IS IT BIPOLAR DISORDER? RECOGNIZING THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

According to the National Mental Health Survey, one in 150 people in India or 0.3 per cent of Indians live with bipolar disorder with 70 per cent of the remaining untreated.

Bipolar disorder is a serious mental health condition that can have a significant impact on one's life. Yet, it is under-diagnosed, misunderstood and even ignored in many cases. It is possible for people with bipolar disorder to live a good quality life, provided they get diagnosed early and get the treatment they need. So, in this blog, we will understand what bipolar disorder is and how it differs from other mood disorders, and what to do if you or someone you know may have this condition. 

Understanding Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a condition characterized by extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). It was initially called manic-depressive illness and it can occur at any age but most commonly seems to develop in adolescence or early adulthood. It's a chronic condition that requires lifelong management and we do not know the exact cause of it yet. 

There are several types of bipolar disorder, including:

1. Bipolar I Disorder: This is where manic episodes last at least seven days or the symptoms are so severe that immediate professional care is needed. The depressive episodes here last at least two weeks. 

2. Bipolar II Disorder: A pattern of depressive episodes alternating with hypomanic episodes which are less severe than full-blown manic episodes.

3. Cyclothymic Disorder: This comes with numerous periods of hypomanic symptoms as well as numerous periods of depressive symptoms lasting for at least two years (one year in children and adolescents).

Signs and Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

 

1. Mania/Hypomania 

During a manic or hypomanic episode, people may experience the following symptoms:

• - Increased energy, happiness, activity and restlessness

• - Racing thoughts, rapid speech and decreased need for sleep

• - Exaggerated beliefs regards one's skills or capabilities

• - Impulsive or reckless behaviour, such as excessive spending, risky sexual behaviour, or substance abuse

 

2. Depression 

The following symptoms are common for depressive episodes:

• - Persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness

• - Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed

• - Fatigue or loss of energy

• - Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions

• - Changes in appetite or weight

• - Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts

 

3. Mixed Episodes

Some individuals with bipolar disorder may experience mixed features, where symptoms of mania and depression occur simultaneously or in rapid sequence: 

• - Simultaneous symptoms of both mania/hypomania and depression

• - Irritability, agitation, or hostility

• - Racing thoughts accompanied by feelings of despair

• - Increased risk of suicide or self-harm.
  
  

Bipolar Disorder vs. Other Mood Disorders

Many times, bipolar disorder is misdiagnosed as other mood disorders like depression or anxiety. This could lead to the wrong treatment. So, here are some key differences between bipolar disorder and other mood disorders include:

Bipolar Disorder vs. Depression

Both of them involve depressive episodes but with bipolar disorder, a person also goes through manic or hypomanic episodes. Watching out for these periods of high energy and impulsivity can help one identify the difference. 

Bipolar Disorder vs. Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

BPD comes with unstable self-image, relationships, and behaviour patterns besides having mood swings. Those additional symptoms are not common for people with bipolar disorder.

The key is to look for distinct episodes of mania, hypomania, and depression that last for days or weeks, whereas mood changes in other conditions may be less intense or lengthy. And it also follows a cyclical pattern with periods of stability between episodes, whereas other conditions may have more consistent or fluctuating symptoms.

If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, it's important to seek help from a mental health professional. The official diagnosis will be made after a proper evaluation that includes a physical exam and psychological assessment. The treatment usually involves a combination of medication and psychotherapy.

 

As mentioned before, with appropriate care, people with bipolar disorder can live a quality life. Remember, this condition doesn't define a person and there is hope for a bright and fulfilling future.

 

Author: Nivetha Kannan

Nivetha writes blogs on mental health and wellbeing topics for Silver Oak Health. She is a professional content writer and is passionate about the field of psychology & personal development. She writes impactful content that brings positive changes in people. Her mantra for life is to ‘be curious, and not judgemental’.