Bipolar disorder is a chronic condition that requires management throughout life. The person experiences highly polarised, opposite mood states, with periods of complete remission (everyday mood) in between. Bipolar disorder does not mean frequent mood changes within a day but rather the alternation of prolonged depressive or manic episodes, with periods of stability or remission in between. 0.53% of the global population has bipolar disorder, which can manifest in two forms: Bipolar I requires at least one manic episode in a lifetime; Bipolar II involves hypomania and depressive episodes.
Signs of Manic episode:
- Elevated mood
- The constant need to talk (possibly with pressured speech)
- Decreased need for sleep
- Increased energy, absence of fatigue
- Increased interest
- Overestimation of abilities and skills
- Flight of ideas, constant switching
- Easy distraction
- Overconfidence
- Lack of insight into one’s condition
- Subjective feeling of well-being
- Psychomotor agitation
- Aggressiveness-tension
Hypomania is a milder version of Manic episodes, the signs are not as severe.
Signs of Depressive episode:
- Decreased mood
- Decreased ability to experience pleasure
- Reduced interest
- Decreased ability to focus and concentrate
- Reduced self-esteem
- Reduced self-confidence
- Excessive self-critical thoughts
- Excessive tearfulness
- Hopelessness
- Suicidal thoughts
- Decreased energy
- Restlessness
- Decreased productivity
- Psychomotor retardation
- Weight changes due to appetite changes (gain, loss)
- Insomnia or hypersomnia
- Slowed speech tempo
- Difficulty maintaining hygiene
Treatment:
- Pharmacotherapy
- Psychotherapy