Paras Hemrajani
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Written By: Paras Hemrajani | Published : September 23, 2020 9:00 AM IST
Compared to men, women have milder episodes of mania. © Shutterstock
When you hear the word bipolar disorder, you must be usually thinking of sudden mood swings. You are not wrong to think this. It is true that this condition may induce sudden high energy and then extreme tiredness. This 'high' or 'low', sometimes, may last even for days and weeks. This is a treatable condition and proper treatment and regular follow-ups are essential to deal with it. However, it is not that easy to convince a patient to get treatment. Moreover, there are various myths and misconceptions surrounding this condition. Because of this, it is difficult to treat the disease and end the stigma surrounding it.
Here we reveal some of the common myths surrounding this condition.
Fact: According to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, USA, globally, it is estimated that more than 46 million people have bipolar disorder. According to a study published in Archives of Mental Health, India, prevalence of bipolar disorder ranges from 0.51 per thousand to 20.78 per thousand people in India.
Fact: Bipolar is very common in children, especially between the age of 6 to 10. This disorder in children presents itself differently with very fast mood swings rather than intense mood for weeks as seen in adults. Because of this difference, the myth that children don't have bipolar disorder has spread. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), children with bipolar parents are more likely to develop this condition.
Fact: There is no scientific evidence that states that alcoholism and drug abuse can cause bipolar disorder. On the contrary, studies have shown that it can make a person take drugs and alcohol.
Fact: The disappearance of symptoms doesn't mean that the disease has disappeared, it means that the medicine is working. Bipolar medications are usually prescribed for life. Without them, the chances of relapse are high. Talk to your doctor, before stopping or changing your medication.
Fact: Currently, there is no cure for this condition. Symptoms of the condition, such as periods of high energy, insomnia and loss of understanding about reality can be managed with medication, therapy, diet and exercise.
Fact: Bipolar disorder is just like any other health condition. It is definitely not triggered or caused by a specific personal character flaw. It can occur in any person at any given time.
Fact: No doubt, having this mental health condition may make it challenging for a person to hold a regular job and go down a career path. But it is not impossible. People with this condition can easily work and have a career.
