As the name suggests, bipolar disorder (BD) is when a person has two sets of personalities one which is extremely sad and depressed, and the other which is extremely happy and excited. The affected individual s life depicts changes which include changes relating to food, sleep, cognition, mood changes, and overall personality. Depression is often the precursor for bipolar, and someone with prolonged depression could eventually be diagnosed with bipolar disorder Bipolar disorder is, unlike expected, very common, and takes years to diagnose. The fact is that it is gaining popularity as a treatable condition now, and so increased awareness helps.
What are some psychiatric aspects related to the manic phase of bipolar disorder?
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The bipolar disorder has two distinct phases to it. The phase, called the manic phase, is when the person is extremely happy, agitated, aggressive, expressive, joyful, has racing thoughts and grandiose ideas, is sexually hyperactive, sleeps for prolonged periods, binges on food, and is extremely impulsive. It is extremely difficult to control these expressions and handle the individual. If you notice extreme mood changes in a person, which is not their normal self, you might have to talk to the person or close friends to find out if there is something more to it.
What are some of the symptoms of the depressive phase of BD?
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The other end of the spectrum in BD is the depressive phase. The person feels down in the dumps and is extremely irritable, feels helpless and hopeless, is unable to sleep, loses appetite, has ideas of self-harm, and is constantly crying. They lose interest in life and are generally apprehensive and discontent with life in general. Symptoms of extreme depression should be brought to the notice of someone close to the person, as it could indicate towards a more serious issue.
Bipolar disorder can be treated with medications.
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There are definitely medications to help the patient s symptoms, be it depression or the manic phase. However, a lot of social and moral support is what is more helpful. Whether it is family or friends or social network groups, these help the person feel that they are not alone. With lack of a social support, the person can feel more depressed and/or anxious. If diagnosed with BD, join social network groups, which can help to a large extent in management. Not just in therapies, but also an emotional uplift.
Bipolar disorder is completely curable
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With increased awareness, BD is largely curable, almost completely. This, however, involves a combination of medications, cognitive therapy, behavioral changes, family therapy, and psychotherapy. Medications can only help to a small extent, but if there is strong social support, then the effect of the medications gets increased exponentially. Involving the family in treatment for BD is equally important, as treating only the patient is not the solution.
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