Understanding Bipolar 1 Disorder and its Symptoms

Bipolar disorder is a serious mental illness that affects a person's mood and leads to abnormal behaviour. It can cause emotional highs and lows, such as manic episodes, depression, and delusions. The manic episodes can make a person highly irritable and full of energy. This abnormal behaviour affects not only them but also the people around them, such as their family and friends. Let’s understand bipolar 1 disorder and its symptoms in detail.

What is bipolar 1 disorder?

Bipolar 1 disorder, formerly termed manic depression or manic-depressive illness, is a mental health condition that causes frequent changes in a person’s mood and behaviour. It affects the attitude and energy of a person and makes it difficult for him/her to function normally and carry on with day-to-day activities.

Symptoms

A person with bipolar 1 disorder usually has episodes of mania or irritable mood that may last for one week or more. They may also exhibit the following symptoms during these periods of mania or mood swings:

• Increased self-esteem

• Feeling extremely delighted

• High energy levels

• Doing multiple things without getting tired

• Unable to sleep well at night

• Speaking more and very fast

• Impulsive and aggressive behaviour

• Getting angry and irritated easily

• Feeling depressed

• Experiencing multiple episodes of mania in one year

Causes

Although the exact cause is unknown, following factors possibly increase the chances of developing bipolar 1 disorder—

• Brain structure and function

Researchers have noticed certain functional and structural changes in the brain of those with bipolar 1 disorder.

• Genetics

Studies have shown certain genes can increase the chances of developing bipolar 1 disorder. Also, having a close family member with the condition can increase your risk of suffering from it in the future.

• Stress levels

High stress levels can also trigger bipolar 1 disorder and manic episodes in some people.

Treatment

The condition is usually treated through psychotherapy and medications. Doctors may prescribe medicines that can help stabilise mood and lessen the severity of manic episodes.

Other types of treatment and therapies that can help ease the symptoms of bipolar 1 disorder are:

• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)

• Mood monitoring

• Psycho-education

• Family meetings

• Couples therapy

• Interpersonal therapy