Bipolar Disorder

Introduction To Bipolar Disorder

You may be suffering from Bipolar Disorder, which is also known as manic-depressive condition, if you are experiencing extreme shifts in your mood, energy and activity levels. These changes are different from the normal ups and downs that everyone goes through from time to time.

For more information on mental health conditions, you may refer to Mental Health Resources.

Signs and Symptoms

Depression

Inability to experience leisure activities
Decrease in concentration and thinking
Reduced interest in activities that were once pleasurable
Irritability
Feeling hopeless, sad or empty
Loss of energy
Fatigue
Loss of appetite/weight changes
Change in sleeping patterns
Recurrent thoughts of suicide/death

Mania

Feeling unusually high
Extreme irritability
Higher energy level
Increased libido
Grandiose delusions
Racing thoughts
Unusual talkativeness
Impulsiveness/Recklessness
Sleeping very little but energetic
Impaired judgement
Overspending

What Are The Causes

Biological

Research indicates that you are prone to bipolar disorder if someone in your family has the disorder. Chemical imbalances in the brain can also cause bipolar disorder.

Environment and Stress

Environmental factors such as undergoing a major life event or crisis and experiencing high levels of stress may precipitate a higher chance of you developing bipolar disorder.

Social

Substance abuse: Substance abuse may also cause bipolar disorder.

How It Is Treated

If you think you or someone you know may have bipolar disorder, you may consult a mental health professional such as a General Practitioner or a Polyclinic Doctor.

Treatment comes in two main forms:

Psychological treatments: For persons whose conditions are more stable, it can help them with symptom recognition and management.

Medication: Medication is the main treatment option. Mood stabilisers, antidepressants, anti-psychotics and sedatives can be used in different combinations, depending on individual presentations, to treat acute episodes and to help prevent a relapse. It may take a few days to a few weeks for them to produce optimal effect.