Bipolar Disorder

 

 

 

 

Ques. What is Bipolar Disorder ?

Ans. Bipolar disorder is a severe Psychiatric disorder. It is a mood disorder that causes unusual

shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the capacity to do daily chores. It is an episodic illness where an individual can experience episodes of Depression & Mania. 

 

Ques. What are the common symptoms of Mania ?

Ans.  Common symptoms of Mania include- 

• Mood changes- Feeling excited, irritable or angry.
• Talking very fast
• Increased energy levels and activities
• Restlessness
• Sleeping less than usual & not being tired
• Having an unrealistic belief in your abilities
• Behaving impulsively and engaging in high-risk behaviors.

 

Ques. What are the common symptoms of Depression ?

Ans. Common symptoms of Depression include-  

• Constant feeling of sadness or hopeless
• Negative pessimistic thoughts
• Loss of interest in previously pleasurable activities, including sex.
• Feeling overly tired 
• Difficulty in concentrating, remembering, and making decisions
• Disturbed eating, sleeping, or other habits
• Thinking of death, self harm or suicide.

 

Ques. What are the causes of Bipolar Disorder ?

Ans. It is unclear what specifically causes bipolar disorder. Research, however, points to a number of potential contributing factors. 

1. Genes – According to studies, the fact that bipolar illness frequently runs in families and that some people are more predisposed to the condition than others due to particular genes.
2. Chemical imbalance in the brain- Research suggests that if there’s an imbalance in the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, an individual may develop symptoms of bipolar disorder.
3. Environmental factors – Studies also indicate that stressful life events can trigger episodes of Bipolar Disorder.

 

Ques. What is the treatment available for Bipolar Disorder ?

Ans. Bipolar disorder is treatable, and those who have it can lead productive lives. Bipolar disorder is treated by mental health experts using medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of therapies.The treatment helps in reducing symptom severity and preventing relapse.

Mood stabilizers and atypical antipsychotics are the most common medications that clinicians recommend.

People with bipolar illness and their family can benefit from the support, information, skills, and solutions that psychotherapy can provide. CBT, interpersonal and social rhythm therapy, and other forms of psychotherapy, when combined with medication, can be highly effective for bipolar disorder.