WTF is Bipolar Disorder?

It's not just about a quick switch between happy and sad. Take time to read and let's be aware of this disorder.

Do you know someone or do you have a friend who has bipolar disorder? Here's what you need to know.

The word “bipolar” means two poles of extremes, the two extremes are elation and depression. People living with bipolar disorder experiences elation and depression. There are many variations or types of bipolar disorder, bipolar I disorder, bipolar II disorder, cyclothymic disorder, substance/medication induced disorder, and bipolar and related disorder due to another medical condition. The common variations of bipolar disorder are bipolar type 1, bipolar type 2, and cyclothymic disorder. Basically, the main features of bipolar disorder are manic episode and depressive episode.

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fifth edition, mania is defined as a distinct period of elevated, expansive, and can even be an irritable mood. This episode of euphoria may exceed typical feelings of joy and this may cause other symptoms to manifest or show. These symptoms can be racing thoughts, rapid speech, sleeplessness, impulsive behaviours, and risky behaviours. On the other hand, the depressive episode of bipolar disorder may manifest in many clinical symptoms. Depressive phase of bipolar disorder may manifest low mood, decrease interest in pleasurable activities, changes in appetite, changes in weight, sleeping either too much or too little, feeling of worthlessness or excessive guilt, and even persistent suicidal thoughts.

There are many types of bipolar disorder, but let me discuss a couple. Bipolar 1 disorder is known to have extreme highs known as manic episode alongside with the lows. While bipolar 2 disorder is known to have briefer and less extreme duration of elated mood or elation called hypomania. However, depressive episodes in bipolar type 2 has longer duration compared to the depressive episode of bipolar type 1. On the other hand, people with cyclothymic disorder is in between the two emotional states. With this, they are having a difficulty in finding the balance necessary to live a healthy life.

The question is… “What causes bipolar disorder?” Many researchers claimed that one possible cause of bipolar disorder is the intricate wiring of the brain. It is said that, healthy brain maintains a strong connections between neurons. The healthy wiring of the brain is necessary as our neural pathways serves as a guide or map for every actions that we do. There are many technological advancements in the medical field, using the functional magnetic resonance imaging or FMRI, researchers found out that the brain pruning activity is disrupted and can be seen in people living with bipolar disorder. This means that the neurons in the brain creates many different intricate wirings which are really impossible to locate or navigate. Due to these confusions in the neuron wirings, people with bipolar disorder develops thoughts and behaviours that are not considered normal. Moreover, psychotic symptoms may also occur, psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, disorganized speech, and paranoia may occur in both episodes. This can be traced to the overproduction of a neurotransmitter called dopamine. Despite of these discoveries, there is no known single cause of bipolar disorder. There are recorded studies that bipolar disorder runs in families. This may suggest that bipolar disorder can be genetic or hereditary but there are more research needed to support the data.

Can it be cured? Sadly no, but it is very treatable! Treatment can make symptoms manageable. Most people living with bipolar disorder are functional contributing individuals in the society. But still for many individuals, bipolar disorder can affect their educational, professional, social, personal safety, and financial security. These negative consequences can be treated with medical approach. Mood stabilizing medications can be prescribed, these medications can manage risky thoughts and behaviours. Medications, such as lithium and valproic acid can lessen the abnormal activities in the brain which strengthens the viable neural connections in the brain. Antipsychotics can also be prescribed, clozapine and other related antipsychotic drugs can lessen the psychotic symptoms of bipolar disorder. Antipsychotics targets and alters the dopamine production of the brain. In some cases, ECT or electroconvulsive therapy which is a carefully controlled seizure in the brain can be administered for immediate treatment. On the other hand, psychotherapy may also be employed in treating bipolar disorder. There are promising outcomes from many testimonies of other people having medication treatment and psychotherapeutic intervention at the same time.

The last question is…Who can be bipolar? The disorder can affect everyone disregarding of sex, gender orientation, race, nationality, economic status, religion, political views, and so forth. With proper clinical assessment, compliance to medication and therapy, sobriety from drugs and alcohol, recovery is possible. An open minded, accepting, and loving family and friends can be a potent contributing recovery factor for an individual who’s under treatment for bipolar disorder.

References

Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders: DSM-5. (2013). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Association.

T. (2017, February 09). What is bipolar disorder? - Helen M. Farrell. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RrWBhVlD1H8