Bipolar Disorder isn’t a rare diagnosis and a study found that 2.6% of the population is going through some kind of bipolar disorder. Due to its rare symptoms, there are certain lows and highs of extreme changes in mood.
The earliest signs of bipolar start from a young age, usually if you are a keen observer, you would be able to see certain hints of mood changes from the teenage years or early adult years.
To learn what are signs of bipolar disorder, its types, and more, keep reading!
Table of Contents
What is Bioplar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder was formerly known as manic depression. Bipolar disorder meaning in Urdu is “دو قطبی عارضہ”.
It is a mental health illness that results in sharp mood swings, including emotional highs (mania or hypomania), and lows (depression).
When you experience depression, you could feel melancholy or hopeless and stop enjoying or being interested in most activities. You might experience mania or hypomania (a less severe form of mania), which can make you feel euphoric, energised, or excessively irritable.
The ability to think clearly, energy levels, activities, judgement, and behaviour can all be impacted by these mood changes.
Although bipolar disorder is a lifelong diagnosis, by adhering to a treatment plan, you can control your mood swings and other symptoms.
The majority of the time, psychotherapy and drugs are used to treat bipolar disorder.
Learn more about nervous breakdown.
Stages of Bipolar – Signs to Look for!
The symptoms and signs of bipolar disorder vary from person to person. Many of the symptoms observed can overlap with some other diagnosis, which often makes this order a little hard to diagnose. However, mania is the most prominent sign of Bipolar and can be identified through the following key signs.
- Losing sleep- one of the first signs is going through insomnia and a limited cycle of sleep. A person would not be able to fall asleep and may have to rely on medications for a peaceful sleep.
- Talking very fast- this is another rare symptom of bipolar, which can make an introverted, or shy person talk out their racing thoughts without any beat or pause.
- Impulsive and restless behavior- you will be able to see restless movements, behavior, and overall alertness in their everyday doings.
- Getting distracted very easily- losing focus is another face of hypomania, for example during fast-paced conversations and restlessness, the person suddenly loses his momentum of thoughts and speech.
- Exhibiting overconfidence in daily life skills and activities- is a subtle sign which can only be felt by the third person. While such a sign can overlap with other forms of disorder, hypomania does have overconfidence as an underlying mindset
- Overconfidence leads to impulsive behavior- engaging in risky behaviors and sudden behaviors which do not make sense is another trait for bipolar people. For example, indulging in reckless gambling, spontaneous sex, and spending life savings on unnecessary sprees.
Major Depressive Episodes
Usually, another face of mania and bipolar is depression as well. In most cases, bipolar and depression go hand in hand. Some of the symptoms of major depression to look out for are;
- A sudden feeling of hopelessness and sadness.
- Pulling back and withdrawing from close family and friends.
- Losing any significant interest in fun activities that the person once used to enjoy.
- Having a sudden rush of suicidal thoughts or having a certain fascination with the idea of death.
- Experiencing severe fatigue and disturbed eating patterns.
- Having a rigid probe with concentrating on memory, decision making, and retaining concentration at one point.
Also, get to know about postpartum depression signs and symptoms.
Although many persons with bipolar disorder do, not everyone experiences serious depressive episodes. Also, you might not have all five signs of depression necessary for a significant episode, depending on the type of bipolar disorder you have.
It’s also important to keep in mind that the euphoria of mania can occasionally, but not always, feel pleasurable. After receiving mania treatment, the symptom-free mood you experience may resemble a depressive episode or a “down” shift rather than a more usual mood state.
According to the top-reviewed psychologist in Islamabad Ms. Ayesha Umer, “Although depression can be brought on by bipolar disorder, there is a significant distinction between the two. You may experience both “up” and “down” mood states if you have bipolar disorder. However, until you receive treatment, your mood and emotions may continue to be “low.”
What Triggers Bipolar Cycle?
It is well recognised that certain circumstances might make bipolar illness symptoms worse. By being aware of these triggers and avoiding them, one can reduce symptoms and reduce the frequency of cycles.
These consist of:
- Drug and alcohol abuse
- Conflicts with family members
- A few antidepressants and other drugs
- Seasonal variations
- Events like beginning a creative endeavour, falling in love, travelling, and listening to loud music
- Grief
- Periods, pregnancies, and other hormonal issues
Types of Bipolar Disorder
Like all diseases, Bipolar also has certain types, which help specialists distinguish the severity and diagnosis of Bipolar. There are four common types of Bipolar disorder, but the most commonly diagnosed types of Bipolar are;
- Bipolar I
- Bipolar II
- Cyclothymic disorder
- Unspecified bipolar disorder
Bipolar 1
The classic form of Bipolar I is categorized as ‘manic depression’. The manic phases are clear in this form of the disorder. The sudden shift in their moods and behaviors is extreme. Often at times, the sudden shift of moods makes them out of control. If not treated on time, the person may end up landing in an emergency if left unattended.
The manic episodes are frequent which makes the person behave and act in unlikely ways. A person with Bipolar I will have occasional depressive episodes, however, a depressive episode isn’t required for the definite diagnosis of Bipolar I.
Bipolar 2
Bipolar 2 is much more common than Bipolar I. Bipolar 2 symptoms are less severe than Bipolar 1 symptoms. It involves depressive symptoms but the overall symptoms are hypomanic symptoms. If treatment isn’t provided, hypomania often becomes worse without treatment. Depressive symptoms are the main focus of this kind of Bipolar.
Cyclothymic Disorder
In this type of bipolarity, manic and depressed episodes span at least two years in adults or one year in children and teenagers. Compared to bipolar disorder I or II, the symptoms are less severe.
Unspecified or Other Specified Bipolar Disorder
Previously referred to as “bipolar disorder not otherwise specified,” this term is now used to refer to conditions in which a person exhibits only a small number of the mood and energy symptoms that characterize a manic or hypomanic episode, or in which the symptoms may not last long enough to be classified as distinct “episodes.”
Both cyclothymic bipolarity disorder and unspecified bipolar disorder are much less severe than other types. A personal experience with either of these disorders can make it through without relying upon heavy medications. Usually, therapy and good comfort from family and friends will help the person feel better about their situation.
Does Bipolar Disorder Worsen With Age?
If untreated, bipolar may get worse with time or as you get older. A person may encounter episodes that are more severe and frequent with time compared to when symptoms first started. According to research, bipolar illness in older persons is associated with more frequent episodes.
When to See A Doctor?
Despite the extreme mood swings, persons with bipolar disorder frequently fail to recognize how much their emotional instability disturbs both their own lives and the lives of those they care about. This prevents them from receiving the necessary therapy.
And if you have bipolar disorder as some people do, you could relish the euphoric moods and spurts of increased productivity.
However, this high is invariably followed by an emotional fall that can leave you feeling down, exhausted, and possibly in problems with the law, your finances, or your relationships.
Consult a medical or mental health practitioner if you experience any signs of mania or depression. The symptoms of bipolar disorder do not go away on their own. You can manage your symptoms by seeking treatment from a mental health professional with knowledge of the bipolar illness.
Takeaway!
Even though bipolar disorder is a lifetime condition, your life doesn’t have to be entirely upended by it.
Even while having bipolar disorder presents certain obstacles, following your treatment plan, engaging in regular self-care, and relying on your support network can improve your general wellbeing and reduce symptoms.
Usually, people with Bipolar are prescribed heavy mood stabilizers depending on the severity of their condition. The symptoms are usually not enough for a proper bipolar diagnosis, as the symptoms may show other kinds of diagnosis. For a complete diagnosis, make sure you are reaching out to one of our top psychologists at Healthwire by booking an online appointment
