Bipolar disorder

The affected person doesn’t have the symptoms all the time but just recurrent episodes of mania and depression. Some patients may have the symptoms of mania and depression at the same time (ex : being sad but hyperactive).

Mania symptoms :

Feeling very happy
Talking quickly
Hyperactivity
Increased self-esteem
Easy distraction and jumping from one topic to another
Being easily irritated, and agitated
Racing thoughts
Decreased need to sleep
Depression symptoms :

Feeling sad, empty, and hopeless most of the time
Lack of energy
Loss of interest in pleasurable activities
Loss of appetite
Difficulty in sleeping
A feeling of guilt or worthlessness
Delusions or hallucinations
Change in weight (loss or gain of 5% of body weight in one month)
Suicidal thoughts
The patient may have more depressive episodes than mania episodes or vice versa. Between episodes of depression and mania, the patient may be normal. Manic episodes may be less severe and this is known as “Hypomania”.

Visit a Psychiatrist to be diagnosed and treated properly, If you or one of your family have any of these symptoms

The exact cause of bipolar disorder development is unknown, but several factors are involved in this such as :

Genetics (It’s thought that it’s an inherited disorder and the risk increases if one of the first-degree relatives has bipolar disorder).
Brain changes (Physical changes in the brain or the neurotransmitters).
Environmental factors (Illegal drug use, Trauma, stressful events such as the loss of a beloved one).

Bipolar disorder is usually diagnosed in late adolescence or young adulthood. Diagnostic tools include :

Physical examination and laboratory tests : To exclude any other condition causing these symptoms.
Psychiatrist assessment: The Psychiatrist assesses the mental state of the patient by talking about the symptoms and using specific criteria to diagnose the patient.
Mood charting: A daily record of the mood and sleep pattern to help in diagnosis.

Bipolar disorder requires life-long treatment even if the symptoms disappeared as it’s highly recurrent.

Medications :

Medications can be used as a single agent or in combination according to the case.

· Mood stabilizers (ex : Lithium carbonate, Carbamazepine, Valproic acid, Olanzapine, Quetiapine, Risperidone).

· Antidepressants (ex : Olanzapine & Fluoxetine, Citalopram, Escitalopram, Paroxetine).

Cognitive behavioral therapy : A type of psychotherapy that teaches the patients how to deal with negative thoughts.

Electroconvulsive therapy : A procedure in which mild electric current is passed through the brain. It’s used in severe and recurrent cases and during pregnancy when other medications can not be used.