What are the symptoms?

Feeling unusually “high” and optimistic Extremely irritable
Unrealistic, grandiose beliefs about one’s abilities or powers
Sleeping very little, but feeling extremely energetic
Racing thoughts, jumping quickly from one idea to the next
Highly distracted and inability to concentrate
Impaired judgment and impulsiveness
Acting recklessly without thinking about the consequences
Delusions and hallucinations (in severe cases)
Increased libido

In the depressive phase; the symptoms include:

• Feeling hopeless, sad, or empty
• Irritable
• Inability to experience pleasure
• Fatigue or loss of energy
• Physical and mental sluggishness Appetite or weight changes
• Sleep problems
• Concentration and memory problems
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• Thoughts of death or suicide
• Decreased libido

What causes bipolar disorder?

Causes of depression can be due to either one, several or all of the following:

Genetic Factors: Parent(s) or sibling with some psychiatric illness

Neurotransmitter Imbalance: Excess or deficiency of nor epinephrine, dopamine, serotonin

Environmental factors: Abuse, mental stress, significant loss, or some other traumatic event may contribute towards bipolar disorder risk. Traumatic events may include the death of a loved one, losing your job, the birth of a child, or moving house.

Physical Issues: Hypothyroidism , Cancer, AIDS, Chronic pain

Lifestyle: Irregular sleep, poor diet, and lack of exercise

Use of Intoxicants: Nicotine, alcohol, tobacco, gutka and other illegal drugs

Types of bipolar disorder

• Bipolar I Disorder: In this, one or more manic episodes or mixed episodes that are not explained by another medical conditions, that are not the result of medications or other substances show.
• Bipolar II Disorder: In this, the occurrence of one or more major depressive episodes accompanied by at least one hypomanic episode shows. Symptoms cause significant distress or impairment in work, at school, or in other personal endeavours. Frequently, people with bipolar II disorder do not recall their manic episodes.
• Cyclothymic Disorder: Cyclothymic disorder causes mood swings that are less severe than those of bipolar I or bipolar II. Symptoms include rapid changes in mood and are common in people who have their first episodes at a younger age.
• Bipolar Disorder Not Otherwise Specified: Someone may be diagnosed with this classification of bipolar disorder if he or she has too few symptoms or has symptoms that do not last long enough to meet the diagnostic criteria for other bipolar disorders.

What is the available treatment?

The treatment for bipolar disorder is possible and includes medications or counselling or both and varies from person to person and depends on the severity of the illness.

Are there side-effects of medication?

There are manageable side effects if any, but all these medicines should be taken only after professional consultation and blood checks are mandatory at regular intervals.

Self help in bipolar disorder?

Get educated: Learn as much as one can about bipolar disorder. The more one know, the better one will be at assisting one’s own recovery.

Keep stress in check: Avoid high-stress situations, maintain a healthy work-life balance, and try relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing.

Seek support: It’s important to have people one can turn to for help and encouragement. Try talking to a trusted friend.

Make healthy choices: Healthy sleeping, eating, and exercising habits can help stabilize one’s mood. Keeping a regular sleep schedule is particularly important.

Monitor one’s moods (mood charting): Keep track of one’s symptoms and watch for signs that one’s moods are swinging out of control so one can stop the problem before it starts.