Understanding Bipolar Disorder: Navigating the Ups and Downs
What is Bipolar Disorder?
As the National Institute of Mental Health (2021) pointed out, bipolar disorder is a mental health condition with extreme mood swings, including episodes of mania and depression.
Further, mania and depression are symptoms of bipolar illness. Depression is despair, hopelessness, exhaustion, and loss of interest in activities, while mania is a high or irritated mood, increased energy, decreased need for sleep, racing thoughts, and impulsive behaviour. These episodes can last days, weeks, or months and severely impair daily functioning (National Institute of Mental Health, 2021).
Bipolar disorder affects 2.8% of Americans annually (National Institute of Mental Health, 2021). It commonly appears in late adolescence or early adulthood. Family history suggests a genetic link to the illness (Barnett et al., 2011).
Mental health professionals evaluate symptoms, medical history, and family history to diagnose bipolar illness. The disorder is treated with mood stabilisers, antipsychotics, and psychotherapy such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and family-focused treatment (National Institute of Mental Health, 2021).
In conclusion, bipolar disorder is a mental illness that causes dramatic mood changes, including mania and sadness, and can impair daily functioning. Medication and psychotherapy cure the hereditary condition, which can develop at any age.
What are the causes of the Disorder?
The causes of bipolar disorder are unknown. Researchers think genetic, environmental, and biological factors may cause it.
This disorder is estimated to be 80% hereditary (Barnett et al., 2011). People with a family history of the disorder are likelier to develop it. However, having a family member with this disorder does not mean an individual will develop it (NIMH, 2021).
It may also be linked to brain abnormalities, and patients have smaller hippocampuses than healthy people (Kempton et al., 2011). Further, this disorder has been linked to neurotransmitter abnormalities, particularly dopamine and serotonin (Berk et al., 2017).
Kapuka et al., (2007) highlighted that trauma and abuse can also cause bipolar disorder. Moreover, other causes include sleep disturbances, substance abuse, and hormone disorders (NIMH, 2021).
In conclusion, this disorder is a complicated mental illness caused by hereditary, environmental, and biological variables. Research continues to illuminate the complicated processes of bipolar illness.
Is Bipolar Disorder Genetic?
Bipolar disorder is likely hereditary, and it runs in families (National Institute of Mental Health, 2021).
Further, this disorder’s genes and genetic variants have also been identified. A comprehensive genome-wide association study (GWAS) discovered numerous genetic variations linked to this disorder (Mühleisen et al., 2014).
This disorder is caused by more than just genetics. Environmental and personal circumstances may also cause the condition.
In conclusion, this disorder is likely caused by hereditary and environmental factors.
How is Bipolar Disorder Treated?
Long-term treatment is needed for bipolar disorder. Medication and counselling work best for this disorder.
Medication:
Bipolar disorder treatment centres on mood stabilisers. Lithium, a common mood stabiliser, reduces manic and depressive episodes (Geddes et al., 2010). Further, it can use valproate and carbamazepine as well (Goodwin & Jamison, 2007).
Antipsychotics help treat this disorder, especially manic periods. Quetiapine, olanzapine, and risperidone reduce manic symptoms and prevent recurrence (Yatham et al., 2018).
Psychotherapy, especially with medication, can help treat this disorder. CBT and IPSRT reduce bipolar disorder mood episodes (Miklowitz et al., 2008; Lam et al., 2010).
CBT helps bipolar illness patients identify and confront negative thinking and behaviour, build coping mechanisms for mood episodes, and improve communication and problem-solving (Lam et al., 2010).
IPSRT reduces stress and mood episodes by stabilising daily routines and improving relationships (Frank et al., 2005).
Family-focused treatment and psychoeducation can also help bipolar illness patients and their families understand and manage symptoms (Miklowitz et al., 2008).
This disorder is usually treated with medication and psychotherapy. Psychotherapy and mood stabilisers, antipsychotics, and antidepressants can help manage symptoms. Each patient’s treatment should be individualised and multifaceted. Patients with bipolar illness patients should collaborate with mental health professionals to create a treatment plan.
Is bipolar disorder considered a disability?
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) considers bipolar illness a handicap if it substantially impairs one or more important life activities, such as working, caring for oneself, or socialising (U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, n.d.). Not all bipolar disorder sufferers are disabled under the ADA.
Bipolar disorder patients may qualify for SSA disability compensation. To get benefits, a person must meet the SSA’s definition of disability, which is the inability to do substantial gainful activity due to a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that has lasted at least 12 months (Social Security Administration, n.d.).
The SSA evaluates medical records, job history, and everyday functioning to determine disability eligibility for this disorder. If the SSA finds them eligible, they may get SSDI or SSI benefits.
It is crucial to realise that applying for disability benefits can be complicated and lengthy. Working with an expert attorney or disability advocate may help.
In conclusion, bipolar disorder may qualify for Social Security disability benefits under the Americans with Disabilities Act. However, not all patients with this disorder qualify for disability benefits, and eligibility depends on a thorough medical and functional evaluation.
How do you know if you’re bipolar?
Diagnosing bipolar disorder is tough, and the disorder has some common symptoms.
Bipolar disorder causes mood fluctuations from mania or hypomania (high energy, exhilaration, and activity) to depression (poor mood, low energy, and loss of interest in activities).
Other common symptoms of bipolar disorder include:
- Rapid speech and racing thoughts
- Impulsivity and risk-taking behavior
- Decreased need for sleep
- Irritability or agitation
- Poor judgment or decision-making
- Difficulty concentrating or completing tasks
- Seek medical attention if you have these symptoms. To diagnose bipolar disorder, a psychiatrist or psychologist can perform a thorough evaluation.
- Bipolar disorder is usually diagnosed using a medical history, physical exam, and psychological testing. The mental health professional may interview family members or others who know your behaviour to better understand your symptoms.
- Bipolar disorder can be lifelong, but with treatment, many people can manage their symptoms and live productive lives.
This article is a summary of desk research conducted by our members