Bipolar disorder : Causes, Risk factors, Symptoms, Diagnosis, treatment, Prevention and complications

• Written : Baniha  Salisu M.D
• Contributed : Akibu Aliyyu (Bsc. Community Health)
• Medically Reviewed : Idris sani Ph.d
• Editor : Victoria Solomon (B.A English language)
• Published : Rabiu Rabiu (Dr. Cracker)

• What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings. People with bipolar disorder experience periods of mania or hypomania, followed by periods of depression. During manic episodes, people have high energy levels, feel euphoric, and may have trouble sleeping. During depressive episodes, people feel sad, hopeless, and unmotivated.

• Types of bipolar disorder

There are three main types of bipolar disorder:

1. Bipolar I disorder: This is the most common type of bipolar disorder. People with bipolar I disorder experience manic episodes that last at least seven days, or hypomanic episodes that last at least four days. Depressive episodes can also last for two weeks or more.
2. Bipolar II disorder: People with bipolar II disorder experience hypomanic episodes, but never full-blown manic episodes. They also experience depressive episodes that last for two weeks or more.

Cyclothymia: People with cyclothymia experience mild mood swings, but their symptoms never meet the full criteria for a manic or depressive episode.

• Borderline personality disorder vs. bipolar disorder

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) and bipolar disorder are both mental health conditions that can cause mood swings and emotional dysregulation. However, there are some key differences between the two conditions.

People with BPD tend to have more difficulty regulating their emotions than people with bipolar disorder. They may also have more trouble with relationships and impulse control.

People with bipolar disorder, on the other hand, tend to have more extreme mood swings. They may also experience periods of mania or hypomania, which are not characteristic of BPD.

• Who does bipolar disorder affect?

Bipolar disorder can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or race. However, it is more common in people with a family history of the condition.

• How common is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder affects about 1% of the adult population in the United States. This means that about 3 million American adults have the condition.

• Signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder

The signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder can vary depending on the type of episode the person is experiencing

• Signs and symptoms of manic episodes

• Increased energy levels
• Euphoria
• Feeling rushed or pressured
• Grandiose thinking
• Decreased need for sleep
• Increased talkativeness
• Distractibility
• Poor impulse control

• Signs and symptoms of hypomania

• Increased energy levels
• Elevated mood
• Increased talkativeness
• Decreased need for sleep
• Improved focus and concentration
• Increased activity levels

• Signs and symptoms of depressive episodes

• Sadness
• Hopelessness
• Loss of interest in activities
• Fatigue
• Changes in appetite or weight
• Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Thoughts of death or suicide

• Signs and symptoms of a mixed episode

 Symptoms of both mania and depression occur at the same time or rapidly alternate

 For example, someone might feel high energy and euphoric, but also feel sad and hopeless

• What causes bipolar disorder?

The exact cause of bipolar disorder is unknown, but it is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

• How is bipolar disorder diagnosed?

Bipolar disorder is diagnosed based on a psychiatric evaluation. The psychiatrist will ask about the person's medical history, symptoms, and family history. They may also order blood tests and other tests to rule out other medical conditions.

• How is bipolar disorder treated?

Treatment for bipolar disorder typically involves a combination of medication and therapy.

• Medication

There are a number of different medications that can be used to treat bipolar disorder. These medications include:

• Mood stabilizers: Mood stabilizers help to even out mood swings and prevent manic episodes.
• Antipsychotics: Antipsychotics are often used to treat manic episodes and mixed episodes.
• Antidepressants: Antidepressants are sometimes used to treat depressive episodes, but they must be used with caution in people with bipolar disorder, as they can trigger manic episodes.

• Therapy

Therapy can help people with bipolar disorder to manage their symptoms and cope with the challenges of the condition. There are a number of different types of therapy that can be helpful for bipolar disorder, including:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT helps people to identify and change negative thoughts and behaviors that can trigger manic and depressive episodes.
• Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT): IPSRT helps people to establish regular sleep-wake cycles and social rhythms, which can help to reduce the risk of mood episodes.
• Family-focused therapy (FFT): FFT helps family members to understand and support the person with bipolar disorder.

• Other medical treatments

In some cases, other medical treatments may be used to treat bipolar disorder. These treatments include:

• Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT): ECT is a procedure that involves passing an electric current through the brain. ECT is sometimes used to treat severe manic or depressive episodes that have not responded to other treatments.
• Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS): TMS is a noninvasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate the brain. TMS is sometimes used to treat depressive episodes.

• Lifestyle changes

There are a number of lifestyle changes that can help people with bipolar disorder to manage their symptoms. These changes include:

• Getting regular sleep: People with bipolar disorder need to get regular sleep of 7-8 hours per night.
• Eating a healthy diet: Eating a healthy diet can help to improve mood and reduce stress.
• Exercising regularly: Exercise is a great way to improve mood and reduce the risk of mood episodes.
• Avoiding alcohol and drugs: Alcohol and drugs can worsen the symptoms of bipolar disorder.
• Stress management: Learning to manage stress can help to reduce the risk of mood episodes.

• Can bipolar disorder be prevented?

There is no way to prevent bipolar disorder. However, there are things that people can do to reduce the risk of developing the condition, such as getting regular sleep, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly.

• Conclusion

Bipolar disorder is a serious mental health condition, but it is treatable. With the right treatment, people with bipolar disorder can live full and productive lives.

• References

1. American Psychiatric Association. (2023). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.
2. National Institute of Mental Health. (2023). Bipolar disorder. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/bipolar-disorder/
3. WebMD. (2023). Bipolar disorder. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/
4. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): https://www.nami.org/
5. Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA): https://www.dbsalliance.org/
6. International Society for Bipolar Disorders (ISBD): https://www.isbd.org/
7. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/bipolar-disorder/