When you hear the word 'bipolar', do you think of someone who suddenly gets angry and then smiles again? Many people think of it as just a mood swing, or "mood swings." While there is some truth to that story, it's not the whole truth. Bipolar is a much deeper mental health condition that needs to be understood. So let's talk about it clearly, simply, as if we were talking to a friend.
Is it true that emotions go up and down in a pattern in bipolar disorder?
This is a big misconception. Bipolar disorder was previously known as ``Manic Depression.'' It's not as simple as you might think, and it's not something that happens in a set pattern. Some people can experience symptoms of both mania and depression at the same time. Imagine, someone feels very sad and hopeless at the same time, but at the same time they have amazing energy and sleeplessness. Mixed symptoms like that can also occur.
Also, these feelings don't come in any particular pattern. Some people only get symptoms once or twice a year. Others may get them every few months. So, it's very unpredictable.
Is bipolar the same type of illness?
No. There are actually several main types of bipolar disorder. Let's take a look at what they are.
| Disease type (Type) | Brief Description |
|---|---|
| Bipolar I Disorder | These people experience manic episodes that last for at least 7 days. These can be so severe that they may even require hospitalization. They also experience depressive episodes that last for 2 weeks or more. Sometimes, mania can occur alone or a combination of mania and depression. |
| Bipolar II Disorder | Depression also occurs here. However, the accompanying highs are not as severe as in Bipolar I. These are relatively mild. This condition is called hypomania. |
| Cyclothymic Disorder | Here too, emotions go up and down, but both the manic and depressive states are very mild. That means the symptoms are not as severe. |
Can this be detected with a blood test?
This is a question that many people ask. The truth is, there is no single test that can definitively diagnose bipolar disorder. Your doctor will use several factors to help diagnose it.
- I'm asking you about your symptoms.
- Talking about your and your family's medical history.
- A complete physical examination is performed.
- You may also need to have blood tests to check for other conditions that could be causing your symptoms (such as thyroid problems).
After doing all of this, they also check to see if your symptom pattern matches the criteria in the `DSM-5`, a special diagnostic manual used by psychiatrists.
Is there no cure for bipolar disorder?
Absolutely not! This is a completely wrong idea. There are treatments that can very successfully manage bipolar disorder .
- Medication: Medications work very well for this. Your doctor may prescribe medications such as:
- Mood stabilizers
- Antidepressants
- Anti-mania drugs
- Psychotherapy : This is also called talk therapy. It can help you manage your symptoms. Here are some things you can learn:
- How to avoid triggers that cause symptoms.
- How to ask for help when you need it.
- How to recognize symptoms before they get worse.
The most important thing is to use the prescribed medication exactly as prescribed by the doctor and to participate in psychotherapy. When these two are combined, the results are very successful.
Does this only happen to adults?
No. Bipolar disorder can affect adults as well as children and teens . However, if a child has the condition, it can be difficult to diagnose because it can occur along with other mental health conditions, such as ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). If a child or teen has bipolar disorder, treatment is similar to that for adults. This means using both medication and psychotherapy.
Is bipolar something that only affects mood?
This is another misconception. This condition affects not only your mood, but also your energy, sleep, speech, thoughts, and behavior. Let's look at how these change during periods of mania and depression.
| Characteristic | During mania | During depression |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | Feeling unusually energetic, unable to stand still. | Lifeless body, constant fatigue. |
| Sleep | Decreased need for sleep (not feeling tired even after a few hours of sleep). | Either sleeping too much, or not sleeping enough. |
| Speech | Talking very fast and non-stop. | Decreased speech, slow speech. |
| Behavior | Risky behavior (spending too much money, risky sexual behavior). | Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy, withdrawal from society. |
A few more misconceptions and true stories
- Isn't there an influence that comes from generation?
There is actually a genetic influence to this. If someone in the family has bipolar, the risk of others developing it is higher. However, that is not the only reason. It can also develop in someone who has no family members.
- Don't alcohol and drugs affect it?
Alcohol or drugs do not cause bipolar disorder. However, their use can make symptoms worse and may reduce the response to treatment.
- Is there any connection to stress?
Definitely related. Things like extreme stress and traumatic events can be a major trigger for bipolar symptoms. It's very important to try to manage stress through things like yoga and meditation.
- Should everyone with bipolar be hospitalized?
No. There are many people who manage their symptoms well with proper treatment and lead normal lives, and who have never been hospitalized. However, if they feel like harming themselves, others, or if the situation becomes too severe to be controlled, immediate hospitalization, possibly admission to the ETU (Emergency Treatment Unit), is essential. This is a decision that your doctor will make.
Take-Home Message
- Bipolar isn't just a mood swing, it's a real medical condition that requires treatment.
- There are different types of this disease, and the symptoms can vary greatly from person to person.
- With the right treatment (medication and psychotherapy), this condition can be successfully controlled and you can live a very good, normal life.
- If you suspect that you or someone you know has these symptoms, please see a doctor for advice. That is the best and most responsible thing to do.
- It is very important to stay away from stress, alcohol, and drug use as they can worsen symptoms.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න