Bipolar Disorder is a mental health condition marked by excessive mood swings. It was previously known as “Maniac Depression". The patient experiences emotional highs called “Mania” and “Hypomania”, and emotional lows called “Depression”. 

It affects approximately 1–2% of the global population. It usually starts in late adolescence or early adulthood, and affects men and women equally. In India, approximately 1 in 150 individuals are affected by bipolar disorder, according to the National Mental Health Survey 2016. Around 70% of those affected remain untreated due to social stigma and negligence.

Types of Bipolar Disorders:

  • Bipolar I Disorder: It involves at least one full manic episode, which may be preceded or followed by hypomanic or major depressive episodes. The severity of the maniac episode may vary from person to person.
  • Bipolar II Disorder: It involves depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes and the hypomania episodes are less intense compared to mania.
  • Cyclothymia: This involves chronic fluctuations in mood with depressive and hypomaniac episodes and the affected adult has had these mood swings for more than two years or more than a year in case the affected individual is a child or a teenager.
  • Others: This type includes the mood swings caused due to some drug, alcohol, hormone imbalance or stroke.

Symptoms:

Symptoms and their severity may vary depending on the type. Here are the key symptoms:

  • Manic/Hypomanic Symptoms: Elevated mood, full of energy, increased speed of speech, racing thoughts, inflated self-esteem, decreased sleep, impulsive behavior.
  • Depressive Symptoms: Persistent sadness, fatigue, loss of interest in day to day activities, worthlessness, sleep disturbances, changes in appetite, difficulty focusing, and suicidal thoughts.
  • Mood Shifts and Impairment: Sudden mood changes that can last days to weeks, significantly disrupting work, relationships, and daily functioning.

Diagnosis:

Bipolar Disorder is diagnosed by the healthcare provider based on a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation of the medical history, mental history and study of behavioral patterns and the duration of the symptoms.

Treatment:

Treatment involves a mix of medical help, psychological help, family support and healthy habits formation.

  • Medicines: Doctors may prescribe mood-stabilizing medicines to control emotional ups and downs.
  • Psychological support: Expressing to a therapist helps the patient understand their feelings and learn how to control the mood swings.
  • Encouraging healthy habits: Educating and encouraging the patient on getting good sleep, eating well, exercising, and avoiding alcohol or drugs can help keep moods steady.
  • Regular Checkups: Seeing a doctor regularly helps track progress, adjust treatment, and catch problems early before they get worse.

Conclusion:

Bipolar Disorder is a serious yet manageable health condition where the patient experiences mood swings in the form of emotional highs and lows. Support from family and prompt treatment in the form of medicines and therapy sessions can definitely improve the quality of life for patients. Understanding and compassion from family, friends, and society play a vital role in recovery. 

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