What is Bipolar? What are the symptoms of Bipolar? | 2Face Psychology

What is Bipolar? What are the symptoms of Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder, which is frequently discussed in movies and TV series, is a psychological problem experienced by millions of people today. Let’s discover the answers to the questions “What is bipolar?”, “What does bipolar mean?” together. 

What is Bipolar Disorder?

The most common question asked about this disorder is what does bipolar disorder mean? Bipolar disorder is a chronic psychological disorder that causes extreme fluctuations in a person’s mood, energy level, and daily functioning. This condition is characterized by alternations between manic or hypomanic periods and depressive periods.

Bipolar disorder can be controlled with the right treatment and management. However, since it is a lifelong disease, it can seriously affect a person’s quality of life if left untreated. The question of what is bipolar disorder can be briefly explained as a conflict of opposing emotions that make a person’s life difficult. 

What Does Mania Mean?

It is known that a person experiences two different attack periods in bipolar disorder. The first of these is the manic period, in which the person is much more energetic, restless and active. So, what is a manic period? Mania refers to a mood episode in which the person is extremely cheerful, energetic, restless and sometimes aggressive. The question of “What is a manic period?” can be defined as a bipolar personality disorder period associated with intense restlessness, excessive energy and extreme behavior.

In bipolar disorder, this condition, called a manic period, causes the person to feel extremely good about themselves, and to have excessive self-confidence and energy. In a person experiencing a manic period, symptoms such as decreased need for sleep, rapid speech, rapid thinking, easy distraction and risky behavior can be clearly seen. 

A person’s behavior during a manic episode can negatively impact their social and work life and can have serious consequences if left untreated. If left untreated, mania can impair a person’s ability to function and can sometimes be associated with more serious symptoms such as psychosis.

Hypomania Not Demek?

In addition to the concept of mania, another concept that is wondered about in bipolar patients is hypomania. The answer to questions such as what is the difference between mania and hypomania, what is hypomania, is frequently investigated. Hypomania is an attack that is seen in association with bipolar disorder and some other mental disorders and is milder than mania. 

During a hypomanic episode, people can be overly cheerful, energetic, and productive, just like during mania, but this is not as severe as mania and usually does not seriously impair a person’s daily functioning. Symptoms of hypomania may include increased energy, decreased need for sleep, increased rate of speech, distractibility, and excessive self-confidence. During this period, a person can be creative and productive, but they may also tend to make risky decisions and act without thinking. 

Although hypomania is generally perceived as a positive change by the person and the environment, it carries the risk of occurring alternately with depressive attacks when left untreated. It can be more difficult to distinguish compared to mania, and can be defined as a positive development, progress, and maturation by the environment and the person. 

What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder symptoms and distinctive features may vary depending on the period. In this psychological condition, which is divided into two main categories and is also known as manic depressive illness, the following symptoms are observed depending on the period:

Manic Episode Symptoms

The most obvious symptoms seen in people during the manic phase are as follows:

● Extreme joy, restlessness and enthusiasm

● Increased energy levels (hyperactivity)

● Decreased sleep requirement

● Speeding up in speaking and thinking, mixing up words out of excitement

● Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD)

● Shows of self-confidence that go too far and may even put the person in danger

● Uncontrolled spending of money and time, being attracted to extreme sports and situations, acting without thinking about the consequences

● Seeing hallucinations and delusions

● Increased sexual drive and performance 

Depressive Episode Symptoms

Unlike mania, the symptoms in the depressive period indicate a much more pessimistic and inactive life. The symptoms of the depressive period bipolar can be listed as follows:

● Intense sadness, increased feelings of hopelessness and emptiness towards life

● Getting tired easily, increasing need for rest due to feeling constantly tired

● Insomnia or excessive sleep attacks 

● Excessive appetite or complete loss of appetite

● Difficulty in making decisions and focusing 

● Loss of interest and desire, desensitization to pleasurable activities

● Delays in giving emotional reactions, inability to respond correctly to certain situations)

● Increased feelings of worthlessness and guilt, intense feelings of inadequacy

● The person has thoughts of death or suicide 

What Causes Bipolar Disorder?

It can be seen that bipolar disorder develops due to many factors such as genetic, environmental and traumatic. The general reasons for the development of bipolar disorder are listed as follows:

● Bipolar disorder is more common in individuals with a family history of the disease. Individuals with a family history of bipolar disorder or other mental illnesses appear to be at risk. Genetics is an important factor in the disease.

● In bipolar disorder, imbalances in neurotransmitters in the brain (such as serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine) play an important role. Chemical changes are among the general causes of mood swings and sharp transitions.

● Major stressors, traumatic events, or life changes (e.g., loss of a loved one, divorce, getting fired, being in an accident, etc.) can trigger the onset of bipolar disorder or trigger symptoms.

● Alcohol and drug use can also trigger or worsen bipolar disorder symptoms.

What Are Bipolar Disorder Attacks?

Bipolar disorder is a chronic psychological illness that fluctuates between manic and depressive periods. These fluctuations occur in the form of pronounced and intense mood swings called “attacks.” Attacks can profoundly affect a person’s emotional and physical state, negatively affecting their daily life, functionality, and relationships.

The attacks seen in this disease are divided into 3. Here are the bipolar attacks according to periods:

● Manic Attacks: What is a manic attack? It is often wondered. Attacks in which the person is overly energetic, active and restless are called this name. Manic attacks often cause the person’s daily life to be disrupted. The patient may find themselves in extreme situations and may get into positions that could get them into trouble. Insomnia, feeling at the center of events and excessive self-confidence are among the most obvious manic attack symptoms. The type of bipolar disorder in which manic attacks and depressive attacks alternate is called type 1 bipolar disorder.

● Hypomanic Episodes: Hypomanic episodes are similar to manic episodes, but are milder and shorter-lasting. The symptoms do not seriously impair a person’s functioning, but they do cause noticeable changes. The type of bipolar disorder characterized by hypomanic and depressive episodes is called type 2 bipolar.

● Depressive Attacks: Depressive attacks manifest as periods of intense sadness, hopelessness and loss of energy. The patient tends to withdraw into his shell and weaken his connection with the outside world. Thoughts of death and suicide can be quite common during this period. 

How Is Bipolar Disorder Diagnosed?

Bipolar disorder is diagnosed through a comprehensive evaluation by a psychiatrist. The diagnostic process begins with a detailed psychiatric evaluation, patient history, and symptom assessment. The specialist asks detailed questions about the patient’s mood, energy level, sleep patterns, behaviors, and thinking patterns. 

Family history and past mental health issues are also evaluated. Medical tests, such as blood tests or imaging, may also be performed to rule out physical illnesses and other mental disorders. Diagnosing bipolar disorder uses diagnostic criteria such as DSM-5, which take into account the duration and severity of symptoms and the extent to which they affect a person’s daily life. This process is critical to ensuring an accurate diagnosis and determining an appropriate treatment plan.

How Is Bipolar Disorder Treated?

Bipolar disorder can be controlled with the right treatment methods. Many treatment methods such as medication, lifestyle changes, and psychological support can be adopted during the process. The most commonly preferred treatment methods are as follows: 

● Mood stabilizers: Mood stabilizers help control manic and depressive reactions and states.

● Anticonvulsants: Specific bipolar medications containing these ingredients can help stabilize mood.

● Antipsychotic medications: Atypical antipsychotics can be used to manage symptoms of mania and hypomania

● Antidepressants: Antidepressants can be used with caution for the treatment of depression in bipolar disorder. These drugs are prescribed by a specialist with the most compatible content and dosage together with a mood stabilizer. 

● Anxiolytics: These medications can relieve symptoms of anxiety and insomnia.

● Psychotherapy: Supports mood regulation by helping the person change their thoughts and behaviors.

● Lifestyle changes: Regular sleep, healthy eating, exercise and avoiding stimulants are supportive in the treatment of bipolar. 

Diseases That May Be Seen Along with Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a complex and multifaceted condition that can occur alongside other health issues. Some of the illnesses and conditions that often occur with bipolar disorder include:

● Anxiety

● Eating disorders (bulimia, anorexia)

● Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

● Borderline personality disorder

● Alcohol or substance use

In addition to these psychological problems, bipolar disorder may also play a role in physiologically triggering the following diseases:

● Heart diseases

● Sleep disorders

● Chronic pain disorders (Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome)

Can Bipolar Disorder Be Prevented?

Genetic predisposition and biological factors play a major role in bipolar disorder. Although a person may have a genetic predisposition, the likelihood of developing the disease may be lower in individuals who have a healthy childhood and adolescence. Early diagnosis and intervention can make a significant difference in reducing the severity of symptoms and managing the course of the disease. Psychological support, stress management, healthy lifestyle habits, regular sleep and eating patterns, and avoiding alcohol and drugs can reduce the frequency and severity of bipolar disorder episodes. 

Professional help such as psychotherapy and medication are the most effective methods in controlling the disease and improving the quality of life. Therefore, it is recommended that individuals at risk work closely with mental health professionals. For treatment, you can benefit from the counseling services offered by 2Face Psychology for a healthy and peaceful life.  Thanks to Beylikdüzü psychological counseling services,  you can receive psychological support from expert staff.