What is bipolar disorder, and how does it affect you?
Bipolar disorder is a mental disease characterized by mood swings that are severe. Mania, or an excessively elevated mood, is one of the symptoms. They can also involve depressive episodes. Bipolar disorder is sometimes known as manic depression or bipolar illness.
People with bipolar illness may struggle to manage daily activities at school or work, as well as maintain relationships. Although there is no cure, there are some treatment choices that can help control the symptoms.
Facts about bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder is not an unusual mental illness. In reality, it affects 2.8 percent of adults in the United States or around 5 million individuals. People with bipolar illness usually begin to show symptoms when they are 25 years old.
The bipolar illness causes depression that lasts at least two weeks. A manic (high) episode might persist for days or weeks. Some people will have mood swings multiple times a year, while others will only have them once or twice a year.
Facts about bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder is not an unusual mental illness. In reality, it affects 2.8 percent of adults in the United States, or around 5 million individuals. People with bipolar illness usually begin to show symptoms when they are 25 years old.
Bipolar illness causes depression that lasts at least two weeks. A manic (high) episode might persist for days or weeks. Some people will have mood swings multiple times a year, while others will only have them once or twice a year.
You may encounter the following symptoms during a depressive episode:
- heartfelt regret
- hopelessness
- energy wastage
- a loss of enthusiasm for previously loved activity
- periods of little or excessive sleep
- thoughts of suicide
Bipolar disorder can be difficult to identify due to its wide range of symptoms, despite the fact that it is not an unusual illness.
Symptoms of bipolar illness in women
The bipolar illness affects both men and women in equal proportions. However, the disorder’s primary symptoms may differ between men and women. A woman suffering from bipolar illness may:
Thyroid illness, obesity, anxiety problems, and migraines are all diseases that people might have at the same time.
have a greater chance of developing an alcohol use problem throughout the course of their lives.
Women with bipolar illness are more likely to relapse. Hormonal changes associated with menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause are thought to be the reason. If you’re a woman who suspects you could have bipolar illness, it’s critical that you receive the facts.
Symptoms of bipolar disorder in males
Bipolar disorder affects both men and women in the same way. Men, on the other hand, may have different symptoms than women. Men who suffer from bipolar disorder may:
Males are less likely than bipolar women to seek medical help on their own.
This Bipolar disorder comes in a variety of forms.
The disorder is divided into three types: bipolar I, bipolar II, and cyclothymic.
Bipolar I
At least one manic episode is required for bipolar I to be diagnosed. Before and after the manic period, you may have hypomanic or severe depressive episodes. Both men and women are affected by this kind of bipolar illness.
Bipolar II
One major depressive episode lasting at least two weeks is experienced by people with this form of bipolar illness. They also experience at least one hypomanic episode that lasts four days. Women are considered to have a higher prevalence of this form of bipolar illness.
Cyclothymic
Hypomania and sadness are common symptoms of cyclothymic. These symptoms are less and less severe than those associated with bipolar I or bipolar II disorder, which include mania and depression. The majority of persons with this disease only have stable emotions for a month or two at a time.
Your doctor will be able to tell you what type of bipolar disorder you have when you discuss your diagnosis.
Children with bipolar disorder
The diagnosis of bipolar illness in youngsters remains debatable. This is due to the fact that bipolar disorder symptoms in children are not necessarily the same as in adults. Their moods and actions may also differ from what doctors look for when diagnosing the condition in adults.
Many of the symptoms of bipolar disorder in children coincide with those of a variety of other illnesses that can affect children, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Doctors and mental health experts have begun to identify the issue in youngsters in recent decades. A diagnosis can help children obtain therapy, but it might take weeks or months to get a diagnosis.
Bipolar disorder affects children in the same way that it affects adults. Following these periods, depression sets in. While all children go through mood swings, those caused by bipolar illness are more noticeable. They’re also more severe than a regular shift in a child’s behavior.
Symptoms of manic depression in youngsters
Symptoms of a manic episode in a kid induced by bipolar disorder include:
behaving erratically and overjoyed talking quickly and rapidly changing topics having difficulty concentrating or concentration performing dangerous activities or experimenting with risky actions
having a fast temper that leads to angry outbursts having difficulty sleeping and not feeling exhausted after a lack of sleep.
Children’s depressive symptoms
Symptoms of a bipolar disorder-related depressive episode in a kid might include:
moping around or acting depressed sleeping excessively or insufficiently having little energy for normal activities or showing no signs of interest in anything complaining about not feeling well, including frequent headaches or stomachaches experiencing feelings of worthlessness or guilt eating excessively or insufficiently thinking about death and possibly suicide.
Other possibilities for a diagnosis
Some of your child’s behavior problems might be the consequence of something else. Children with bipolar illness might develop ADHD and other behavioral issues.
Obtaining the proper diagnosis will assist your kid’s doctor in determining therapies that will enable your child to live a healthy life.
Teens with bipolar disorder
The ordinary parent of a teenager is no stranger to anxious behavior. Hormonal changes, as well as the life changes that accompany puberty, can cause even the most well-behaved teen to become angry or overly emotional at times. Some juvenile mood swings, on the other hand, might be the consequence of a more serious ailment, such as bipolar illness.
Bipolar disorder is most commonly diagnosed in late adolescence and early adulthood. The following are some of the more typical signs of a manic episode in teenagers:
- being ecstatic about “acting out” or misbehaving, engaging in hazardous activities, and misusing drugs
- More than usual, I’m thinking about sex.
- becoming sexually active or excessively sexual
The following are some of the more typical signs of a depressed episode in teenagers:
- Sleeping excessively or insufficiently, eating excessively or insufficiently, feeling melancholy and exhibiting little excitement
- retreating from activities and ruminating on death and suicide with friends
- Bipolar disorder may be diagnosed and treated to help teenagers enjoy a healthy life.
Depression and bipolar disorder
Ups and downs are two extremes of bipolar illness. During this stage of the illness, people typically feel “up.” You may feel energetic and easily agitated while you are experiencing a “up” change in mood.
You may feel sluggish, uninspired, and melancholy if you’re going through a “down” mood change.
While bipolar disorder might make you feel down, it is not the same as depression. This Bipolar disorder can induce highs and lows, but depression results in constant “down” feelings and emotions.
The Bipolar disorder causes
This Bipolar illness is a prevalent mental health disease, but physicians and academics are baffled by it. It’s unclear why some people get the disease while others do not.
It can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
Genetics
You’re more likely than other people to acquire bipolar disorder if your parent or sibling has it (see below). It’s crucial to remember, however, that most persons with a family history of bipolar illness do not acquire the disease.
Your mind
Now, Your brain anatomy may influence your illness risk. Your risk may be increased if you have abnormalities in the structure or functioning of your brain.
Environmental determinants
It’s not only what you eat that might increase your chances of developing bipolar illness. Outside variables may also have a role. These elements may include:
- terrible encounters involving high stress
- physical ailment
Each of these variables has the potential to affect who gets bipolar illness. However, it’s more likely that a number of variables have a role in the disease’s progression.
Is bipolar disorder passed down through the generations?
Bipolar disorder can be handed down from one generation to the next. People with the disease have a significant genetic connection, according to research. If you have a family member who has the disease, your odds of getting it are four to six times higher than if you don’t have a family member who has it.
This does not, however, indicate that everyone who has a relative with the disease will get it as well. Furthermore, not everyone with bipolar disorder comes from a family with the illness.
Nonetheless, heredity appears to have a significant influence in the occurrence of bipolar illness.
Diagnosis of bipolar disorder
One or more manic episodes, or mixed (manic and depressive) episodes, are required for a diagnosis of bipolar disorder I. It could or might not entail a severe depressive episode. One or more severe depressive episodes and at least one episode of hypomania are required for a diagnosis of bipolar II.
During this period, you should be experiencing symptoms practically all day, every day. On the other hand, major depressive episodes must persist at least two weeks.
Because mood fluctuations are unpredictable, bipolar illness can be difficult to diagnose. It’s much more difficult to detect in children and teenagers. Mood, behavior, and energy levels are more likely to vary in this age group.
If left untreated, bipolar illness frequently worsens. Episodes may become more frequent or more severe. However, if you get treatment for your bipolar illness, you may live a healthy and productive life. As a result, diagnosis is critical.
Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder Test
A bipolar illness diagnosis isn’t made on the basis of a single test result. Instead, your doctor will conduct a series of tests and examinations. These may include the following:
- Examination of the body. Your doctor will do a thorough physical examination. Blood or urine tests may be ordered to rule out other possible reasons of your symptoms.
- Examine your mental wellness. A mental health practitioner, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, may be referred to you by your doctor. These physicians diagnose and treat mental illnesses like bipolar disorder. They will assess your mental health and search for symptoms of bipolar illness throughout the session.
- Journal of feelings. If your doctor believes you’re suffering from a mood illness like bipolar, they may urge you to keep track of your emotions. Keeping a record of how you’re feeling and how long those sensations persist is the best method to achieve this. Your doctor may also advise you to keep track of your sleeping and eating habits.
- Criteria for diagnosing. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is a list of symptoms for different types of mental illnesses. This list can help doctors confirm a bipolar diagnosis.
Treatment for bipolar disorder
There are a variety of therapies available to help you manage your bipolar illness. Medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle modifications are among them. Some natural treatments may be beneficial as well.
Medications
Medications that may be prescribed include:
mood stabilizers, such as lithium (Lithobid) antipsychotics, such as olanzapine (Zyprexa) antidepressant-antipsychotics, such as fluoxetine-olanzapine (Symbyax) benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax), antidepressant-antipsychotics, such as fluoxetine-olanzapine (Symbyax) benzoin.
Psychotherapy
The following are examples of psychotherapy treatments that may be recommended:
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, is a kind of treatment. You and your therapist discuss how to deal with your bipolar condition. They will assist you in comprehending your thought processes. They can also assist you in developing healthy coping mechanisms.
Psychoeducation
Psychoeducation is a type of counselling that aids in the understanding of the condition by you and your loved ones. Understanding bipolar disorder will aid you and those in your life in managing it.
Interpersonal and social rhythm treatment
They are two types of rhythm therapy.
The goal of interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT) is to help people regulate their everyday routines including sleeping, eating, and exercising. Managing your condition can be as simple as balancing these routine necessities.
Other possibilities for therapy
Other possibilities for therapy include:
- sleep medication complements electroconvulsive treatment (ECT)
- acupuncture
- Changes in your way of life
- You can also assist control your bipolar illness right now by doing the following easy steps:
- Maintain a regular eating and sleeping schedule.
- Recognize mood swings if you want to live a happier life.
- enlist the help of a friend or relative to help you with your treatment goals.
- Consult a doctor or a registered healthcare professional.
- Other lifestyle modifications might also aid in the recovery process.
Bipolar disorder natural treatments
Some natural treatments for bipolar illness may be beneficial. However, you should not take these treatments without first seeing your physician. These therapies may interact with any drugs you’re already taking.
The herbs and substances listed below may help to regulate your mood and treat bipolar illness symptoms:
- Fish oil is a kind of omega-3 fatty acid that According to a 2013 study, persons who eat a lot of fish and fish oil had a lower risk of developing bipolar disorder. You may obtain the oil naturally by eating more fish or by taking an over-the-counter (OTC) supplement.
- Rhodiola rosea is a kind of Rhodiola rosea. This study also suggests that this herb might be beneficial in the treatment of mild depression. It may aid in the treatment of bipolar disorder’s depressive symptoms.
- S-adenosylmethionine is a kind of S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe).
What are the differences between mania and hypomania?
Mania and hypomania are bipolar illness symptoms that can occur. They can happen to persons who don’t have a bipolar illness as well.
What exactly is mania?
Mania is more than just having a surplus of energy. It’s a mood disorder that causes you to feel unusually energetic both physically and psychologically. Mania can be so severe that it necessitates hospitalization.
Mania is a symptom of bipolar I disorder. Manic episodes alternate with intervals of depression in many cases of bipolar I. People with bipolar I, on the other hand, do not always have depressive episodes.
What exactly is hypomania?
Hypomania is a kind of mania that is less severe. Your energy level is higher than typical while you’re experiencing hypomania, but it’s not as high as it is when you’re experiencing mania. If you have hypomania, others will notice. It can cause issues in your life, but not to the same degree as mania. You won’t need to be hospitalized if you have hypomania.
Hypomania that alternates with depression is a symptom of bipolar II illness.
What are the treatment options for hypomania and mania?
Your doctor may recommend psychotherapy as well as medication to treat mania and hypomania. Mood stabilizers and antipsychotics are possible medications.
It’s possible that your doctor may have to test many different drugs before he or she finds the perfect combination to properly treat your symptoms. Bipolar disorder is critical that you follow your doctor’s instructions for taking your medicine. It’s risky to stop taking your medicine without your doctor’s permission, even if you’re experiencing adverse effects. Talk to your doctor if you’re having trouble with side effects. They’ll be able to assist you.
It is frequently feasible to manage hypomania without medication. Healthy lifestyle choices may be beneficial. Maintain a nutritious diet, exercise on a daily basis, and go to bed on time every night. Hypomania can be triggered by a lack of sleep. You should also avoid consuming too much coffee.
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), also known as body dysmorphia, is a mental health disease in which a person obsesses over faults in their appearance. Others may go unnoticed by these shortcomings.
BDD can affect people of any age, although it is most frequent in adolescents and young adults. Both men and women are affected.
BDD does not imply that you are vain or self-obsessed. It has the potential to be quite unpleasant and has a significant influence on your life.
Body dysmorphic disorder symptoms (BDD)
If any of the following apply to you, you may have BDD:
You’re preoccupied with a single portion of your body (particularly your face)
Spend a lot of time comparing your appearance to other people’s appearances gaze in mirrors a lot or avoid mirrors entirely make a lot of effort to hide imperfections – for example, by combing your hair, applying make-up, or picking clothes pick at your skin to make it “smooth”
BDD can have a significant impact on your everyday life, including your job, social life, and personal relationships.
Is There a Bipolar Disorder Diet?
There is no such thing as a bipolar diet. Nonetheless, it is critical to make informed dietary decisions that will assist you in maintaining a healthy weight and overall health. Among the options are:
Avoiding a “Western” diet, which is high in red meat, saturated and trans fats, and simple carbs. Obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease are all connected to this eating habit. Although eating fewer saturated fats and simple carbs can improve general health, it has little effect on bipolar illness symptoms.
Eating a variety of nutrient-dense, protective meals. Fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, lean meats, cold-water fish, eggs, low-fat dairy, soy products, nuts and seeds are all examples of these foods. These foods supply the nutrients required to sustain good health and stave against illness in general.
To maintain a healthy weight, limit calorie intake and exercise regularly. According to certain research, people with bipolar illness are more likely to be overweight or obese. When taking bipolar medicines, talk to your doctor about methods to avoid gaining weight.
Is Fish Oil Beneficial for People with Bipolar Disorder?
Non-fried fatty fish should be eaten at least twice a week, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). The following are some excellent options:
Albacore tuna is a kind of albacore tuna that
Anchovies\Herring Mackerel\Salmon\Sardines\Trout
If you don’t like fish, you can take a fish oil supplement over the counter, although it’s unclear if this will have the same beneficial impact.
Fish oil can help you maintain a healthy heart. However, some scientists think that fish oil may help with brain function and behavior.
While there are no definitive studies on the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on mood symptoms, some experts feel they may be beneficial for certain people with bipolar illness, especially if they have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease or high triglycerides.
More omega-3 fatty acids, such as those present in fish oil, have been related to increased brain volume in certain studies. These regions, in particular, are linked to mood and behavior. One of the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids was that it reduced depression in people with bipolar illness, according to a study of 75 participants.
If you’re a vegetarian or vegan searching for fish oil advantages, almonds are the way to go.
If I have bipolar disorder, what foods should I avoid?
The following are some general dietary guidelines for bipolar illness treatment:
If you have high blood pressure, you should limit your salt intake, but if you’re taking lithium, you shouldn’t (low salt intake can cause higher levels of lithium in the blood)
Following your doctor’s advice to avoid foods that may interact with your bipolar medication, if any.
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