Bipolar Disorder generally refers to a mental health state that is marked by a great huge shift in mood ranging from physiological mania to depression.
Hence bipolar disorders can be a bit challenging to manage, but there are many treatments available out there as well – to bring it under control.
Keep reading till the end to find out more information about the same!
About Bipolar Disorder
If you are pondering about Bipolar Disorder’s meaning, then let me tell you what it is all about. Bipolar Disorder is linked with episodes related to mood swings which can range from highs to lows.
The cause of Bipolar Disorder and exactly why it affects some people can’t be pinpointed as such, but it is regarded that this condition affects people as a result of the environment that the person surrounds themselves in, genetics, and an altered structure of the brain and chemistry may also play a role.
Types Of Bipolar Disorders
There are many types and subtypes of Bipolar Disorders. Your doctor may diagnose you with a certain kind of Bipolar disorder based on the type of symptoms that you might experience.
The main common types and Bipolar Disorder symptoms are:
Bipolar 1
You can get diagnosed with Bipolar 1 type disorder if you have experienced these symptoms:
- experienced at least a single episode of mania which lasted for a week.
- you experienced some depressive episodes (everyone doesn’t need to do this).
Bipolar 2
You can get diagnosed with Bipolar 2 type of disorder if you have experienced both of the following symptoms:
- you have experienced some symptoms of hypomania which have stayed for at least four days.
- one depressive episode at the least.
Rapid Cycling Bipolar
This type of Bipolar disorder is one where you get diagnosed with “Bipolar 1 / 2 with Rapid Cycling” – which indicates that you have experienced at the very least four hypomanic/manic, mixed, and depressive episodes within a single year. Presently, rapid cycling is not considered to be a separate type of bipolar disorder. But it generally indicates rapid experiencing of symptoms at times in your life.
Cyclothymia
You can be diagnosed with Cyclothymia if:
- you have experienced both depressive and hypomanic episodes over two or more years.
- your symptoms are not that severe to meet the diagnostic criteria to be qualified as “Bipolar 1” or “Bipolar 2”.
Unspecified Bipolar
You can hear this if your symptoms do not quite fit into the other Bipolar Disorder categories. Do not take this as an indication of not needing any support or treatment.
Bipolar Disorder With Mixed Features
You can be told that you have either Bipolar 1 or 2 with mixed features if you have experienced episodes that were mixed in nature. For instance, if you experience hypomania and depression at the same time, then you are going to get diagnosed with this.
Seasonal Pattern Bipolar Disorder
Getting diagnosed with this type of Bipolar Disorder indicates that the time of year and season affects your mood episodes.
Some people have Bipolar Disorder and experience episodes of mania which might be linked to a specific reason – seasons. For instance, summer and spring can bring about a less intense form of mania, irritability, and agitation. These people may also experience depression during the winter and fall months.
Consider Reading: Aromatherapy: Uses, Benefits, And Risks
Prevention Of Bipolar Disorder
Here is a list of some of the following ways how you can prevent the triggers of Bipolar Disorders:
Stress
In the majority of cases, a major life change can lead up to stress. How a person going through such an event copes with it also affects how fast their Bipolar Disorder progresses.
Research has shown that for such people, it becomes very important that they go through psychosocial treatments – that are very effective for managing the condition. Some examples of Psychosocial treatments include enrolling in support groups and psychotherapy.
Usage Of Drugs And Alcohol
Substance abuse is considered prevalent among people who suffer from mental health conditions. They see this as a way of coping with their symptoms – which does just the opposite and makes their conditions worse. It is advisable for people suffering from Bipolar Disorder to not take drugs or excessively indulge in alcohol – as that can potentially lead to suicidal thoughts and related behaviors.
Seasonal Changes
For a few people, there’s a seasonal pattern that affects mood episodes. Hence, you should work with a medical professional and find out the seasonal triggers and be prepared to counter them or curb them to an extent.
Poor Sleep Routines
A lack of proper sleep is also considered to be a very frequent trigger of Bipolar mood episodes. If you have a sleep-disruptive pattern then that can trigger a very intense form of mood swings. Increased awareness about this situation would be able to aid you in curbing the effects of Bipolar Disorder.
Medications
Bipolar Disorder medication and treatments mainly include psychotropic medications like antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotics. But there are also certain types of antidepressants that may worsen the conditions of Bipolar Disorders. If you have Bipolar Disorder then you must make sure that you are not taking an antidepressant without taking any additional antipsychotic medication or a mood stabilizer.
To Wrap It Up!
If you are someone who can relate to having these symptoms then it is very likely that you have Bipolar Disorder. The safest bet for you then would be to consult a medical professional.
That was all for information regarding Bipolar Disorder and other things related to it. Thank you for reading up till here. I hope you found the information useful.
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