What is Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar Disorder is a chronic mental health disorder in which people experience severe mood swings. These mood swings include emotional highs (mania) and lows (depression). These episodes can last several hours, days, or even months. Between these episodes those with bipolar disorder may experience long periods of "normal" moods called euthymia. Others may constantly switch between mania and depression. In some cases individuals can experience mania and depression simultaneously. It is important to note that there are many types of bipolar disorder and this post covers a general understanding of the disease.
Signs and Symptoms
The two main components of bipolar disorder are the mania and depression episodes. A person with bipolar disorder alternates between periods of extreme euphoria and hopelessness.
Manic episodes typically last at least 7 days. During these episodes the individual may have increased energy levels, need less sleep, and have racing thoughts. Mania also causes poor decision making. During these episodes it is common for individuals to go on uncontrolled shopping sprees, partake in promiscuous behavior, or quit their jobs.
Once these highs come to an end they are typically followed by periods of depression. The episodes of depression are often characterized by a lack of motivation, feelings of hopelessness, loss of enjoyment and suicidal thoughts. The National Library of Medicine estimates that up to 60% of individuals with bipolar disorder will attempt suicide in their lifetime.
Causes
There is no distinct cause of bipolar disorder however there are factors that are seemingly linked with the disease. Crash course explains, "the cause of mood disorders is often a combination of biological, genetic, psychological, and environmental factors."
Research has shown that genetics does play a major factor in bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder runs in families, and those who have family members with the disease are at a higher risk than those without. Studies with identical twins have shown that if one twin has bipolar disorder the other has a 7 in 10 chance to have the illness, regardless if they were raised together or separate. Evidence also shows that females tend to be diagnosed with this disease more often but psychologists believe this is due to less males reaching out for treatment.
Other factors that play a part are childhood trauma or stressful life events, the use of alcohol and drugs, and variations in brain structure and function.
Treatments
There is no cure for bipolar disorder. It is a lifelong illness but is manageable with treatments. Treatment for bipolar disorder varies on the type and severity. Bipolar Disorder can be treated with medication, psychotherapy (talk therapy), hospital stays, and healthy lifestyle habits. Patients often use medication with psychotherapy. Medicines such as lithium act as mood stabilizers and prevents manic and depression episodes. Psychotherapy can help the patient understand their illness better and develop healthy habits to cope with their symptoms.
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