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An individual's mood, energy level, and capacity for function can be altered as a result of the symptoms of bipolarism. Bipolar disorder patients go through a strong emotional state known as mood episodes, which often happen over discrete intervals of days to weeks. These mood episodes are classified as manic/hypomanic (an abnormally cheerful or angry mood) or depressive (a sad mood).
Most bipolar patients also have periods of neutral mood. Individuals displaying symptoms of bipolarism can live full and productive lives if given the right treatment.
What is Bipolarism- Can it lead to Bipolar Disorder?
Manic-depressive illness, also referred to as bipolar disorder or manic depression, is a chronic mood disorder and mental health condition that produces abrupt changes in mood, energy levels, thought processes, and behavior. These shifts interfere with your ability to complete daily duties and can persist for a few minutes, several days, weeks, or even months.
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Even those who do not have bipolar disorder go through mood swings. Meanwhile, these symptoms of bipolarism usually only last a few hours instead of days. Furthermore, unlike during mood episodes, these changes are typically not accompanied by a significant degree of behavior modification or difficulty adjusting to regular activities and social interactions that bipolar illness sufferers exhibit. A person with bipolar disorder may experience problems at work or at school, as well as in their relationships with their loved ones.
Three distinct diagnoses fall under the umbrella of bipolar disorder: bipolar I, bipolar II, and cyclothymic condition. About 5.7 million adult Americans, or 2.6% of the population, suffer from symptoms of bipolarism.
Symptoms of Bipolarism
Manic episodes that last at least a week are the hallmark of bipolar I illness, whereas hypomanic episodes characterize bipolar II disorder or cyclothymia.
Yet, a large number of those with bipolar disorder go through both hypomanic/manic and depressed phases. These fluctuating symptoms of bipolarism don't necessarily follow a predetermined pattern, and manic phases aren't usually followed by sadness. Before feeling the opposite emotion, a person may go through multiple cycles of the same mood state with intervals of euthymia.
These symptoms of bipolarism can occur across weeks, months, and perhaps even years. The fact that your mood changes and that it lasts for a considerable amount of time are significant aspects of mood shifts. Mania can last for several days or weeks, but despair can last for several weeks or months.
From person to person and within the same person at various periods, the severity of the manic and depression stages might vary.
Manic symptoms can include:
- Feeling joyful or enthusiastic, even when things aren't going really well for you
- Having many innovative and fascinating ideas
- Travelling swiftly from one thought to the next
- Rapid-fire thinking
- Speaking rapidly
- Being able to hear voices that others cannot
Hypomania
- Similar to mania, hypomania has milder symptoms.
Depressive symptoms may include:
- Low level of emotion
- Having less vigor and being exhausted
- Feeling pessimistic or hopeless
- Remorse, worthlessness, or helplessness
- Losing interest in activities you normally enjoy
- Having trouble focusing, remembering, or making decisions
- Feeling agitated or restless
- Sleeping insufficiently or excessively
Treating Symptoms of Bipolarism
Even those who suffer from the most severe types of bipolar disorder can benefit from treatment. Typically, a combination of the following therapies makes up an effective treatment plan:
- Psychotherapy (talk therapy)
- Medications
- Measures for self-management, such as education and recognizing the early signs of an episode or potential triggers of episodes
- Beneficial lifestyle practices, including exercise, yoga, and meditation. They can amplify but not take the place of treatment
- If the medicine is ineffective or quick symptom management is required to avoid injury, there are other treatments, such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
A wise initial move is to speak with a physician or therapist right away if you've discovered symptoms of bipolarism. Similarly, if a friend or loved one is exhibiting symptoms, you can suggest urging them to get in touch with a therapist right away. Reminding them that they have your support and understanding never hurts.
Mania and depression episodes can be lessened with consistent and ongoing pharmaceutical use. A stronger likelihood of effective treatment and the discovery of coping mechanisms that could prevent protracted sickness, prolonged hospital admissions, and suicide exists when people are able to identify the symptoms and causes of these episodes. While some of us can display symptoms of bipolarism, not all of them warrant a diagnosis.
Janvi Kapur is a counselor with a Master's degree in applied psychology with a specialization in clinical psychology.
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