What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mental illness in which people experience mood swings with recurrent bouts of depression or mania/hypomania.
How are these crises characterized?
People with bipolar disorder may have severe episodes of:
- manic or more moderate hypomanic exaltation, in which people feel excessively fast-paced, abnormally happy, very energetic, and much more active than normal
- depressive episodes, with feelings of deep sadness and loss of energy
These episodes can be severe, moderate or mild and have a significant impact on the sensations, emotions, ideas and behavior of the affected person, with significant loss of quality of life and autonomy.
What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?
The most common symptoms during manic or hypomanic episodes (less severe) are:
- excessive energy, with great agitation and acceleration of thought, which can be observed by very fast and sometimes confused speech
- Euphoric feelings and unrealistic beliefs, which make the person feel like they have an exaggerated self-esteem and unrealistic projects
- decreased need for sleep, being able to go days with little or no sleep, without feeling tired
- uncontrolled impulses, which can manifest as overspending and reckless behavior
- inappropriate sexual conduct
- Drug Abuse
- Litigious behaviour and outbursts of disproportionate anger
On the other hand, the symptoms of depressive episodes are the same as those that manifest themselves in those who suffer from non-bipolar depression:
- Deep and persistent sadness
- changes in sleep (insomnia or hypersomnia)
- reduced appetite and weight loss or increased appetite accompanied by weight gain
- irritability or agitation
- difficulty concentrating and making decisions
- fatigue or loss of energy
- feelings of guilt and powerlessness
- suicidal thoughts
How long can a bout of mania or depression last?
The duration of a crisis is quite variable. The person may be in a manic or depressive phase for a few days, or for several months.
How long can the period of stability between crises last?
Periods of stability between crises can last for days, months, or years. Proper treatment shortens the duration of flare-ups and can even prevent them.
How is bipolar disorder diagnosed?
Early diagnosis of bipolar disorder is essential for correct treatment and, if possible, preventing the occurrence of crises.
Usually, the diagnosis is based on the patient's clinical history and on the performance of complementary diagnostic tests, which are important to exclude other diseases.
Diagnosis is often difficult and, as a consequence, many sufferers suffer needlessly for years or even decades.
What causes bipolar disorder?
There are several factors that predispose to the disease, but their knowledge is not yet fully studied. About 80-90% of individuals with bipolar disorder have a family member with this illness or with depression. In addition, environmental factors also have a major influence:
- Extreme stress
- Sleep disorders
- Drugs and alcohol can trigger episodes in more vulnerable patients
At what point can the disease manifest/start?
Bipolar disorder typically begins in adolescence or early adulthood and remains throughout life. That is, half of the cases manifest themselves for the first time before the age of 25. However, it can start earlier or later in life.
Is it possible to prevent bipolar disorder?
There is no specific method to prevent bipolar disorder. Because its exact cause has not yet been determined, it is especially important to know its symptoms and seek early intervention. Regular and continuous use of medications prescribed by medical specialists can help control episodes of mania and depression.
What is the treatment for bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is an illness with relatively effective treatment. Treatment is usually done with medication and can be complemented with psychotherapy.
There are two phases to treatment:
- the acute phase (manic, hypomanic, depressive, mixed)
- The Maintenance Phase
Mood-stabilizing medications can control the disease, reducing the likelihood of relapses of both bouts of depression and mania.
Antidepressants or antipsychotics may also be used, and the selection of treatment should always be made by the doctor.
What are the determining factors for the success of the treatment?
In order for the treatment of bipolar disorder to be successful and for the disease to be controlled, there are factors that need to be maintained:
- The person must acknowledge and accept that he or she is sick
- maintain adherence to therapy
- Maintain regular follow-up in consultation
- Monitor hours and sleep quality
Is there a cure for the disease?
There is no treatment that will cure the disease completely. However, there are great possibilities of controlling the disease through mood-stabilizing medications, whose therapeutic action greatly reduces the likelihood of relapses, both of depression and mania crises.
Source: Portuguese Society of Psychiatry and Mental Health (SPPSM)