Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depressive disorder or manic depression, is defined as "extreme changes in mood ranging from mania to depression." It is a mental illness that damages a person's relationships due to risky behavior, affects work and private life, and causes worse problems when left untreated. Bipolar disorder; It can also be called bipolar mood disorder, that is, double mood swings.
The term “manic” describes an overly active, energetic, talkative, reckless and strong period. After a period of time, a mood completely opposite to the previous one begins, depression, and sadness, crying, feeling of worthlessness, loss of energy, loss of pleasure, and sleep problems may occur. In between these mood swings, the person with bipolar disorder may also experience normal moods. Because these highs and lows vary in each person, bipolar disorder is a disorder that is difficult to diagnose.
Bipolar Disorder Symptoms
It has two opposing phases:
Mania or Hypomania
- Feeling too energetic
- Excited mood
- Speed in thought change
- Optimism
- Inability to focus
- Less sleep
- Fast talking
- Increased sexual desire
- On the contrary of being extremely cheerful, getting angry very quickly
- Appetite problems
- Inattention
- Alcohol and drug use due to these symptoms
At least three of the symptoms that can be seen during manic and hypomanic periods are sufficient to diagnose bipolar disorder.
Bipolar Depression Symptoms
- Feeling lacking in energy
- Forgetfulness
- Feeling of hopelessness
- Not enjoying anything
- Appetite problems
- Fatigue
- Desire for loneliness
- Frequent waking up or insomnia
- Introversion
- Feeling of worthlessness
- Suicidal tendencies
- Feeling sad and anxious
What can cause Bipolar Disorder?
Like other mood disorders, beep What causes this disorder is unknown. What is known is that bipolar disorder has a genetic component and can occur in the same family.
How is Bipolar Disorder Diagnosed?
After a physical screening, your doctor evaluates the signs and symptoms. He or she will also ask about your personal medical history and family history. Lab tests may also be done to rule out other serious illnesses that may affect mood. Your doctor may also want to talk to family members, with the possibility of identifying times when you are enthusiastic.
Is Bipolar Disorder Genetic?
Genetic predisposition is seen as an important risk in Bipolar Disorder. . While the probability of developing the disease in those whose relatives do not have bipolar disorder is 1-2%, the incidence of the disease increases to 7-8% in those whose first-degree relative (parents or siblings) has bipolar disorder. If one of the identical twins has bipolar disorder, the probability of having bipolar disorder in the other twin increases to 45-60%.
Bipolar disorder is usually seen between the ages of 15-24 and often lasts throughout life. It can be seen at any age (from 7 to 77), but it most often begins in the early 20s. It is seen in 1-2 out of every 100 people.
Bipolar Disorder Treatment
Bipolar disorder requires long-term treatment. Treatment should be carried out by a psychiatrist and psychotherapist who are experienced in this disorder. Treatment of bipolar disorder is more complex and difficult compared to other psychiatric disorders. However, with experienced specialists and the appropriate treatment procedure, this difficulty is eliminated. Medication use should be closely monitored and psychotherapy appropriate for this disorder should be performed. While genetic factors may also be involved in bipolar disorder, the major determinant that draws our attention is the severe traumas they have experienced in the past in the vast majority of people with bipolar disorder. In order to prevent the disease from recurring, the effects of these traumas must be eliminated by trauma work in psychotherapy.
As with psychological problems such as anxiety disorder, panic attack, post-traumatic stress disorder It is not possible for a person with bipolar disorder to self-diagnose the disease. This diagnosis must be made by a specialist by examining the person. If you think that you or those around you have bipolar disorder, we recommend that you immediately seek support from an expert.
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