How Do I Know If I Have Bipolar Disorder And What Should I Do About It?
What is Bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that manifests itself in a person through fluctuating surges in moods and energy levels. Often, it is confused with depression and sporadic mood swings. However, it should be understood that bipolar disorder is not a state of mind. It is a brain disorder - a mental illness which is long term. Till now, no permanent cure has been found for the same. What is it all about then…read on!
Also, Bipolar disorder causes the victims to swing between two entirely different moods. Sometimes, they might be extremely euphoric and excited. Other times, they will be melancholy and dejected. As the word bipolar rightly indicates, there are two parts - mania and depression. Apart from mood swings, other symptoms include going on a spending spree, reduced need for sleep, increased feeling of sensuality and sexual drive, easy irritability, abysmal faith in oneself and so on. The disorder is fairly entrenched if there is an urge to commit suicide or lack of willingness for life. If you have any friends/relatives who keep mentioning their lack of desire to live, then it’s time to rush them to a doctor.
When does bipolar disorder occur?
When does bipolar disorder occur? Most often it has to do with genes. Genetically, bipolar disorder is transferred to the next generation. However, research also shows that it is not merely genetic. For instance, if one of the identical twins has the disorder, the other necessarily doesn’t. Hence, it is a combination of genes plus other factors. Unfortunately, there are no medical tests that can detect bipolar disorders. No scan or blood test can help. It can be diagnosed only through an understanding of the symptoms, family medical history, environment and so on.
The disorder can occur among children, adolescents, and the elderly. Among children, there is a chance diagnosis is slightly more difficult because it may be confused with other typical behavior of children like hyperactivity due to lack of attention, consistent disobedience, irritability and so on.
Can it be treated?
Indeed, it sure can. It’s seen that those patients who obtain treatment achieve stabilization in their mood swings. They realize that they have a mental illness but cope with it well and lead normal lives. Treatment is done in two ways – medication and psychosocial therapies.
In the instance of medication as a treatment, mood stabilizers (medicines with the ability to stabilize mood) are administered for a period of time. The frequency and duration of medicines would vary from person to person. The most popular medicine in this category is Lithium. It is known to be safe to use Lithium even among children and adolescents.
The second type of treatment is the psychosocial therapy. The patient is generally spoken to and counseling takes place. While a physician would be able to prescribe the necessary medication, it would be advisable to enlist the help of a psychiatrist from the beginning of the treatment.
Before going in for any treatment, there needs to be complete discussion among the patient, his/her family and the physician/psychiatrist. For example, if a pregnant woman suffering from bipolar disorder takes mood stabilizing medicines, it might affect the baby to be. Many of the side-effects may include weight gain, hair loss, lack of sexual drive and so on. When such adverse side effects can be seen, the patient needs to approach the physician and with the psychiatrist’s advice, reconsider the dosage and course of medication.
Apart from medication and psycho social therapy, a third form of treatment can also be used for those with chronic disorder. This is called the Electroconvulsive therapy which can be used when medication or the psychosocial therapy was inadequate. It could also be sometimes used when the disorder is more severe leading to suicidal tendencies.
Conclusion
There is nothing to fear if you are affected with the disorder. All you need to do is speak to the physician, taking your psychiatrist into confidence etc. Follow the prescribed medication and treatment; you will notice a world of a difference. If you are a person living with someone with a bipolar disorder, don’t panic. Seek appropriate medical help and persevere. You will be the one they will derive strength from. Be sure that you provide continued support even after the treatment is over.
Author: Kitty Barker - Kitty often writes for and with Depression-Assistance. You can also see more information on this subject at Manic Depression
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