What is Bipolar Disorder: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

What Causes of Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar Disorder is considered a psychiatric disorder by experts. According to the American Psychological Association, Bipolar Disorder is a psychiatric disorder that affects a person's energy, mood, and ability to function. Most people go through this problem in their lives. However, people suffering from bipolar disorder experience extreme emotional states, which usually last for days to weeks.

People suffering from bipolar disorder are sometimes irritable, these mood episodes are unusually classified as happy or depressed. People with bipolar disorder usually have neutral mood periods. Bipolar disorder can cause difficulty in maintaining social interactions and daily routines. A person suffering from bipolar disorder sometimes becomes more emotional and irritable. It lasts for at least a week.

It is still impossible to say with evidence what causes bipolar disorder. Researchers believe that some things can be the causes of this mental illness. Research into the causes of bipolar disorder is ongoing. Here are some common symptoms: 

Genetics: There is a strong genetic component to bipolar disorder. Individuals with a family history of the disorder are at a higher risk of developing it themselves. However, it's important to note that having a family history does not guarantee that someone will develop bipolar disorder.

Neurochemical Imbalances: Neurotransmitters are chemicals that play a crucial role in communication between brain cells. It is believed that imbalances in certain neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, play a role in the mood fluctuations seen in bipolar disorder. These imbalances can contribute to the extreme shifts between depressive and manic states.

Brain Structure and Function: Brain imaging studies have shown differences in the brain structure and function of individuals with bipolar disorder compared to those without the disorder. These differences are particularly notable in areas of the brain that regulate mood, emotion, and impulse control.

Hormonal Factors: Hormones, such as cortisol and thyroid hormones, play a role in regulating mood and stress response. Imbalances in these hormones have been associated with bipolar disorder and can influence the severity of symptoms.

Environmental Triggers: While genetics play a significant role, environmental factors can also contribute to the development or exacerbation of bipolar disorder. Stressful life events, trauma, major life changes, and disruptions in sleep patterns can trigger mood episodes in individuals who are genetically predisposed to the disorder.

Substance Abuse: Substance abuse, particularly the use of drugs like cocaine or amphetamines, can trigger or worsen manic episodes in individuals with bipolar disorder. Similarly, alcohol and other substances can exacerbate depressive episodes.

Biological Clock Dysregulation: Disruptions in circadian rhythms, the body's internal biological clock, have been linked to bipolar disorder. Irregular sleep patterns and disturbances in the body's natural rhythm can influence mood fluctuations.

Inflammation: Some research suggests that chronic inflammation may be linked to the development of bipolar disorder. Inflammatory processes in the body could potentially affect the brain and contribute to mood instability.

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorders

Many mental disorders have no typical symptoms. Symptoms of bipolar disorder change over time. Apart from this, the symptoms vary from person to person. Symptoms observed in one person may not be observed in other persons.

• Hypertension
• Being hyperactive or expending too much physical energy
• Getting angry/ irritated for no reason
• Increasing overconfidence
• Incomplete sleep cycle
• Talking too long or not talking at all
• Constantly feeling restless
• To be absorbed in some thought
• Always being uncertain
• Fear of making decisions
• Rapid weight gain or loss
• Lack of appetite, not following meal times

Bipolar disorder symptoms can be difficult to detect in children and adolescents. It can be difficult to identify whether these are normal mood swings, the result of stress or trauma, or symptoms of a mental health illness other than bipolar disorder.

Children and adolescents may experience distinct significant depressive, manic, or hypomanic episodes, but the pattern may differ from that seen in adults with bipolar disorder. And emotions can fluctuate dramatically throughout the episode. During bouts, some children may have periods without mood symptoms.

Severe mood swings that differ from their usual mood swings are one of the most noticeable symptoms of bipolar illness in children and adolescents.

Treatment for Bipolar Disorder

The therapy for bipolar disorder usually includes psychotherapy as well as medication such as mood stabilizers and antipsychotics. Examples of commonly used mood stabilizers include lithium and various antidepressants. Involuntary hospital treatment may be necessary if a person feels they are a risk to themselves or others but refuses treatment. 

Chronic behavioral problems, such as agitation or combativeness, can be managed with short-term antipsychotics or benzodiazepines. If antidepressants are used during periods of depression, they should be used to stabilize mood.

Timely diagnosis and best treatment for bipolar disorder is important. Consistent bipolar disorder treatments help control these symptoms. A person can lead a normal life if he takes regular medication under the advice of psychiatrists and counsellors. With the help of drugs, the amount of brain chemicals (dopamine) is kept balanced. Electrotherapy is effective in some severe cases. 

Psychotherapy:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to mood fluctuations. It is even considered one of the best therapy for bipolar disorder.

Psychoeducation: Learning about the nature of bipolar disorder, its triggers, and management strategies can empower individuals to better understand and manage their condition.

Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT): This therapy focuses on stabilizing daily routines and managing interpersonal relationships to help regulate mood.

Supportive Therapies:

Family Therapy: Involving family members in therapy can improve communication and support within the family, which can be crucial for managing bipolar disorder.

Group Therapy: Group therapy provides a supportive environment where individuals can share their experiences, learn coping strategies, and receive feedback from peers.

Lifestyle Adjustments:

Healthy Sleep Habits: Regular sleep patterns and adequate sleep are important for managing bipolar disorder. Disruptions in sleep can trigger mood episodes.

Stress Management: Learning stress-reduction techniques, such as mindfulness, relaxation exercises, and time management, can help prevent mood episodes.

Exercise and Nutrition: Engaging in regular physical activity and maintaining a balanced diet can have positive effects on mood and overall well-being.

Monitoring and Self-Care:

Mood Tracking: Keeping a mood journal or using mood tracking apps can help individuals monitor their mood changes and identify patterns or triggers.

Medication Adherence: Taking prescribed medications consistently is crucial for managing symptoms and preventing relapses.

Avoiding Substance Abuse: Substance abuse can worsen bipolar symptoms. It's important to avoid alcohol and recreational drugs.

Collaborative Care:

A comprehensive treatment approach involves collaboration between psychiatrists, therapists, primary care doctors, and other medical professionals to ensure a holistic and effective treatment plan.

Bipolar disorder is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management. With proper treatment and support, many individuals with bipolar disorder can lead fulfilling lives and effectively manage their symptoms.

Difference Between Depression & Bipolar Disorder

There is a need to create awareness about mental illness. Very few people know about mental disorders. People often confuse depression and bipolar disorder. Many people think that these two diseases are the same. Although these two diseases are not the same, experts say they are related. Symptoms of depression include extreme mood swings, lack of positive thoughts, loss of willpower, sleeplessness, or loss of appetite. The symptoms of bipolar disorder and depression are similar.

When a person with depression crosses its limits, the person is said to have 'bipolar disorder'. At such a time there is a big change in the mental state. persons can become aggressive. Depression can be said to be the first condition of bipolar disorder. After passing the state of depression, when negative feelings increase in the mind and the desire to commit suicide, violence arises, then the person suffers from bipolar disorder.

A few things need to be taken care of when a person has bipolar disorder. Following are some dos and don'ts when suffering from bipolar disorder.

When struggling with bipolar disorder, the person is the best self-help person. Family members should support the person's speedy recovery while seeking medical care.

These simple things will have positive effects on your body and mind. Bipolar disorder is not cured, but its effects can definitely be reduced!

Conclusion

Bipolar disorder is a complex mental health condition characterized by extreme shifts in mood, energy levels, and activity levels. It encompasses a range of symptoms, from manic episodes marked by elevated mood and impulsivity to depressive episodes involving profound sadness and loss of interest. While the precise causes of bipolar disorder remain multifaceted and interconnected, factors such as genetics, neurochemical imbalances, brain structure, hormonal influences, environmental triggers, and substance abuse contribute to its development.

Effective treatment for bipolar disorder typically involves a combination of medications, psychotherapy, and lifestyle adjustments. Mood stabilizers, anticonvulsants, and atypical antipsychotics help manage mood fluctuations. Psychotherapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) provide individuals with tools to cope with symptoms and enhance their understanding of the disorder. Supportive therapies, bipolar disorder specialists, family involvement, group therapy, and self-care strategies further complement the treatment process.