Understanding Bipolar Disorder Symptoms and Causes and How It Affects Daily Life
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Bipolar disorder is a complex mental health condition which affects millions of people around the world. A person suffering from the Bipolar Disorder experiences extreme mood swings that impact life, relationships, and well-being of theirs. People suffering from bipolar disorder experience emotional highs known as mania and extreme lows known as depression. These states of extreme highs and low can last for days, weeks, or even months.
Understanding bipolar disorder is important to assist early diagnosis, good management and a aiming for a better quality of life for the patients. This blog looks at bipolar disorder symptoms and causes, and the experience of staying with a bipolar disorder.
What is Bipolar Disorder?
There are three main types of bipolar disorder. We will see all three types here to understand them better.
Types | Description |
|---|---|
Bipolar I Disorder | Characterized by at least one manic episode that lasts for at least seven days, often requires hospitalization. Depressive episodes may also occur after the extreme high. |
Bipolar II Disorder | Involves at least one episode that is hypomanic in nature that is less severe than mania and one major depressive episode. No full manic episodes occur. |
Cyclothymic Disorder | There are periods of hypomanic and depressive symptoms that last for at least two years but not completely meeting the criteria of a full manic or depressive episode. |
Bipolar Disorder Symptoms and Causes
Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
The symptoms of bipolar disorder can be segregated into two main categories: manic episodes and depressive episodes.
Symptoms of Mania or Hypomania
Elevated mood
Irritability
Decreased Sleep
Racing thoughts and rapid speech
Impulsivity and poor decision making
Inflated self- esteem or grandiosity
Example: A person feels that they are invincible, talk a lot and engage in risky behaviors like going out late at night, or spending a lot, over speeding, gambling or unsafe sex.
Symptoms of Depression
Extreme sadness or hopelessness
Low Energy
Fatigue or tiredness
Sleep disturbances (insomnia or oversleeping)
Loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities
Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
Difficulty in concentrating
Suicidal thoughts or attempts of suicide
Example: Feeling like you have no purpose, withdrawing from family and friends, and struggling to complete daily tasks.
What causes Bipolar Disorder
The exact causes of bipolar disorder are not known. However, there are researches that point towards several contributing factors.
Genetic Factors
Bipolar disorder has a strong genetic component to it.
People who have a parent, relative, or sibling with this disorder have a 10 times more change of getting the disorder.
Brain Structure and Functions
Studies point to the finding that people with bipolar disorder have difference in the structure of their amygdala (the emotion processing center of the brain) and the prefrontal cortex (the decision making part) as compared to those who do not suffer from bipolar disorder.
Neurotransmitters, which are chemicals in the brain are also linked to mood regulation.
Environmental and Psychological Triggers
Contributing factors in this domain are:
Stressful life events like trauma, loss of a loved one.
Substance abuse
Poor sleep patterns
Alcohol and substance use
Living with Bipolar Disorder
Living with bipolar disorder comes with a lot of challenges, navigating unpredictable mood swings and their impact on daily life. Let's look at how it is like to live with bipolar disorder.
Emotional Challenges
Bipolar disorder brings with it a lot of emotional instability which can make it hard to maintain relationships with the family or even loved ones. It also makes it difficult to hold jobs.
The fear of judgement and misunderstand from others adds to emotional distress of the person.
Social and Professional Impact
Impulsivity and manic episodes may cause financial problems and instability in job.
Depressive episodes may lead to social withdrawal and isolation of the individual. They become cut off from the world and start spending more and more time alone usually compromising on health and personal hygiene.
Coping Mechanisms
Seeking therapy and medication
Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule
Developing a strong social support system
Conclusion
Bipolar disorder is difficulty and challenging but it is a manageable condition. Understanding the symptoms, causes and challenges of this disorder helps individuals and their loved ones response with greater compassion and support. Keep following Aapli Psych Blogs to read the Part 2 where we will explore treatment options, coping strategies, and also look at the crucial role of psychologists in managing bipolar disorder.
References
Craddock, N., & Sklar, P. (2013). Genetics of bipolar disorder. The Lancet, 381(9878), 1654-1662.
Phillips, M. L., & Swartz, H. A. (2014). A critical appraisal of neuroimaging studies of bipolar disorder. Biological Psychiatry, 75(6), 545-553.
