Poorva Chavan
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Written By: Poorva Chavan | Updated : October 23, 2015 10:32 AM IST
Mood swings are normal and are an integral part of our personality. Feeling elated at one time and getting angry in the very next is common, But when these mood swings go out of hand and are due to no reason, they become an illness. Bipolar disorder is one such illness. It is characterised by extreme mood swings and sufferers experience extreme elation alternating with episodes of extreme depression. It varies from person to person and in the earlier stages, the person becomes highly productive in the manic phase. However, the advanced stages are characterised by erratic behaviour and disconnect from the world.
Dr Alexander Martin, who s on the board of the YMCA counselling centre and practising Navi Mumbai, says that patients with bipolar disorder face extreme emotions without any quantifiable reason and these emotions persist for a long period. The exact cause of bipolar disorder is however, unknown, but it is believed that environmental factors such as stress, alcohol abuse, etc., neurological factors such as chemical imbalances, genetic predisposition and certain medicines such as antidepressants play a huge role in triggering the condition. (Read: Poor sleep associated with bad mood in women with bipolar disorder)
The symptoms of this disorder include four types of mood episodes--severe mania, hypo or moderate mania, depression and mixed episodes. These symptoms including their severity and frequency vary from person to person. Some people might experience depression and mania equally while some might not. (Read: 4 causes of bipolar disorder that you should know)
Heightened energy, creativity, euphoria, fast bouts of speech, insomnia and hyperactivity are a few symptoms of the manic phase. People in this phase also feel that are omnipotent, invincible or 'destined for greatness'. But this behaviour can quickly go out of control and people might become aggressive and pick fights. Similar symptoms are seen in people in with moderate mania but they can carry out their day to day activities normally to a certain extent. (Read: Bipolar disorder drug for adults also safe for kids)
Bipolar depression is very similar to normal depression but it cannot be treated with anti-depressants as they don't work for bipolarity. Bipolar depression involves more irritation, gulit and feelings of restlessness. Sleeping more, speaking less or slowly and weight gain are a few other symptoms. There are phases of extreme sadness or emptiness, irritabilty or fatigue, sluggishness or increased appetite. (Read: Are children with a higher IQ at risk of developing bipolar disorder later in life?)
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