Early Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder 

Bipolar disorder is a psychological problem that causes extreme mood swings in affected individuals. A person is more likely to develop bipolar disorder if there is a family history of mania and depression. In addition, abnormalities in brain structure can increase the risk of individuals. Traumatic experiences and severe stress can also cause bipolar disorder in people.

Types Of Bipolar Disorder 

Bipolar 1 Disorder

For a patient to be diagnosed with bipolar 1 disorder, at least one manic episode should occur. The symptoms of bipolar 1 include exceptionally high energy, trouble in concentration, restlessness, and risky behaviors.

Bipolar 2 Disorder

For a patient to be diagnosed with bipolar 2 disorder, at least one depressive episode should occur. The symptoms of bipolar 2 include extreme sadness, suicidal thoughts, hopelessness, lack of interest, and decreased energy.

Cyclothymic Disorder 

Patients with this type of bipolar disorder experience both manic and depressive episodes casting abnormal mood swings. However, this type is less severe than bipolar 1 and bipolar 2.

Symptoms Of Bipolar Disorder 

The signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder are categorized into three dimensions. They include

1. Mania

Mania is a period of abnormally high energy that affects the daily life of patients. Affected individuals are likely to feel an emotional high in excitement, impulsivity, energy levels, and aggression. Such people are more likely to engage in unprotected sex, spending large amounts of money on unaffordable things, and substance abuse during manic episodes.

• High energy levels
• Too talkative
• Racing mind
• Elevated confidence or self-esteem
• Increases sexual desire
• Easily distracted
• Lack of sleep (disturbed biological clock)
• Risky behaviors such as gambling, substance abuse, or impulsive sex

2. Hypomania

It is a milder form of mania where energy levels are higher than normal but lower than manic episodes. People with hypomania show similar symptoms as that of mania with less volume.

3. Depression

Another category of symptom includes depression. It’s a mood disorder that causes extreme sadness, suicidal thoughts, hopelessness, change in eating habits, lack of interest, decreased energy, and disturbed sleep cycles in affected individuals. Depression interferes with the cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and physical abilities of the person.

Symptoms Of Bipolar Disorder In Women 

• Mild episodes of manic behavior
• Greater depressive symptoms
• Experience thyroid problems, severe anxiety, and migraines
• More than four episodes of mania and depression
• Excess alcohol dependence

Symptoms Of Bipolar Disorder In Men 

• Greater manic symptoms
• Frequent substance abuse
• Sever episodes of mania

Symptoms Of Bipolar Disorder In Children 

• Acting overly happy and excited
• Engaging in risky experiments and  behavior
• Trouble in sleeping
• Speaking very rapidly and frequently changing subjects
• Eating abnormally high or low
• Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
• Frequent complaints of headaches
• Feelings of guilt and hopelessness
• Also, abnormally energetic even after sleep loss

Treatment Options To Cure Bipolar Disorder

1. Medications 

There are several treatment options available to manage the severe symptoms of affected individuals. Medications such as mood stabilizers, antidepressant drugs, and antipsychotics are prescribed by healthcare professionals for individuals affected by bipolar disorder. In addition, sleep medications and supplements are also given to the patients.

1. Psychotherapy 

Doctors often recommend talk therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy for affected individuals. So, this therapy helps to understand the thinking and behavior patterns of the people to find positive coping methods. In addition, psychoeducation helps the affected person and family members. Furthermore, interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT) helps in balancing the everyday activities of the affected individuals.

1. Electroconvulsive Therapy 

It’s a medical procedure that helps to treat major mental health diseases. In this process, the healthcare provider injects general anesthesia and muscle relaxants to prevent convulsions. After that, an electric current is passed in the scalp through two electrodes to change the brain’s electrical activity of the patient. ECT helps to manage the severe symptoms of depression and mania occurring in bipolar disorder.

Conclusion 

To conclude, bipolar disorder is a psychological problem that causes extreme mood swings in affected individuals. Abnormalities in brain structure can increase the risk of bipolar disorder. Traumatic experiences and severe stress can lead to mania and depression. Also, Mania is a period of abnormally high energy that affects the daily life of patients. Then, hypomania is a milder form of mania where energy levels are higher than usual. Lastly, depression is diagnosed in affected individuals. Medications such as mood stabilizers, antidepressant drugs, and antipsychotics are prescribed by healthcare professionals to manage the severe symptoms of affected individuals. In addition, doctors often recommend talk therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy for affected individuals. Furthermore, interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT) helps to balance everyday activities such as eating, sleeping, and relaxing.