10 Signs You Might Be Experiencing bipolar affective disorder

 Understanding Bipolar Affective Disorder

Bipolar Affective Disorder is a mental illness that affects only one percent of people. It usually occurs between the ages of 20 and 25. The symptoms of this disease appear episodically. A patient with this disease may exhibit two different types of behavior and symptoms. The first type of symptom is called Mania or Euphoria while the second type of symptom is called depression. The patients continues to be affected by these two forms of disease which alternate for a few days while in the middle the patient may be normal.   

What is mania?

Mania is the name given to a condition in which a patient shows excessive excitement and agility. To name the condition of the patient of mania it is necessary to have the following symptoms continuously for a few days. 

• Feeling very happy, talking more than usual, singing songs, and poetry, getting angry without reason, and being quick.
• Being overly frank without any reason with family and other people.
• Making grandiose claims that one is an important figure such as the Prime Minister, The President, a saint, or is much higher and more powerful than others.
• Excessive, pointless, irrelevant, and loud talking.
• Making too many plans but leaving them unfinished and starting new ones. 
• Not falling asleep but still being fresh, not allowing others to sleep.
• They don’t eat or drink, but they’re still very active.
• Wasting a lot of money.
• They take Excessive care of themselves like being well-groomed all the time etc.

Mood Swings 

• Extreme Highs (Mania)
• You may feel unusually euphoric or irritable.
• You might engage in risky behaviors like overspending or reckless driving.
• Manic episodes can also lead you to increased energy and a decreased need for sleep.

Reasons

• Mania can be hereditary but it is not a weakness.
• It can be due to an imbalance of chemicals in the brain.
• It can also be due to a high level of happiness or some shock.
• Sometimes the use of certain medicines for instance Narcotic substances especially Marijuana is likely to cause this disorder.
• This disorder is also affected by changes in seasons.
• Many times this disease can occur without any reason.

Treatment

This is a curable disorder. Early treatment helps in improvement quickly. You should consult with the doctor as soon as symptoms appear. If the disease is severe hospitalization may be required and with the use of related medicines, the patient's health will improve quickly. Apart from this family awareness about this disease, patient counseling and psychotherapy are also helpful.in some patients, ECT/shock therapy is used as a treatment method. Some symptoms usually last for one to three months.

Reservations

In this disorder, the patients need to be given medicine regularly. Also, avoid arguing with the patient or disproving their claims. Even after the disease is cured continue to use the medicine as per the doctor's instructions and keep the patient from staying awake for a long time, fighting, and stopping from being hungry as much as possible. Due to this the likelihood of the disease recurrence is reduced.

Disadvantages of not seeking treatment

If not treated the disease may be worsened in which the patient may endanger your life or others and cause great harm.

What is depression?

Depression is the opposite of mania. In this, the patient becomes depressed or has a low mood. These symptoms last for months and result in the patient's social, economic, and personal life becoming negligible. Some of the symptoms for diagnosis are given below:

• Symptoms must be maintained for at least 2 weeks
• Being sad most of the day
• Not interested in daily activities
• Crying for no reason
• Lack of stamina 
• Reduced ability to think or concentrate
• Not eating a whole day or excessively eating
• Sleepless nights and feeling tired all the time
• Aloofness, avoidance of communication and association
• Inferiority Feeling
• The patient may do self-harm or attempt suicide
• Some patients may have physical symptoms that have no medical cause for instance stomach pain, constipation, stomach gas or bloating, muscle cramps, etc.

Reasons

This disease can be hereditary but not mandatory. An imbalance of chemicals in the brain may be the cause of this disease. This could also be because of stress, drug abuse, post-childbirth, and various other reasons. It can also occur without any reason.

Treatment

It is a curable disease. Most of the symptoms of depression appear after mania. Most of the times the patient's family think these depression symptoms are part of the cure for the patient but it is not true and the family should not ignore it. Consult a doctor as soon as symptoms of depression appear. If the disease is severe hospitalization may be required. In addition to medication psychological treatment is also required.  In such cases do not rush the patient's recovery.

Side Effects

Mild side effects may occur during treatment such as Muscle spasms, drooling, weight gain, dry mouth, blurred vision, amenorrhea, and constipation. The Patient's family doesn't have to be afraid of them. These are temporary and will subside on their own over time. Remedies are also possible but if the effects are severe consult with your doctor.

Impact on Daily Life

Difficulty Holding a Job

The fluctuating nature of bipolar disorder can make maintaining employment challenging.
Absenteeism, decreased productivity, and conflicts in your workplace.

Financial Troubles

Impulsive spending or risky financial decisions during manic episodes can lead you to financial instability. Managing finances can become overwhelming, resulting in debt or financial hardship.

Legal Issues

Risk-taking behaviors or impulsive actions may lead to legal consequences. You must understand the influence of bipolar disorder on decision-making can help prevent legal issues.

Increased Suicidal Ideation

Individuals with bipolar disorder are at an increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors. The patient needs to seek immediate help if experiencing thoughts of self-harm.

History of Self-Harm

A history of self-harm or suicide attempts is a significant concern in individuals with bipolar disorder. Prior instances of self-injury require ongoing monitoring and support.

Conclusion

Recap of 10 Signs You Might Be Experiencing Bipolar Affective Disorder:

• Mood Swings: Extreme highs and severe lows.
• Changes in Behavior: Increased irritability, impulsivity, and decreased need for sleep.
• Distorted Perception: Grandiose thoughts, paranoia, and hallucinations.
• Social and Relationship Issues: Talkativeness, social behavior changes, and difficulty maintaining relationships.
• Physical Symptoms: Changes in appetite and weight, fatigue, and body aches.
• Cognitive Function: Racing thoughts, difficulty concentrating, and memory problems.
• Impact on Daily Life: Job instability, financial troubles, and legal issues.
• Risk of Self-Harm: Increased suicidal ideation and history of self-harm.
• Importance of Seeking Help: Consulting a mental health professional and accessing appropriate support.
• Diagnosis and Treatment: Medication, therapy, and support systems.