Bipolar disorder leads to episodes of significant disturbance in individual's mood
Highlights
- World Bipolar Day is observed on 30 March each year
- Bipolar disorder is different from depression and mood swings
- Medical assistance can help manage this condition effectively
Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder characterised by the presence of episodes of significant disturbance in individual's mood and activity level. It is marked by the presence of sustained mood disturbances. A patient with bipolar disorder can experience a severe depressive episode, mild-moderate depressive episode, hypomania or mania episode, mixed episode and periods of euthymia (period without mood symptoms). The depressive episodes are marked by depressed mood, loss of interest, decreased energy, increased fatigue, inability to concentrate, decline in self-esteem, loss of confidence and difficulty in decision making changes in sleep and appetite. The manic episodes are marked by the presence of persistently elevated, euphoric and expansive mood, increased levels of energy, inflated self-esteem, decreased need for sleep, distractibility, racing of thoughts, increased talkativeness and overfamiliarity. Suicidal ideation may accompany episodes of both polarities.
Difference between bipolar disorder and other conditions
How is bipolar disorder different from major depressive disorder?
Bipolar disorder is distinguished from major depressive disorder by the presence of at least one episode of manic/hypomanic symptoms.
Also read: Borderline Personality Disorder Vs Bipolar Disorder: Know The Difference
How is bipolar disorder different from mood swings?
Experiencing mood swings or fluctuations is not the same as experiencing bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is marked by the presence of episodes of sustained and significant mood disturbances.
Bipolar disorder is not
- Random mood fluctuations
- Inability to handle mood swings
- Having a bad temper
- Being unruly
- Throwing tantrums
Also read: Schizophrenia And Bipolar Disorder May Run In The Family: Know The Signs And Symptoms Of Schizophrenia
Bipolar disorder is different from mood swings
Photo Credit: iStock
What causes bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder has a multifactorial aetiology implying that it is caused by a complex interplay of multiple factors. It essentially results from the change in the mechanisms that are responsible for the regulation of mood. It involves brain areas like the limbic system, neurotransmitters and the endocrine system. Heredity plays an important role in bipolar disorder. Whereas the causal factors might largely be biological the triggering factors can often be psychosocial. Often the first episode of Bipolar disorder is preceded by a stressful event. However, with every relapse with the progression of the disorder the individual becomes more vulnerable to stress. Stressor like loss of a family member, occupational failures, role readjustments or abrupt changes in sleep cycles are often associated with relapse in bipolar disorder.
Also read: Bipolar Disorder Risky For Pregnant Women
What are the treatment options for bipolar disorder?
Today fortunately there are effective treatment methodologies for bipolar disorder. Multidisciplinary management is vital for comprehensive treatment of the disorder. Pharmacological interventions are designed for both the acute phase of treatment and the maintenance phase of the treatment. Psychological interventions like interpersonal and social rhythm therapy have proven effective in stabilising the disruption in the circadian rhythms of the patients. The maintenance of biological and social rhythms is essential in the treatment. Patient and caregiver education also plays a vital role in the overall management of the disorder. Strict adherence to medications, early detection of episodes, maintaining regular sleep-wake cycles and following behavioural guidelines can facilitate the prevention of relapse. With individualised care many patients with bipolar disorder are well adjusted and are able to carry out their social, professional, familial and personal roles.
(Dr. Samant Darshi, Consultant, Psychiatrist, Psymate, Noida)
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