BIPOLAR DISORDER

Known more commonly by the name of maniac depression, Bipolar disorder is a condition characterized by extreme mood swings from unreasonable elation, called mania or hypomania to unfounded emotional lows mimicking depression.

Primarily, there are two types- Bipolar Disorder Type 1, where the patient presents with one manic episode which may either be preceded or followed by hypomania or major depressive episodes. Bipolar Disorder Type 2, on the flip side shows one major depressive episode and one hypomanic episode but the patient has had no history of a manic episode.

Mania is defined as a mental and behavioral disorder defined as a state of abnormally elevated arousal, affect, and energy level. The symptoms of mania and hypomania include- Abnormally high energy, Agitation, A sense of Euphoria, Unusual talkativeness, A racing mind, Inability to concentrate, Indecisiveness, Hyperactivity with a reduced need to take rest

A phase characterized by sadness and loss of interest in the usually enjoyable activities with an abnormal desire for solitude, severe enough to disrupt daily functioning. Symptoms include- Sadness, hopelessness, and despair, Loss of interest in activities, Insomnia or excessive sleepiness, Unreasonable fatigue, Inappropriate sense of unworthiness, Poor concentration, Suicidal thoughts or attempts to end life.

While the precise etiology of Bipolar Disorder remains elusive, there are some important factors that increase the chances of a person falling prey to Bipolar Disorder. These include- Genetics, Stress, Drug abuse, Alcoholism

The diagnosis of Bipolar disorder relies heavily on the symptoms of the patient and the physician’s judgment on whether they indicate bipolar disorder or have arisen from some other cause such as hypothyroidism, ADHD, or side effects of some drugs.

Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition that cannot be cured but its symptoms can be effectively managed with medication and psychotherapy. Some medicines commonly used include- Mood stabilizers, Antipsychotic drugs, Antidepressant-antipsychotic drugs, or only antidepressants or sedatives.

Anyone can suffer from Bipolar Disorder, some famous people you may know about that suffer/suffered from Bipolar Disorder are- Selena Gomez, Kurt Cobain, Vincent Van Gogh, Mariah Carey, and many others.