Depression can make you feel sad, hopeless, and lose interest in most activities. Mood swings may occur rarely or several times a year. Most people experience some emotional symptoms, while some may not. Bipolar disorder, which causes mood swings, is a lifelong condition. But in most cases, bipolar disorder is treated with medications and psychological counseling (psychotherapy).

What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is also known as manic depression. Severe high and low moods; It is a mental illness that causes changes in sleep, energy, thought, and behavior.

There may be periods when people with bipolar disorder feel extremely happy and energetic, as well as periods when they feel very sad, hopeless and sluggish. Between these periods, they often feel normal.

What are the Types?

The types of manic depression are as follows:

• Bipolar I: Most people with bipolar I have episodes of both mania and depression. However, a depressive episode is not necessary for diagnosis. Depressive episodes usually last at least two weeks. To be diagnosed with bipolar I, manic episodes must last at least 1 week or be severe enough to require hospitalization.
• Bipolar II: People with bipolar II experience depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes. However, they do not experience a complete manic episode that is characteristic of bipolar I.
• Cyclothymic disorder (cyclothymia): People with cyclothymic disorder have a chronically unstable mood state. They experience hypomania and mild depression for at least two years.
• Other specified and unspecified bipolar and related disorders: A person is considered to have unspecified bipolar disorder if they experience clinically significant episodes of abnormal mood elevation but do not meet the diagnostic criteria for other types of manic depression.

What Causes Bipolar Disorder?

The exact factors that cause bipolar disorder are not known. However, genetics is thought to be quite influential. For this reason, bipolar disorder is considered one of the most inherited psychiatric conditions.

Other factors thought to contribute to the development are as follows:

• Changes in the brain
• Environmental factors such as trauma and stress

What are the Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder causes depressive and manic moods. Therefore, the symptoms of manic and depressive states should be examined separately.

Manic episode symptoms are as follows:

• Jabber
• Abuse of drugs and alcohol
• Extreme happiness, hope and excitement
• Making grand and unrealistic plans
• Unrest
• Sudden changes from cheerful to angry, angry and hostile
• Poor concentration
• Impulsivity
• Unusually high sex drive
• Increased energy and less need for sleep

The symptoms of a depressive episode are as follows:

• Needing more sleep
• Difficulty in focusing
• Not enjoying the things once loved
• Sadness
• Irritability
• Forgetfulness
• Be slow of speech
• Energy loss
• Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
• Thoughts of death or suicide
• Uncontrollable crying
• Trouble making decision

FAQ

Who Affects Bipolar Disorder?

It can affect anyone. The average age of onset is 25. But more rarely, it can start in early childhood or in the 40s or 50s.

How is Diagnosed?

The methods used to diagnose are as follows:

• Physical examination
• Mental health assessment
• Medical tests, such as blood tests
• A comprehensive medical history, including asking about your symptoms, life history, experiences, and family history

How is Treated?

The use of treatment combinations in treatment provides much more successful results. The methods used in the treatment are as follows:

• Psychotherapy
• Medicines
• Useful lifestyle habits such as exercise, yoga, and meditation
• Other treatments, such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)