Are You Suffering From Bipolar Mood Disorder?
These are a few mood swings that a person with Bipolar Disorder recurrently faces. It is caused by the neurochemical changes in the brain. If you are diagnosed with Bipolar mood disorder then first understanding about the various aspects of the disorder will help. This disorder is characterized by the unusual swings in mood and activity levels ranging from extreme euphoria and elation of mood known as Mania ; to an extreme low or dip in mood known as Depression. There two type of Bipolar Mood disorder. 1. Bipolar Disorder-I : it is characterized as a manic episode that lasts at least for a period of 7 days along with a depressive episode lasting up to 2 weeks. A manic episode is entails extreme violence and aggression along with increased levels of energy, decrease in sleep,
speeding/racing thoughts, increased distractibility, impulsivity or reckless behavior. Increase in goal directed activity or psychomotor agitation. A Depressive episode includes a depressed for most of the day, nearly every day. Marked decrease in interest in all those activities those were pleasurable before. Extreme tiredness, fatigue, and listlessness .Lack of sleep, extreme feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness or even inappropriate guilt. This may further lead to suicidal ideation further leading to suicide attempts. 2. Bipolar disorder-II : is diagnosed when an individual has suffered from at least one depressive episode alternating with a Hypomanic episode. A hypomanic episode is a milder form of mania. It is a period of persistent elevation and expansion of mood. Increased activity and energy levels lasting for at least 4 consecutive days. Increased self-esteem or grandiosity, decreased need for sleep , being more talkative than usual, increased distractibility are also features of a hypomanic phase. Though a hypomanic phase should not cause marked impairment in a social or occupational functioning or necessitating hospitalization. Causes OF Bipolar Mood disorder: Being a psychiatrist, I have come across many patients suffering from this disorder and throughput my experience I have realized that different people have different triggering factors for their illness. I believe there are many factors that lead to this disorder such as: 1. Genetic factors: Studies have suggested that there are genetic component to bipolar disorder. Meaning that an individual suffering from this disorder has a biological predisposition to the illness which is more likely to emerge in a person who has a family member suffering a mental illness. 2. Biological traits : The disorder can also be caused due to the changes in the neurochemistry of our brain. Changes in neurotransmitters such as noradrenaline, serotonin and dopamine have been constantly linked to the changes in mood. 3. Environmental factors: Combined with these biological factors , the environmental stressors can also add upto the causes that lead to Bipolar mood disorder. Abuse, mental stress, a "significant loss," or some other traumatic event may contribute to the trigger. I hold a good experience in helping people with Bipolar disorder in my mental wellness clinc , Hope care India. At HopeCare , we believe that any kind of mental disease can be controlled if not eradicated, with intensive care and compassion. Through our treatment programs we tend to make people believe that they are not alone and that they can help themselves rehabilitate themselves back into the society. For more information: http://www.hopecareindia.com/bipolar-depressiontreatment/