Bipolar disorder is a mental condition that presents with extreme mood swings characterized by mania and depression. During manic episodes, the person is euphoric, very irritable, and very energetic and happy. When having depression, on the other hand, the person feels hopeless and loses interest in activities or even socializing with friends and other people. Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition.
The mood swings experienced by people with bipolar disorder affect how they behave, their judgment and ability to think is impaired, and they have sleeping challenges. Different people have a different number of episodes of mood swings. Some people may have persistent mood swings, while others rarely have mood swings. To enable you to cope with bipolar disorder in Lexington, mental health professionals can offer you treatment in the form of medications or counseling.
What Are the Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder?
There are different types of bipolar disorder, and each type has its characteristic symptoms. These types include bipolar 1 disease, which you will have one manic episode preceded by hypomania or major depressive episodes. The hypomania or significant depressive episode may also come after mania. The mania of bipolar 1 disorder may trigger psychosis.
Bipolar 2 disorder presents with at least one major depressive episode and at least one hypomanic episode without a manic episode. Bipolar 3 disorder is a cyclothymic disorder that presents with many episodes of hypomania and depressive episodes without major depression, which have lasted for at least two years in adults and one year in children and teenagers.
Other types of disorders related to bipolar disorder symptoms are those triggered by alcohol and drug abuse and those caused by diseases like Cushing’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and stroke. The symptoms of mania and hypomania include having increased energy, agitation, activity, euphoria, decreased sleep, too much talkativeness, being very distracted, and impaired decision makings, like impulse buying, and irresponsible sexual behaviors.
The symptoms of a major depressive episode include feeling extremely sad and having no interest in any activity. You may also lack sleep or sleep too much when having a major depressive episode. Other symptoms include loss of energy, reduced thinking capacity and concentration, and significant unexplained weight loss. You may also be suicidal when having a major depressive episode. Other symptoms of bipolar disorder include psychosis, melancholy, and anxiety.
What Causes Bipolar Disorder?
The exact cause of the bipolar disorder is unknown. Your risk of getting bipolar disorder increases if you have a first-degree relative who also has the disease. Bipolar disorders are also associated with physical changes in the brain—other triggers of bipolar disorder include drug and alcohol abuse and high levels of stress.
The complications of bipolar disorder include drug and alcohol addiction, poor performance at work and school, financial problems, suicide attempts, and broken relationships. It is essential to seek help from a mental health professional to cope with bipolar disorder effectively.
Conclusion
Bipolar disorder is characterized by a combination of manic symptoms and depressive symptoms. It is common among people who have a family history of bipolar disorder and those that abuse drugs and alcohol. Bipolar disorder can cause very distressing symptoms, including suicidal thoughts. Treatment of bipolar disorder includes medications and counseling to help cope with the disease.