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Bipolar disorder. Bipolar (also known as manic-depressive-illness) causes severe mood swings, that usually last several weeks or months and can be : Low mood, intense depression and despair . High or ‘manic’ feelings of joy, over-activity and loss of inhibitions .
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Bipolar (also known as manic-depressive-illness) causes severe mood swings, that usually last several weeks or months and can be: • Low mood, intense depression and despair. • High or ‘manic’ feelings of joy, over-activity and loss of inhibitions. • A 'mixed state' such as a depressed mood with the restlessness and over-activity of a manic episode.
Who develops bipolar disorder? Anyone can develop bipolar disorder, including children and teens. However, most people with bipolar disorder develop it in their late teen or early adult years. The illness usually lasts a lifetime.
How is bipolar disorder different in children and teens than it is in adults? When children develop the illness, it is called early-onset bipolar disorder. This type can be more severe than bipolar disorder in older teens and adults. Also, young people with bipolar disorder may have symptoms more often and switch moods more frequently than adults with the illness.
The exact causes of bipolar disorder aren't known, but it’s thought the following play a part in the condition: • Genes seem to be important; if you have a relative with bipolar disorder, then your chance of developing the condition is higher. • There may be a physical problem with the brain systems which control mood - so bipolar disorder can often be controlled with medication. • Stress can trigger mood swings.
There are a number of types of bipolar disorder: • Bipolar I. There has been at least one high, or manic episode, which lasts for longer than one week. You may have only manic episodes, although most people will also have periods of depression. • Bipolar II. Where you have more than one episode of severe depression, but only mild manic episodes (called ‘hypomania’). • Rapid cycling. You have had more than four mood swings happen over a 12 month period. This affects around one in ten people with the condition. • Cyclothymia. The mood swings are not as bad, but are often longer.
Mania • General elation • Feeling more important than usual • Full of energy or ideas; moving quickly from one idea to another • Unable, or don't want to sleep • More interested than usual in sex • Making unrealistic plans • Overactive, talking quickly • Irritable with other people who can't go along with your mood or ideas • Spending money recklessly
Depression • Feelings of unhappiness that won’t go away • Agitation and restlessness • Loss of confidence • Feeling useless, inadequate or hopeless • Unable to think positively • Can't concentrate or make even simple decisions • Loss of appetite • Sleeping problems including waking early in the morning • Lack of interest in sex • Avoiding other people • Thoughts of suicide
If a mood swing becomes very severe, you may have 'psychotic’ symptoms. These include: • When depressed, you feel guilty, worse than anybody else, or even that you don't exist. • When manic, you may feel you’re on an important mission or you have special powers or abilities. • You might also experience hallucinations - when you hear, smell, feel or see something that isn’t there. Psychotic symptoms
Bipolar disorder and suicide • The depressive phase of bipolar disorder is often very severe, and suicide is a major risk factor. In fact, people suffering from bipolar disorder are more likely to attempt suicide than those suffering from regular depression. Furthermore, their suicide attempts tend to be more lethal. • The risk of suicide is even higher in people with bipolar disorder who have frequent depressive episodes, mixed episodes, a history of alcohol or drug abuse, a family history of suicide, or an early onset of the disease. • The warning signs of suicide include: • Talking about death, self-harm, or suicide • Feeling hopeless or helpless • Feeling worthless or like a burden to others • Acting recklessly, as if one has a “death wish” • Putting affairs in order or saying goodbye • Seeking out weapons or pills that could be used to commit suicide
There are three groups of mood stabilisers, which can take several months to work properly. • Lithium is used to treat both manic and depressive episodes. It can be harmful if the dose is too high, so regular blood tests are needed. Side-effects include feeling thirsty, passing lots of urine and weight gain. • Anticonvulsants - used in epilepsy. • ‘Atypical’ antipsychotics - used to treat schizophrenia.
Psychological treatments can be particularly helpful in between episodes of mania or depression. • They include: • Psychoeducation – finding out more about bipolar disorder • Mood monitoring – to help you pick up when your mood is swinging • Mood strategies – to help you stop your mood swings going into a full-blown manic or depressive episode • Developing general coping skills • Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for depression0
Self help treatments can help with episodes of bipolar, including: • Recognisingthe signs that your mood is swinging out of control so you can get help early. • Finding out as much as you can about the condition. • Avoiding particularly stressful situations. • Having at least one person that you can rely on and confide in. When you’re well, make sure that they understand about bipolar disorder. • Balancing your life, work, leisure-time and relationships. • Exercising for 20 minutes or so, three times a week, should improve your mood. • Doing things you enjoy.
Remember, stopping your medication suddenly can trigger another mood swing. You may also want to write an ‘advance directive’ with your doctor and family to say how you want to be treated if you become unwell again.
Helping someone with Bipolar disorder When someone is depressed, it can be difficult to know what to say. They may see everything in a negative light and not be able to say what they want you to do. Listen and be patient and understanding. During mania, the person will appear to be happy, energetic or outgoing, but the excitement of any social situations will tend to push their mood even higher. Try to steer them away from parties or heated discussions, and try to persuade them to get help. In between mood episodes, find out more about bipolar disorder. Go to appointments with them (if they’re happy for you to do this) and make sure you give yourself space and time to recharge your batteries.
