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Bipolar disorder is a condition characterised by mood swings: periods of depression and mania or hypomania. This can be very distressing both for individuals and those around them.
The frequency of these mood swings can often vary: some people can experience dramatic changes in mood every few days, others can go for long periods of time with no mood swings. Bipolar is a chronic, recurring condition. About 1% of the population (men and women equally) are diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
Bipolar type 1: experience depressive and manic episodes.
Bipolar type 2: experience depressive and hypomanic episodes (a milder form of mania)
The onset of bipolar disorder tends to be in adolescence or young adulthood, although it can take time to provide an accurate diagnosis.
Symptoms
Depressive symptoms:
Low mood
Decreased interest in activities
Weight loss or weight gain
Insomnia
Slower physical and mental function
Fatigue
Despair
Guilt/feel unworthy
Recurrent thoughts of death
Hypersomnia (increased need for sleep)
Manic or hypomanic symptoms:
Feelings of euphoria
Inflated self-esteem and unrealistic self-belief
Racing thoughts
Irritability
Very talkative and energetic
Recklessness (such as spending lots of money or engaging in risky activities)
Aggression
Needing to sleep less
Individuals experiencing mania or hypomania may be unaware that their actions are distressing to others but may realise later, leading to feelings of guilt, shame and self-hatred. Bipolar disorder may also include psychotic features such as delusions and hallucinations.
Treatments
Mood-stabilising drugs such as lithium and valproate
Anti-depressants can relieve depressive symptoms but may cause mania
Anti-psychotics can be taken to address manic symptoms
Talking treatments such as counselling or psychotherapy can help individuals develop skills to recognise and control mood swings, identify triggers, and cope with sources of stress
-Source
Sane.org.uk
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