Bipolar Disorder

Once commonly known as Maniac Depression illness, has mood swings from mania or depression (Two poles/ Bi polar ) punctuated by periods of stable mood in between Bi-polar Disorder I : Recurrent episode of mania and depression.

Mania At least 3 of the following must be there for the most of the the day nearly every day for 1 week or longer High energy , activity Good / Euphoric mood Irritability Racing and Jumbling Thoughts Reduced concentration Less Sleep needed Unrealistic belief in one’s ability and power High spending Increased sexual drive Abuse of drugs like alcohol, sleeping pills Provocations or aggressive behavior Depression 5 or more symptoms of most of the day, nearly every day of a week or weeks or longer Sad/ Empty mood Feeling of hopelessness Feeling of Guilt /worthlessness/ helplessness Sad/ Empty mood Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed Decreased energy- slowdown Difficult concentrating, making decisions Irritability / restless Loss or gain of weights due to changed appetite Chronic pain / non specific bodily symptoms Thought of death, suicidal / suicidal attempts Recovery Follow and Stick to treatment plan Medication as prescribed by psychiatrist Psychotherapy Planning for crisis (high &low moods) Taking care of whole self Exercise Healthy food & Sleep habits Keeping away from alcohol / smoking / drugs Create support system of family , friends and organization

Treatment Medication: The three primary goals of medication are Stabilizing the mood Prevention of replace Recovery from the present episode( Mania /depression) Four main types of medications are available and used Mood stabilizer Anti fit /convulsion medicines Anti Psychotics Anti depressants Psychotherapy Help manage the mood states that can interferes with daily activities Family focused Therapy Inter personal & Social Rhythm Therapy Cognitive Behavior Therapy Famous people who has Bipolar Disorder Virginia Wolf Vincent Van Gogh Winston Churchill Ludwig van Beethoven Isaac Newton Vivien Leigh Intriguing facts Many people with these symptoms of bipolar disorder don’t know that they have it, thinking these mood swing are just a normal part of life 60% of these who have bipolar Disorder abuse alcohol or drug during their lifetime TAbrupt discontinuation of medicine leads to recurrence & potentially hospitalization or suicide People who undergo intensive psychotherapy in addition to medicine have better life satisfaction & better