Know more about bipolar disorder

You are not alone.

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression is more common than you might think. It affects both men and women. The symptoms of bipolar disorder usually begin in late adolescence and early adulthood, but they sometimes begin in childhood.

You are not to blame.

Bipolar disorder is a brain disorder. No one knows exactly what causes it. Experts believe that Bipolar disorder may happen as a result of structural and chemical changes in the brain. They think these changes may be caused by a combination of biological, genetic, and environmental factors.

Cope with Life stressors.

These factors may refer to events in life that cause considerable stress. In most cases, it is the unpleasant events that create stress, thus requiring coping; while in some cases, it could be the pleasant events, as they too, require adapting. Individual reactions may vary widely over the same event.

Who gets Bipolar disorder?

People with severe mood swings affecting functioning in daily life.

Mood swings more extreme than the normal ups and downs.

Mood swings that can last for days, weeks, or even months. Some feel intense bursts of energy, joy, or irritability, followed by periods of deep sadness.

Other people have mood swings that are less dramatic.

A period when you feel overly “high” is called an episode of mania or hypomania (Hypomania is a less intense form of mania.) A period when you feel “low” or sad is called an episode of depression.

Recognizing the symptoms and getting proper treatment are very important, if Bipolar disorder is not treated, it may get worse.

Without treatment, most people with Bipolar disorder have episodes of mania or hypomania alternating with episodes of depression. Sometimes, they may present with perceptual disturbances. The pattern of these episodes varies from person to person and at different times in an individual’s life.

With proper treatment, most people have periods when they have no symptoms. However, some people may continue to have milder “breakthrough” symptoms. You can effectively manage Bipolar disorder by learning your symptoms and getting treatment at the first sign of the episode.