Table of Contents
What is a Bipolar Affective Disorder?
Bipolar affective disorder is a mental disorder that is characterized by periods of mania and depression. Mania is a state of elevated mood that is accompanied by abnormal behavior such as impulsive spending, sexual promiscuity, and reckless driving. Depression is a state of low mood that is accompanied by feelings of sadness, worthlessness, and hopelessness.
Types of Bipolar Disorder
There are four types of bipolar disorder: bipolar I, bipolar II, cyclothymic disorder, and bipolar disorder not otherwise specified (NOS).
- Bipolar I disorder is characterized by manic episodes that last at least seven days, or by episodes of mixed mania and depression. A person with bipolar I disorder has also had at least one major depressive episode.
- Bipolar II disorder is characterized by a pattern of depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes, but not full-blown mania.
- A person with bipolar II disorder has also had at least one major depressive episode.
- Cyclothymic disorder is characterized by a pattern of depressive and hypomanic episodes lasting for at least two years. However, the symptoms are not severe enough to meet the diagnostic criteria for bipolar I or II disorder.
- Bipolar disorder NOS is diagnosed when a person has some symptoms of bipolar disorder, but does not meet the full diagnostic criteria for any specific type of bipolar disorder.
Causes of Bipolar Disorder
There is no one cause of bipolar disorder. Rather, it is likely caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors.
Some of the factors that may contribute to bipolar disorder include:
- Genetic factors. Bipolar disorder tends to run in families, and researchers believe that it is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
- Environmental factors. Stressful life events, such as a death in the family or financial problems, can trigger bipolar disorder in people who are genetically predisposed to it.
- Psychological factors. People with bipolar disorder may be more prone to mood swings if they have a history of depression, anxiety, or drug or alcohol abuse.
Risk Factors
There are many different risk factors that can contribute to a person developing Alzheimer’s disease. Some of these risk factors are modifiable, meaning they can be changed, while others are not.
Some of the modifiable risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease include:
- High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Heart disease
Diabetes
Smoking
Heavy drinking
Some of the non-modifiable risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease include:
- Age
Gender (women are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease than men)
Family history
Genetics
Bipolar Disorder Symptoms
Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that causes extreme mood swings. These mood swings can range from manic episodes, where a person feels very happy and energetic, to depressive episodes, where a person feels very sad and hopeless.
People with bipolar disorder often have trouble controlling their moods and may experience a wide range of symptoms, including:
Manic symptoms:
- – Feeling very happy and energetic
– Having a lot of energy
– Feeling irritable or restless
– Talking very fast
– Having trouble sleeping
– Acting impulsively
– Having racing thoughts
Depressive symptoms:
- – Feeling very sad and hopeless
– Feeling tired all the time
– Losing interest in things you used to enjoy
– Having trouble concentrating
– Feeling restless or irritable
– Experiencing changes in your appetite or weight
– Having thoughts of death or suicide
Diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder
The DSM-5 criteria for bipolar disorder requires a person to have experienced at least one manic episode. A manic episode is a period of abnormally elevated mood accompanied by an increase in energy, racing thoughts, and a decreased need for sleep. To be diagnosed with bipolar disorder, a person must also have experienced at least one depressive episode. A depressive episode is a period of abnormally low mood accompanied by a decrease in energy, slowed thoughts, and an increase in need for sleep.
Bipolar Disorder and Other Conditions
There are a few different conditions that are commonly confused with bipolar disorder. These conditions include major depressive disorder, cyclothymic disorder, and borderline personality disorder.
Major depressive disorder is a condition that is characterized by episodes of depression. These episodes can be mild or severe, and can last for a few weeks or months. Cyclothymic disorder is a condition that is characterized by episodes of depression and hypomania. Hypomania is a mild form of mania, and is characterized by elevated mood, increased energy, and decreased need for sleep. Borderline personality disorder is a condition that is characterized by unstable moods, relationships, and self-image.
Psychosis:
A mental illness that is characterized by a loss of contact with reality, including delusions and hallucinations.
Schizophrenia: A mental illness that is characterized by delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thinking.
Bipolar Disorder Treatment
Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that is characterized by mood swings. These mood swings can range from depressive episodes to manic episodes. Bipolar disorder can be treated with medication and therapy.
Medication
There is no medication specifically for treating OCD. However, some medications may help reduce the symptoms of OCD.
Medications that may help include:
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
- Clomipramine
If you are considering taking medication for OCD, be sure to talk to your doctor about the possible side effects.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is a type of counseling that helps people deal with their problems and improve their mental health.
Other Treatments
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of what is the best treatment for bipolar disorder. The most effective treatment for you may be a combination of different therapies.
Medication
Bipolar disorder is most commonly treated with medication. There are a number of different types of medication that can be used to treat bipolar disorder, including mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and antidepressants.
Mood stabilizers are the most common type of medication used to treat bipolar disorder. They are used to prevent mood swings and help control bipolar disorder. Mood stabilizers include lithium, carbamazepine, and valproate.
Antipsychotics are used to treat the symptoms of mania and schizophrenia. They are not usually used to treat bipolar disorder, but they may be used to control the symptoms of mania.
Antidepressants are used to treat the symptoms of depression. They are not usually used to treat bipolar disorder, but they may be used to control the symptoms of depression.
Therapy
Therapy is also an important part of the treatment for bipolar disorder. There are a number of different types of therapy that can be used to treat bipolar disorder, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, family-focused therapy, and interpersonal and social rhythm therapy.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a type of therapy that helps you change the way you think and behave. It can be used to treat a number
