Bipolar Disorder: Types, Symptoms & Treatment

Types of Bipolar Disorder

1. Bipolar I disorder- this involves periods of severe mood episodes from mania to depression

2. Bipolar II disorder- this is a milder form of mood elevation, involving milder episodes of hypomania that alternate with periods of severe depression.

3. Cyclothymic disorder- this involves brief periods of hypomanic symptoms alternating with brief periods of depressive symptoms. These symptoms are not as long-lasting or as extensive as seen in full hypomanic or depressive episodes.

Bipolar Disorder Symptoms

As per the international bipolar association, Bipolar disorder symptoms vary between individuals and also differ during the manic and depressive phase.

1. The manic phase is characterized by:

• Extreme happiness, hopefulness, and excitement

• Irritability, anger, fits of rage, and hostile behaviour

• Restlessness

• Agitation

• Rapid speech

• Unusual high sex drive

• Increased energy

• Less need of sleep

• Poor concentration & judgment

• Paranoia

• Setting unrealistic goals

Before Mania, a milder group of symptoms may appear, known as hypomania in which the symptoms are similar to mania but are in a milder form.

2. The depressive phase may include:

• Sadness and crying

• Feeling of hopelessness, worthlessness, and guilt

• Loss of energy

• Loss of interest or pleasure in routine activities

• Trouble concentrating & making decisions

• Irritability

• Need for sleep

• Change in appetite resulting in weight loss/ gain

• Suicidal thoughts

Treatment of Bipolar Disorder

The treatment involves a combination of therapies such as:

1. Medication aims to stabilize the mood and minimize the extremes. Drugs usually prescribed are anti-depressants, mood stabilizers, anti-convulsants, and sleep medications. As medicines may cause serious side-effects, they should be taken under as directed by healthcare professional.

2. Lifestyle modifications such as following a healthy and balanced diet, a quality sleep pattern, regular physical activity, meditation, and maintaining a mood chart can help to stabilize mood and manage symptoms efficiently.

3. Psychotherapy and counseling helps in educating an individual about his condition and makes him aware about the expected outcomes of bipolar disorder symptoms.

4. Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT)helps a person deal with bipolar disorder symptoms by helping them recognize & manage triggers, identify early symptoms & how to manage them, and maintain a stable mood for long period.

5. Other treatment strategies are:

• Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) - this is usually given in severe cases where mild electrical current is passed to the brain to alter its chemistry & functioning.

• Transcranial magnetic resolution (TMR) - this therapy is also used in severe cases wherein a short electromagnetic coil is used to pass controlled wave of electric current to the brain.

• Ketamine treatment – in this, an anaesthetic agent called ketamine, is given through IV to patients with worst bipolar disorder symptoms like depression and suicidal thoughts.

• Thyroid medications - These act as a supportive treatment and help stabilize mood swings. They are used in rapid cycling bipolar disorder.

• Hospitalization may be required as emergency care in cases where a patient turns violent or undergoes a severely ill state.