Bipolar disorder or manic depression is a psychological illness that has the person suffering from it live an almost double life, ever oscillating between overwhelming happiness and endless sorrow. Feeling exhausted living in an environment that does not understand the sudden and impulsive swings in mood, the patient is desperate to find stability in his life.
Keep reading to understand more about manic depression. Get to know its symptoms, and how to treat and deal with it.
It is a disorder that makes the patient feel trapped seesawing between two opposite “poles” of mood. Life constantly alternates between two conflicting realities: elation and depression.
This is why bipolar disorder is also known as (manic depression); a mental health condition characterized by severe mood swings. These include alternating periods of elevated or irritable mood and periods of lethargy or depression. These mood changes can cause a great deal of suffering and impair a person’s ability to perform their daily activities.¹
Bipolar disorder includes two types:
Type I: The patient experiences severe surges in mood and positive energy, along with sharp drops in mood and depression.
Type II: includes shorter, lighter periods of euphoria interspersed with long periods of depression.¹
The first type’s highs, known as “manic episodes,” can cause the patient to flounder between feeling irritable and feeling invincible. But these euphoric episodes go beyond ordinary feelings of joy, as they can cause alarming symptoms, such as racing thoughts, restlessness, rapid talking, impulsive actions, and risky behaviors.²
The depressive phase of manic depression manifests through several symptoms: low mood, diminished interest in hobbies, changes in appetite, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, excessive or little sleep, insomnia, or constant thoughts of suicide.¹
Researchers believe that the main factor is complex brain connections, Where healthy brains maintain strong connections between neurons and remove faulty neural connections.²
Using functional magnetic resonance imaging; scientists have discovered that people with manic depression have a disrupted ability of the brain. This means that neurons create a network that is impossible to navigate. In the presence of these confusing neural signals, people with the disorder develop abnormal thoughts and behaviors and psychotic symptoms.²
In addition, delusional thoughts and hallucinations may appear during extreme stages of bipolar disorder. The excessive abundance of a neurotransmitter called dopamine explains this.²
But still, we cannot attribute manic depression to just one cause. There are other contributing factors, for example, genetics, social trauma, and nerve problems that may arise and trigger symptoms of manic depression.²
Given the complexity of its causes, diagnosing bipolar disorder proves to be a real challenge.
Virginia Woolf, Ernest Hemingway, Isaac Newton, Theodore Roosevelt, and many others are among history’s most famous figures believed to have had bipolar disorder.⁴
The French psychiatrist Jean-Pierre Falret diagnosed bipolar disorder for the first time in the 19th century and coined the term “La Folie Circulaire” or circular madness.³
Doctors need to diagnose bipolar disorder based on the person’s symptoms and medical history, as well as their own experiences, in order to administer the best treatment. Adding to the complexity of the diagnostic process, those surrounding patients with bipolar disorder often misunderstand them.
Not to mention that the patient’s lack of awareness of his own mental condition is an added burden. And If left untreated, the episodes can become more frequent and severe.²
The suffering is not limited to psychological stress and personal problems, as bipolar disorder may undermine educational and professional performance, emotional relationships, financial security, and personal safety of the patient.²
Despite what we have mentioned so far, bipolar disorder is controllable. Some medications, such as lithium, can help manage thoughts and behaviors. This is done by reducing abnormal activity in the brain, which leads to the strengthening of neural connections.
Other frequently used drugs include antipsychotics, which alter the effects of dopamine. Doctors may resort to electroconvulsive therapy, which is used to treat emergency situations.³
In addition to medication, psychotherapy can be of great help. For example, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may help patients understand their condition, manage stress, and develop healthy coping strategies.³ People with bipolar disorder can commit to a number of simple changes in their lives and habits, such as exercise, better sleep habits, and sobriety from alcohol.²
Supporting individuals with bipolar disorder requires education, communication, and empathy. It is imperative to provide a supportive and understanding network and encourage individuals to seek help from a mental health professional during depressive episodes. This can help the patient establish a healthy daily routine, practice self-care, and find stability.¹
On a final note, about 1 to 3% of adults worldwide experience a wide range of symptoms that indicate bipolar disorder. Most of these people are functional and contributing members of society.² This disorder does not control their lives, choices or relationships. However, for others the consequences are far more serious, so being aware of its concept, symptoms, causes, treatment options, and support methods is essential to create an environment that promotes stability and comfort for those patients.
By raising awareness, fostering empathy, and providing practical help, we can support individuals with bipolar disorder and effectively help them lead normal and fulfilling lives.
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