Bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder is a mental disorder that causes your mood and activity level to fluctuate more than what other people experience. Bipolar means “two poles”, and these two poles stand for mania/hypomania (elation) and depression (low mood).

Content on the page

Summary
Symptom picture
Need for health care
Causes
Treatment
Self-help and advice
Forecast
To live with

Summary

Bipolar disorder is a psychological problem characterized by restricted episodes with marked changes in mood and movement level.

Episodes of elevated mood and increased energy and activity are referred to as mania or hypomania.

In mania, the excited episodes are so pronounced that they largely interfere with the ability to function in daily life.
In hypomania, the excited episodes are relatively mild and do not significantly affect the level of functioning.

Episodes of lowered mood and reduced energy and activity are called depression.

Intensity and duration of the elated and depressed episodes may vary. Between episodes, you may have symptom-free periods or periods with few symptoms.

We often talk about bipolar disorder type 1 and bipolar disorder type 2

Bipolar disorder type 1

In the case of bipolar disorder type 1, you must have had at least two episodes of disturbed mood, including at least one manic episode.

Bipolar disorder type 2

In bipolar disorder type 2, you probably had depressive and hypomanic episodes, however never mania. Episodes of madness and discouragement can be capable as exceptionally upsetting for yourself as well as your friends and family.

Symptoms

Bipolar disorder usually begins at a young age, most often in the late teens, but the illness can also start before the teens and into adulthood. In principle, the characteristics of mania and depression are the same in children, adolescents and adults, but the symptoms develop differently from person to person.

Something difficult about the sickness is that a portion of the side effects you have first can be experienced as positive. Hypomania gives increased joy, self-esteem, energy and creativity. Your everyday life becomes more productive and you become more engaged in activities. In addition, you may become more easily irritated.

Need for health care

Few people with bipolar disorder seek health care in the initial phase. As for hypomania, almost no one does. Those who seek help on their own often suffer from severe and long-term depression. In the case of mania, many people come to treatment on the initiative of others.
Bipolar disorder increases the risk of suicidal behaviour.

Causes

The causes of bipolar disorder are complex. The disorder can be hereditary, but you do not have to get sick even if you have a genetic predisposition to the disease. The environment is also important. Serious life events, stress and lack of sleep can be triggering factors.

Treatment

The treatment of bipolar disorders can consist of different measures and must be individually adapted. Often, the need for treatment and follow-up will be long-lasting.

Family-oriented measures

Family members are important players in the treatment of people with bipolar disorder. They often know the person well and will be able to help understand what has happened, both recently and earlier in life.

Showing in different structures is consequently a vital piece of the treatment. Teaching offers vary from place to place, from relative courses and group offers to the distribution of information material. Learning and adapting focuses at the wellbeing foundations organize courses for individuals with bipolar problems and their family members.

Treatment with drugs

Medicines are used in the various phases of bipolar disorder, usually in severe and moderate conditions, but also to prevent relapse. For some people with bipolar disorder, it is appropriate to use drugs, for others it will be absolutely necessary. Treatment with drugs can shorten the disease episodes and prevent new episodes.

As far as some might be concerned, it is critical that treatment with drugs go on for quite a while, regardless of whether the side effects have totally vanished.

Self-help and advice

Many people can benefit from participating in self-help groups. What you can do yourself depends on which phase of the disease you are in. In general, it is critical to deal with yourself during the periods when you capability regularly. Good routines in everyday life help to create stability over time.

Advice at signs of Increasing Activity

Avoid excessive stimulation.
Choose calming activities.
Try to delay important decisions.
If you are taking medication for bipolar disorder, continue to take these as agreed with your doctor.

Forecast

Bipolar disorder is often a long-term disorder or relapsing disorder, but the course varies greatly. Many can be well-working and live well with the issue, while others become truly sick with a significant loss of capability.

To live with

Bipolar disorder is a disease characterized by great contrasts. Many have positive encounters in perky periods and experience expanded imagination, energy, efficiency and want to work. Many people experience depression as heavier than phases of elation. During depressive episodes, it can feel difficult to be social.

In any case, certain individuals feel that downturn is more clear and manage than hyper episodes. As far as some might be concerned, bipolar disorder can imply that you can’t work or concentrate as in the past. The illness can make life capricious, and many experience issues preparing.

Advice That Can Help You Cope With The Disease Better

Ensure you get data about the illness, results of the meds and the treatment advertised.
Get to know your symptoms.
Try to use the illness to learn about yourself.
If you notice symptoms of the disorder, seek help as soon as possible. It is possible to prevent an episode of illness if you get help early enough.
Spend time with your loved ones and try to keep family relationships stable.
Get the sleep you need.
Try to avoid stressful situations.
A calm lifestyle, stable circadian rhythm, physical activity and a correct and regular diet can help keep the symptoms at bay.
Avoid drugs, especially in phases where you feel bad.
It is very important to take the medicine prescribed by the

doctor.