In-depth information about bipolar disorder: what causes it, observable symptoms, whether it can be prevented, and how to treat it. Here are the answers.
Bipolar Disorder (Mood Disorder with Two Poles)
“Sometimes good, sometimes bad” emotional problems. Many people may wonder if they or their close ones have bipolar disorder. To better understand this disease, this article provides detailed information about bipolar disorder: What is bipolar disorder? What is bipolar mood like? What causes it? Can it be treated? Plus prevention guidelines before risking danger.
What is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a type of psychiatric illness characterized by two alternating abnormal mood states, divided into 2 poles:
- Abnormally elevated or aggressive mood (mania)
- Abnormally depressed mood (depressed)
During abnormal mood phases, symptoms usually last almost all day and persist for days or weeks. Currently, the situation of bipolar disorder in Thailand in 2021 shows that 38,681 patients accessed treatment, a 3% decrease from 2020. Most patients experience more frequent abnormal depressive mood phases than elevated or aggressive mood phases, while some patients may only have elevated or aggressive mood phases.
Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar patients experience symptoms in 2 alternating phases between abnormally elevated or aggressive mood and abnormally depressed mood. Both mood states are independent of any situation.
- Characteristics of elevated or aggressive mood phase: Patients will have an abnormally elevated or more cheerful mood than usual, or may be more irritable than usual, along with feelings of overflowing energy, able to do more daily activities, along with other symptoms including:
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- Feeling very confident or feeling very important and capable
- No need for sleep or rest without feeling tired or needing extra sleep
- Talking more than usual or unable to stop talking
- Racing thoughts and many thoughts coming into the mind
- Easily distracted, lack of concentration
- Increased goal-directed activities (whether social, work, or sexual activities) or increased restlessness
- Obsessed with pleasurable activities but with a high chance of causing subsequent problems (such as overspending, promiscuity, or investing in business without careful thought)
Additionally, some patients may become irritable and aggressive to the point of harming others or causing fights. In severe cases, there may be psychotic symptoms such as believing they have superhuman abilities or hearing voices or seeing things that others do not.
- Characteristics of depressed mood phase: Patients will feel sad, unhappy, bored, lose interest in activities they used to enjoy, along with other symptoms including:
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- Increased or decreased appetite, or abnormal weight gain or loss
- Insomnia or excessive sleeping
- Restlessness or slowed movements
- Fatigue or lack of energy
- Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, or excessive guilt
- Poor concentration or difficulty making decisions
- Viewing everything negatively, thinking about death or suicidal thoughts
The timing of mood swings between these two phases has no fixed pattern and may occur within a day, week, month, or year.
Causes of Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder can result from various causes such as:
- Genetic abnormalities, both inherited from ancestors and newly occurring during fetal development
- Individuals with a family history of bipolar disorder have a higher risk than the general population
- Abnormal brain function with neurotransmitter imbalance
- Hormonal abnormalities
- Environmental factors such as childhood upbringing
- Daily life stress triggering symptom onset
- Certain diseases such as thyroid hormone disorders
- Use of drugs including alcohol and cannabis
Treatment of Bipolar Disorder
Treatment of bipolar disorder is symptom-based and must be evaluated by a psychiatrist. Treatment mainly involves medication to adjust neurotransmitters and control mood, combined with self-care or psychotherapy to manage stress and enable return to daily life. The treatment duration averages 2-8 weeks.
Bipolar disorder has a high recurrence rate. Therefore, psychiatrists recommend continuous medication for at least 2 years to prevent relapse.
Self-care for Patients and Relatives
For self-care to improve quality of life, the following should be practiced:
- Strictly follow the doctor’s advice, especially medication. If side effects occur, consult a doctor and do not stop medication on your own.
- Try to get enough sleep and rest.
- Maintain health by exercising regularly, eating hygienic food, and avoiding alcohol and drugs.
- Find activities to relieve stress and relax the mind.
- Regularly observe your mood, learn early symptoms of the disease, and see a doctor before symptoms worsen.
- Inform close people about early symptoms so they can help observe and take you to see a doctor.
For those close to bipolar patients, the following should be done:
- Try to understand that abnormal moods and behaviors are illnesses, not the patient’s true personality.
- Help ensure the patient takes medication and follows psychiatrist’s advice, and do not let the patient stop medication before consulting the psychiatrist.
- Observe the patient’s mood, learn early symptoms, and take the patient to see a psychiatrist before symptoms worsen.
- Provide encouragement so the patient can return to normal life.
For those who feel their mood swings abnormally and suspect they may have bipolar disorder, it is recommended to see a doctor for a clear diagnosis to reduce the impact on life, work, or relationships with others.
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