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What is Bipolar Disorder?


What is Bipolar Disorder?


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Bipolar Disorder is a mental disorder which sometimes causes periods of abnormally elevated moods and sometimes periods of depression. Previously known as manic depression, the disorder has the tendency to change your mood, activity levels, energy and your ability to carry out everyday functions.

However, there are other illnesses to which the symptoms of the bipolar disorder are very similar and this can make it difficult for a doctor to diagnose a person with bipolar disorder. Usually, bipolar disorder is also accompanied with other disorders such as anxiety, eating disorder and even substance abuse. It is also possible for a person who has bipolar disorder to be at a greater risk of attracting illnesses such as thyroid, diabetes, obesity and such other.

Symptoms

Mania
 Talking excessively
 Racing thoughts
 Hostility
 Less sleep
 Delusions

Depression
 Extreme fatigue
 Prolonged sadness
 Memory loss
 Poor nutrition

 

Check Here : Are You struggling from Bipolar Disorder?

If you notice the following symptoms in yourself or a family member or friend, it is advisable that you have a session with your doctor or convince the person to have a session with a doctor.

  • Experiencing periods of unusual intense emotion, changes in the pattern of sleep, activity level and unusual behavior. These points are called as “mood episodes” and are drastically very different from the mood or behavioral changes of a typical person.
  • A mood episode can sometimes also include both manic as well as depressive symptoms and is called an episode of “mixed features.” Usually, while experiencing such an episode, a person could be sad as well as highly energized.
  • Many people, who are bipolar, consider suicide as an option to end the pain that they are feeling within. Contemplating suicide is a major symptom of bipolar disorder and one that needs to be handled very carefully.
  • If the mood swings are less extreme, it does not mean that a person does not have bipolar disorder. Such is the case of Hypomania. During an episode of hypomania, a person may highly productive and may function well. However, to an outsider, the change is quite noticeable. If Hypomania isn’t treated, the person may develop depression or severe mania.

Getting a proper diagnosis and treatment can help a person having bipolar disorder lead a life that is healthy and productive. Having a session with the Best Bipolar Disorder Counselling doctor or with any licensed professional for mental health can help the person deeply in the long run.

How Bipolr Disorder Diagnosis is Done

The doctor first, will first take a physical examination to eliminate or rule out other conditions and once a confirmation is made, will conduct a mental health evaluation or refer the person to a trained professional for mental health such as a psychiatrist, who has the experience of diagnosing and treating bipolar disorder.

Bipolar Disorder is an illness that lasts a lifetime and the episodes of depression and mania keep coming back over time. However, you should not let it bring you down as continuous treatment can help in controlling these symptoms.

Treatment can help many even if it’s the most severe form of the disorder. Treatments will help a person gain control of their mood and other such bipolar symptoms. A highly effective plan for treatment is the “Talk Therapy” which includes a combination of psychotherapy and medication.