Bipolar Disorder: When your mind takes you to the extremes

Sep 30, 2018 Dr Zulfikar Bux, Features / Columnists

By Dr Zulfikar Bux
Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine

We all may have mood swings from time to time. A person with bipolar disorder unfortunately has them regularly in their daily life. Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that causes extreme mood swings. Other names are manic depression or manic-depressive illness. People of all ages, male or female, can have it. It is estimated that up to 2.4 percent of the world population would be affected it at some point in their life. There are different kinds of bipolar disorder. They vary based on your symptoms and how often and sudden you have mood swings, or episodes. Today we will shed some light on it.
What are symptoms of bipolar disorder?
Most people with mood swings do not have bipolar disorder. However, intense mood swings are the main sign that shows in someone who does have it. At times, you may feel very happy, full of energy, and able to do anything. This can make you excited and unable to rest. This is called mania. At other times, you may feel very sad and alone. This can be painful and make you not want to do anything. This is called depression. People who have bipolar disorder alternate between mania and depression. It is possible to have symptoms of both at the same time. Your mood swings may be frequent and short, or spread out and last a while.

Other signs of mania include:
• feeling powerful and important
• feeling excited
• feeling irritated or sensitive
• having trouble focusing
• not sleeping well or at all
• being more active than usual
• spending a lot of money
• abusing alcohol and drugs
• doing risky or reckless things, including sexual acts
• thinking and talking so fast that other people can’t follow your thoughts.
Other signs of depression include:
• no interest or pleasure in things you used to enjoy, including sex
• feeling sad or numb
• crying easily or for no reason
• feeling slowed down
• feeling tired all of the time
• feeling hopeless, worthless, or guilty
• losing or gaining weight
• having trouble focusing, remembering, or making decisions
• having headaches, backaches, or digestive problems
• having trouble sleeping or wanting to sleep all of the time
• having thoughts about death and suicide.
What causes bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder may be caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. Genetics may be a factor. You have a greater chance of getting bipolar disorder if it runs in your family.
How is bipolar disorder diagnosed?
Talk to your doctor if you think you have bipolar disorder. The doctor can do a physical exam and mental assessment. People who have bipolar disorder seek care when they are depressed more often than when they’re manic. This can make it hard to diagnose the condition correctly. Be prepared to share all of your symptoms, health, and family history. You may consider taking a family member or loved one. A correct diagnosis gives you the best chance at getting helpful treatment.
How is bipolar disorder treated?
Some people who have bipolar disorder don’t want to get treatment or don’t think they need it. Some people think they can get better on their own. Often, they don’t realize how much it affects their lives and the lives of the people around them.
Visiting a Psychiatrist or a doctor experienced in treating bipolar disorder is your best bet. The goal will be to balance your emotions and help you stay well. Bipolar disorder is treated with medicines to stop the mood swings. Mood stabilizers can even out the highs and lows in your mood. Antidepressant medicine can help reduce the symptoms of depression. Your doctor may add other medicines, based on your other symptoms or as you need them. The medicines may not start to work right away. You should start to notice a difference in your moods after a few weeks. It’s important to get counseling if you have bipolar disorder. This is a big part of treatment. It can help you with stress, concerns, and relationship problems.
Persons with bipolar disorder tend to realize how valuable treatment and support is to them once they stick to it. They start to develop a daily routine that helps to minimize flare ups. There is no quick fix with bipolar disorder. Working with your doctor to find a plan that works for you is your best bet.

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