It is also known as bipolar disorder and bipolar mood disorder. Severe cases occur at a rate of approximately 1% in the population, and mild cases occur at higher rates. Genetic factors are evident in this disease. Especially if adolescents or young people are brought to the doctor for the first time, it should be carefully questioned whether there is a family history of mania and psychosis. The diagnosis of manic depression is made late in some patients, and the actual medications they need to take are therefore delayed. The reason for this is that the disease often begins with symptoms of unipolar depression. Contrary to expectations, the course of bipolar disease does not usually progress in the form of periods of depression and periods of elevation. Mixed episodes with symptoms of both depression and mania in varying degrees are more common.
Exuberance, quarrelsomeness, impatience, excessive cheerfulness, extravagance, talking too much, talking fast, rambling, jumping from topic to topic, increased self-confidence, increased sexual interest and manic attacks, periods when hyperactivity is evident; We call periods of stagnation, sadness, weariness and depression a depressive attack. The severity and duration of attack periods vary from person to person. In some patients, seasonal attacks or worsening of the clinical picture may occur. In some patients, an increase in smoking and alcohol use may be observed during the mania period. Sexual infidelity during mixed or manic episodes in some patients. Risky behaviors such as drug use and gambling can also be observed. Bipolar disorder treatment is long-term, Lithium salt and Valproate are most commonly used as medications. Depending on the severity of the depressive or manic state, the person's kidney and liver functions, and the person's prominent symptoms, auxiliary medications, especially antipsychotics, are often added to the treatment. In some cases where attacks are severe, ECT (electroconvulsive therapy) may be required. Patients who are experiencing a severe attack period should be observed closely and the risk of harming themselves and their surroundings should be reduced.
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