Understanding Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder (formerly called manic-depressive illness) is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). When you become depressed, you may feel sad or hopeless and lose interest in most activities. When your mood shifts to mania or hypomania, you may feel euphoric, full of energy or unusually irritable. These mood swings can affect sleep, energy, activity, judgment, behavior and the ability to think clearly.
Medical disclaimer: This information is for education only. It follows general clinical consensus and is not a substitute for personal medical advice. Please consult a qualified psychiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.
Common symptoms
Symptoms vary in severity and presentation. Diagnosis is made only when they significantly affect daily life over time.
- Manic phase: Abnormally upbeat, jumpy or wired mood
- Manic phase: Increased activity, energy or agitation
- Manic phase: Exaggerated sense of well-being and self-confidence (euphoria)
- Manic phase: Decreased need for sleep and unusual talkativeness
- Depressive phase: Feeling sad, empty, hopeless or tearful
- Depressive phase: Loss of interest in almost all activities
- Depressive phase: Fatigue, lethargy, and sleep disturbances
Possible causes
Mental health conditions rarely have a single cause — they arise from a mix of biological, psychological and social factors.
- Biological differences: Physical changes in brain structure and function.
- Genetics: Bipolar disorder is more common in people who have a first-degree relative with the condition.
Risk factors
Certain factors may increase the likelihood of developing this condition:
- Having a first-degree relative, such as a parent or sibling, with bipolar disorder
- Periods of high stress, such as the death of a loved one or other traumatic event
- Drug or alcohol abuse
How it is evaluated
Diagnosis involves a physical exam, a psychiatric assessment (discussing your thoughts, feelings, and behavior patterns), and mood charting. The doctor may ask you to keep a daily record of your moods, sleep patterns, or other factors that could help with diagnosis and finding the right treatment.
When to seek help
Despite the mood extremes, people with bipolar disorder often don't recognize how much their emotional instability disrupts their lives and the lives of their loved ones. If you have any symptoms of depression or mania, see a medical professional. Bipolar disorder doesn't get better on its own.
Evidence-based treatments
Treatment is highly individualised. A combination of therapy, medication and lifestyle support is usually most effective.
Medication
Bipolar disorder requires lifelong treatment with medications, even during periods when you feel better. Mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and sometimes antidepressants (used cautiously) are the cornerstone of treatment.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is vital for managing bipolar disorder. It helps in understanding the illness, identifying triggers for mood episodes, establishing healthy routines, and improving relationships.
Psychoeducation
Learning about bipolar disorder can help you and your loved ones understand the condition, leading to better support and earlier recognition of impending mood swings.