Gain knowledge. Learn as much as you can about bipolar disorder. The more you know, the more you can do to help yourself recover.
Reduce stress. Avoid high-stress environments, maintain a healthy work-life balance, and try relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing.
Seek support. It is important for you to have people you can ask for help and get encouragement from. Try joining a support group or talking to a friend you can trust.
Make healthy choices. Healthy sleep, diet and exercise habits can help stabilize your mood. It’s especially important to maintain a regular sleep schedule.
Monitor your mood. Keep track of your symptoms and watch for signs that your mood is about to turn out of control so you can stop the problem before it starts.
Causes and triggers of bipolar disorder
There is no single cause of bipolar disorder. Some people appear to have a genetic predisposition to bipolar disorder. However, not everyone with a genetic predisposition develops the disorder, suggesting that genetic factors are not the only cause. Some brain imaging studies suggest that there are structural changes in the brains of people with bipolar disorder. Other studies point to neurotransmitter imbalances, abnormal thyroid function, disrupted circadian rhythms, and high levels of the stress hormone cortisol being associated with the disorder.
It is believed that external environmental and psychological factors are also involved in the development of bipolar disorder. These external factors are called triggers. Triggers can cause new episodes of mania or depression, or exacerbate existing symptoms. However, many bipolar disorder episodes occur without an obvious trigger.
Stress – Stressful life events can trigger the development of bipolar disorder in people with a genetic susceptibility. These events often involve sudden or dramatic changes, either good or bad, such as getting married, going off to college, losing a loved one, being fired from a job.
Substance abuse – While substance abuse does not cause bipolar disorder, it can cause episodes and worsen the course of the disorder. Drugs such as cocaine, ecstasy and amphetamines can induce mania, while alcohol and sedatives can trigger depression.
Medications – Certain medications, most notably antidepressants, can induce mania. Other medications that can cause mania include over-the-counter cold and flu medications, appetite suppressants, caffeine, glucocorticoids, and thyroid medications.
Seasonal changes – Manic and depressive episodes tend to follow a seasonal pattern. Manic episodes are more common in the summer and depressive episodes are common in the fall, winter and spring.
Sleep deprivation – Sleep deprivation – even a few hours of rest – can trigger a manic episode.