CONDITIONS

Bipolar Disorder

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE BIPOLAR?

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterised by mood shifts that affect your thinking, energy, sleeping patterns, actions and social interactions. Emotional highs (a period we refer to as mania) and lows (similar to depression) are typical signs of bipolar disorder. When going through mania, an extremely elevated and excitable mood, you experience an adrenaline rush and are more likely to engage in risky or reckless behaviour. Hypomania is less severe than mania and is often followed by depression, which is a deep sense of dissatisfaction with your actions and self-image.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF BIPOLAR DISORDER?

Symptoms of bipolar disorder include signs of mania and hypomania, which are:

  • An abnormally elevated or irritable mood ​
  • High energy levels ​
  • Overly talkative ​
  • Inability to make decisions ​
  • Impulsivity ​
  • Decreased need for sleep

Symptoms of depression (lows) are:

  • Low mood, sadness and feelings of emptiness
  • Sense of hopelessness
  • Sleeping much or too little
  • Lack of or increase in appetite
  • Lethargy and poor concentration
  • Guilt/worthlessness
  • Suicidal thoughts or attempts
  • Withdrawing from people and activities

WHAT CAUSES BIPOLAR DISORDER?

Physical variations in the brain contribute to bipolar disorder. Additionally, hereditary factors come into play as well, and genetics are largely contributory. Finally, traumatic events, including the loss of a loved one, abuse or stress, can trigger episodes of mania or depression.

WHEN DO YOU NEED TO SEE A PSYCHIATRIST?

Should you notice signs of mania and depression, contact your mental health care professional immediately.

HOW DO YOU TREAT BIPOLAR DISORDER?

Bipolar disorder requires life-long management through medication and psychiatric treatment. Lithium, known as a mood stabiliser, is common psychiatric medicine to control mood swings. Other psychiatric drugs include anticonvulsants, antipsychotics and medicines. In addition, psychoeducation, family therapy and psychotherapy are modes of treatment for bipolar disorder.

FAQ

1How do you diagnose bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder cannot be diagnosed physiologically through a brain scan or blood test. However, suppose you experience symptoms of bipolar disorder. In that case, Dr Raphalalani will ask questions about your symptoms, history of mental disease in the family and analyse the pattern and frequency of your manic episodes. Bloods are taken to exclude medical conditions that can present with mania, such as hyperthyroidism.
2Is bipolar disorder dangerous?
Manic episodes are managed through prescription medication and psychiatric therapy. Without treatment, it’s easy to engage in reckless and impulsive behaviour that can put your life at risk. Depressive episodes also result in impairment in functioning and may include suicidal ideation or suicide attempts. Bipolar disorder can become life-threatening if it is not treated correctly.
3Do you only need to take medicine?
Managing bipolar disorder requires a daily intake of prescribed medicine but also behavioural and family therapy.
 
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PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS
BIPOLAR DISORDER
DEPRESSION
ANXIETY
TRAUMA
WOMEN’S MENTAL HEALTH
NEUROPSYCHIATRY
 

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