Bipolar Disorder: Symptoms and treatment
Written by:Bipolar disorders are treated mainly with drugs, and then to use the psychoeducation. Our expert in psychiatry talks about the symptoms of this disease and TopDoctors care
What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mental illness which gives rise to important changes of mood. These changes range from deep sadness to a state of intense euphoria, or mixed states where the excitement is mixed with sad feelings. They are, therefore, pathological states of mind that can last several weeks or months and which differ greatly from the typical mood swings considered "normal", ie those changes that are reactions to situations of life as being very sad when an event happens traumatic or be very happy when you pass an exam or get a job. Psychiatrists use the term "depression" to describe the deep sadness phases observed in bipolar disorder and the word "mania" to describe the euphoria. There is also a more mild form of mania called "hypomania". It is important to say that a person with bipolar disorder is not always in a state of mania or depression: usually it is in a normal state called "euthymic".
Symptoms of bipolar disorder
The symptoms that occur depend on the state of mind in which there is a person suffering from a bipolar disorder. Therefore, in an episode of depression (for a minimum of two weeks), it manifests a depressed mood, loss of interest or an inability to rejoice with the things that were previously enjoyable. On the other hand, in a manic episode it occurs a euphoric state, with exaggerated self-esteem, speed of speaking, decreased need for sleep, hyperactivity and increased energy. The problem is that as a consequence may increase the risk assets, the conduct reckless, excessive spending and even hostile behavior. The good news is that once diagnosed with bipolar disorder, all these negative aspects can be corrected.
Treatment of bipolar disorder
The treatment of bipolar disorder is based on four pillars. In order of importance: drugs, psychoeducation, psychotherapy and self-help. The drugs are needed for the treatment and stabilization of bipolar disorder. It is understandable that a lot of people worried the idea of taking drugs that affect the brain, however, it is important to understand that bipolar disorder is a brain disorder and that's where the drugs must act to get results. Medications for bipolar disorder act to correct the problems in the form in which the brain regulates the moods and thoughts.
Prevention of bipolar disorder
Nowadays still can not prevent the appearance of bipolar disorder in a person as the causes of this disease are not always clear. Various factors may contribute to the manifestation of bipolar disorder. On one side are the genes (since it is an inherited disease), while on the other there is an abnormality in the structure and brain function. Scientists are trying to get more information about bipolar disorder across the studies. This research perhaps can help physicians predict whether a person will suffer from a bipolar disorder. One day, perhaps, they can also help doctors to prevent the disease. What at the time you can prevent a person who has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, is a manifestation of episodes of mental decompensation (ie depression and mania), so it is necessary to make appropriate treatment.