Sudden extreme happiness and unbearable sadness - is this Bipolar Disorder?

Do you have a friend or family member who is incredibly happy and excited at times, and then suddenly sad and depressed for no reason? One day they feel like they can conquer the world, and the next day they feel so tired of life that they can't even get out of bed? This kind of emotional swing could be a mental illness that we in medicine call bipolar disorder . Today we're talking about it, and that's what we call it.

What is Bipolar Disorder?

Simply put, Bipolar Disorder is a mental illness that severely affects a person's mood, energy levels, thoughts, and behavior. It was previously called 'Manic Depression.' A person with this condition may experience periods of extreme happiness and energy (called 'mania') and periods of extreme sadness, hopelessness, and boredom (called 'depression').

Think of it like a train. One time it goes up a hill, the next time it goes down a hill. That's why it's called 'Bipolar' (Bi - two, Polar - extreme) because the mind swings between two extremes (poles).

• Mania: This is a period of extreme happiness, excitement, and energy. During this time, some people may become irritable, impulsive, and make risky decisions. Some may also begin to believe things that are not true (delusions) or see or hear things that are not real ( hallucinations ).

• Hypomania: This is a milder form of mania. Here, you don't experience delusions or symptoms that are severe enough to interfere with your daily life. However, you may experience more activity and excitement than usual.

• Depression: This is the other extreme. During this time, you feel very sad and disappointed with life. You can't enjoy anything. These symptoms are very similar to those of someone with Major Depressive Disorder.

Are there main types of bipolar disorder?

Yes, there are several main types of this condition that have been identified. Your doctor will use these classifications to treat you.

• Bipolar I: In this type, severe manic episodes lasting at least a week occur. Sometimes these episodes are so severe that hospitalization is required. Along with this, severe depressive episodes lasting at least two weeks may also occur.
• Bipolar II: In this case, you must have had a major depressive episode and at least one mild hypomanic episode. But you never have a severe mania episode like in Bipolar I.
• Cyclothymic Disorder: This is a condition in which mild manic and depressive symptoms persist for two years in an adult, or one year in a child or young person. However, these symptoms are not as severe as Bipolar I or II.
• Rapid Cycling: This is not a specific type. It describes a pattern in which the illness develops. If you have four or more mood episodes in a year, it is called Rapid Cycling. This condition is more common in women.

What are the symptoms of this condition?

These symptoms can vary from person to person. They can also increase or decrease in severity over time. Let's look at these symptoms clearly in a table.

Symptoms in children and young people

Diagnosing bipolar disorder in children can be tricky because their symptoms can overlap with other conditions, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), behavioral problems, or general depression. If your child has these symptoms, it's important to see a pediatrician or psychiatrist right away for advice.

Why does bipolar disorder occur?

There is no single reason for this, but researchers believe that a combination of factors may be responsible.

• Genetic influence : If someone in your family has bipolar disorder, you are at slightly higher risk of developing it, but that doesn't mean you will definitely develop it.
• Chemical changes in the brain: An imbalance in neurotransmitters in the brain is believed to be responsible for this.
• Environmental factors: Traumatic events during childhood, severe stress, or the loss of a loved one can trigger the onset of the disease or worsen symptoms. Alcohol and drug use can also worsen symptoms.

How is it treated?

Bipolar Disorder is a condition that cannot be completely cured, but it can be managed very well and you can live a normal life . It is like diabetes or high blood pressure. It needs to be managed throughout your life.

Treatment methods are mainly a combination of several parts.

1. Medication

This is the most important part of the treatment. Your doctor will determine the type and dosage of medication that is right for you.

• Mood stabilizers: Drugs like Lithium, Valproate, Lamotrigine.
• Antipsychotics: Drugs like Olanzapine, Quetiapine.
• Antidepressants: These are often given in combination with a mood stabilizer. Otherwise, there is a risk of depression turning into mania.

Never stop taking medication or change the dosage without your doctor's advice.

2. Psychotherapy

Talk therapy is as important as medication.

• Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT): Helps stabilize mood by getting used to things like sleeping and eating at the same time every day.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps identify negative thought and behavior patterns and change them into positive ones.
• Psychoeducation: Educating yourself and your family about the disease is a great help in recognizing and taking action when symptoms appear.

3. Other treatments and lifestyle changes

• Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT): A very safe and effective treatment used for severe cases that are difficult to control with medication and psychotherapy.
• Lifestyle: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, complete abstinence from alcohol and drugs, and adequate sleep are essential.

How to help someone with bipolar disorder?

If someone in your family or friend has this condition, your support will be invaluable to them.

• Be aware of the disease: Reading this article is a good step towards that. Once you understand the disease, you can observe their behavior with patience.
• Encourage treatment: Help them see a doctor and take their medication properly.
• Be patient: This is a long journey. There will be times when things get better, and times when symptoms will flare up again. Be with them through it all.
• Don't judge them: Don't say things like, "That's a weakness of the mind." Understand that this is a condition that requires medical attention, just like a physical illness.

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