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The Denisonian will now publish weekly informative columns on mental health. We believe this information is important to recognize and make available on our campus. These are compiled from the research of the American Psychiatric Organization.
What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a depressive state characterized by periods of mood changes that are either extreme depressions or intense peaks. Periods of extreme mood can last from a few days to a few months. Another name for this disorder is manic depression, and it is clbadified into three conditions: bipolar I, bipolar II, and cyclothymic disorder. All three have similar symptoms and treatments.
How is it formed?
Bipolar disorder has no known cause, but it is thought that genetics, the environment and an altered chemical structure in the brain affect it. It is more common among 18 to 60 year olds.
What are the maniacs?
A manic episode is a period of at least a week. The behavior is usually extremely animated or extremely irritable because a person usually has more energy than usual. The symptoms of a manic episode are often visible to family or friends and are extreme enough to cause daily problems. Someone in a manic episode experiences at least three of the following situations, showing a change in behavior:
- Self-esteem exaggerated or grandiosity
- Less need for sleep
- Speak more than usual, speak loudly and quickly
- Easily distracted
- Do several activities at once, scheduling more events per day as possible
- Increased risk behavior (eg, reckless driving, spending spree)
- Uncontrollable racing thoughts or rapidly changing ideas or topics
What are the depressed low?
A major depressive episode is a two-week period during which a person presents at least five of the following events (one of which is a first):
- Intense sadness or despair; feeling helpless, hopeless or worthless
- Loss of interest in previously popular activities
- Feeling worthless or guilty
- Sleep problems – sleeping too little or too much
- Feeling of agitation or agitation (eg, stimulation or spinning), or slowing of speech or movements
- Changes in appetite (increase or decrease)
- Loss of energy, tiredness
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering to make decisions
- Frequent thoughts of death or suicide
What does the treatment look like?
Like many mental illnesses, there is no cure for bipolar disorder, but there are a variety of treatments. The most common treatments are the medications called "mood stabilizers" and psychotherapy (speech therapy). Single medications or a combination of speech therapy (psychotherapy) and medication are often used to manage the disorder. In some cases, a treatment called electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be used. Since bipolar disorder is a chronic disease, continuous preventive treatment is recommended. People with bipolar disorder may need to try different medications and therapies before finding what suits them.
I think I have bipolar disorder, and now?
The average age of a first manic episode is 18, but it can begin anytime, from infancy to adulthood. If you think you have bipolar disorder, immediately contact a counselor and a close family / friend. They can help you get treatment. Bipolar disorder is very common and many people lead a relatively normal life with this disorder. The most important thing to remember is to follow the treatment, because many people take greater risks when they abruptly stop taking medication or heal themselves.
Other important information:
- Bipolar disorder is not the same thing as mood swings or temperament problems. Episodes of bipolar disorder last longer than a day and mood changes do not occur as quickly as normal mood swings.
- People with bipolar disorder also have periods of "normal" mood and are not always manic or depressed.
- Bipolar disorder is not the same as a personality disorder.
- Bipolar People I often suffer from other mental disorders, such as Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), an anxiety disorder or a substance use disorder.
- The risk of suicide is significantly higher in people with bipolar disorder than in the general population.
- Because bipolar disorder can cause severe disruption and create an extremely stressful family situation, family members can also benefit from professional resources, particularly mental health support and advocacy groups.
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