Bipolar

Bipolar Disorder

Mental disorders

Author: Trocin NonaProfessor: Cazacu Parascovia Date 24.10.2023

Bipolar disorder

Definition

Bipolar disorder is a serious mental illness that causes unusual shifts in mood, ranging from extreme highs (mania or “manic” episodes) to lows (depression or “depressive” episode). A person who has bipolar disorder also experiences changes in their energy, thinking, behavior, and sleep. During bipolar mood episodes, it is difficult to carry out day-to-day tasks, go to work or school, and maintain relationships.

Causes

The precise causes of bipolar disorder are not fully understood, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurological factors. Genetic predisposition plays a significant role, with a family history of bipolar disorder increasing one's risk. Imbalances in neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine also contribute to the disorder.

Signs and Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

When a person has a manic episode, they feel overly excited, productive, and even invincible. On the other hand, when a person has a depressive episode, they feel extremely sad, hopeless, and tired. They may avoid friends, family, and participating in their usual activities. A severe manic or depressive episode may trigger psychotic symptoms, such as delusions (false beliefs) or hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that others do not see or hear). These drastic behavior changes usually cause concern among friends and family. Everyone’s experience with bipolar disorder is different, and the signs and symptoms vary:

4. Thoughts of death and/or suicide

3. Changes in appetite, either eating too much or too little

2. Feeling tired, low energy

1. Feeling down, sad, worried, worthless, anxious, guilty, empty, or hopeless

4. Having racing or jumbled thoughts

3. Speaking fast or being unusually talkative

2. Having excessive energy

1. Intense feelings of euphoria, excitement, or happiness

A "depressive" episode may include:

A "manic" episode may include:

Treatment for Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is treatable with a combination of medication and therapy. Medications. Mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and antidepressants can help manage mood swings and other symptoms. It is important to understand the benefits and risks of medications. People may need to try different medications before determining which works best for them. They should never stop taking a medication without their doctor’s guidance. “Talk therapy” (psychotherapy). Therapy helps people accept their disorder, recognize the warning signs of a manic or depressive episode, develop coping skills for handling stress, and stick with a medication schedule. Therapy also improves communication and relationships among families. Long-term, continuous treatment. While there may be times between episodes where a person feels fine, a long-term, continuous treatment plan can reduce the severity and frequency of mood swings.

https://www.samhsa.gov/https://www.who.int/https://manhattanmentalhealthcounseling.com/

Bibliographical sources

thanks for your attention