Psychologist Explanation: What Is Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder, formerly called manic depression, is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression).

Causes of bipolar disorder

Genetic predisposition; head injuries; hormonal imbalance; traumatic life events - severe stress, loss.

Bipolar disorder can affect anyone, including children and adolescents.

However, most people develop bipolar disorder in late adolescence or early adulthood.

The disease usually persists throughout life.

One study published in 2021 states that the likelihood of a person having bipolar I disorder or bipolar II disorder and an alcohol use disorder is 40–70%.

How does a person with bipolar disorder behave

Bipolar disorder is accompanied by severe emotional swings.

High and low moods are accompanied by significant changes in a person’s activity, energy, need for sleep, and behavior.

Each episode of mood swing is very different from a person's usual mood and behavior.

Is it possible to fully recover from bipolar disorder

There is no way to completely recover from the disease.

However, some people with bipolar disorder (BD) may experience long-term intermittent periods where they do not experience episodes of mania, hypomania, or depression.

These “light” periods have different durations for everyone.

The gold standard treatment for bipolar disorder is cognitive behavioral therapy.

To control the symptoms of the disorder, several groups of drugs are used: mood stabilizers, antipsychotics and antidepressants, sometimes all together.

Your doctor may also prescribe anti-anxiety medications.

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• 30 November 2023

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