Not infrequently, many of us have heard of the term bipolar. Bipolar is included in the category of mental disorders that we usually hear occur in adolescence and young adulthood. Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings, namely episodes of mania, hypomania, and depression. Bipolar disorder is a mental disorder characterized by drastic changes in mood. Sufferers of this disorder can feel very happy or euphoric, then turn very sad. This disorder can be suffered for life, affecting the sufferer. To better understand this disorder, let's see the full explanation and its characteristics.
Understanding What Bipolar Disorder Is
Bipolar disorder, also known as bipolar affective disorder, is a chronic mental condition that affects mood, energy, activity, and the ability to function. There are several types of bipolar disorder, including Bipolar I, Bipolar II, and Cyclothymic Disorder . The main differences between these types lie in the intensity and duration of mood episodes.
Types of Bipolar Disorder
1. Bipolar I
- In the course of the disease, there are episodes of depression and episodes of mania or only repeated episodes of mania.
- Manic symptoms last for at least 7 days every day continuously and depressive symptoms last for at least 14 days every day continuously.
2. Bipolar II
- During the course of the disease, there are depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes (milder symptoms than mania).
- Hypomania symptoms last only a few days.
3. Cyclothymic Disorder is characterized by periods of hypomania and periods of depression that last for at least two years (one year in children and adolescents), but the symptoms do not meet the criteria for a hypomanic episode or a major depressive episode.
Characteristics of Bipolar Disorder That You Must Know
Bipolar disorder has characteristics that can be divided into two large groups, namely manic/hypomanic symptoms and depressive symptoms. Here is a detailed explanation of the two groups of symptoms.
Symptoms of Mania/Hypomania
- Increased energy : Experiencing excessive energy and enthusiasm, tireless (overactive).
- Excessive joy : Euphoria or elation for no apparent reason, extremely happy, and overly optimistic.
- Decreased need for sleep : caused by excess energy, lots of ideas and movement, not needing much sleep and always feeling fresh.
- Talking fast and a lot : accompanied by euphoria and ideas (thoughts) that change topics or themes quickly.
- Having trouble concentrating : Having difficulty focusing on one thing because their thoughts are jumping around.
- Presence of impulsivity : Making decisions to behave and speak without considering the consequences, such as excessive shopping, risky sexual behavior, or bad investments, etc.
Hypomanic symptoms are milder and generally do not require hospitalization (feeling happy, energetic and high only lasts a few days) between depressive episodes.
Symptoms of Depression
- Deep sadness : Feeling very sad, empty, hopeless or pessimistic most of the day. Can often be moody, irritable and unstable.
- Loss of interest : Loss of interest in almost all usual activities.
- Weight changes : Loss or gain of weight without any clear reason (individual depending on mental hoping mechanism).
- Having trouble sleeping : Having insomnia or sleeping too much (hypersomnia).
- Feeling tired : Feeling tired all day, low energy even when there is no activity.
- Feeling worthless : Having feelings of worthlessness, guilt, sin, loneliness, helplessness, overly pessimistic, etc.
- Difficulty concentrating : Easily “forgetful” because of focus on problems and feelings of sadness.
- Suicidal ideation or attempts
- Self-harm behavior
What Causes Bipolar Disorder ?
Like other mental disorders, the exact cause of bipolar disorder is not known for certain, but there are several factors that may contribute including:
| Internal | External |
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Genetics, family history of bipolar disorder one parent with mental disorder gives the child a 25% risk. If both parents have mental disorder gives the child a 50-75% risk. |
Parenting Pattern Factors: Overprotective, Authoritarian, Neglected |
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Neurotransmitter imbalance in the brain such as dopamine, serotonin, adrenaline, and others. |
Family relations are less harmonious |
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Personality, such as Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Anankastic Personality Disorder (APD), Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). |
History of abuse: sexual, verbal abuse, emotional |
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Environmental factors: Extreme stress, substance abuse, or traumatic events can trigger bipolar disorder in susceptible individuals. |
Bully or bully |
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Prolonged or chronic psychosocial stressors |
Bipolar disorder is a complex mental health condition that requires proper treatment. Recognizing the signs of this disorder is a good and important first step in getting the help and treatment you need. With early and proper treatment, people with bipolar disorder can live a more normal and productive life (better quality of life). Bipolar disorder is not a “disgrace”, it is not a “contagious” disease and it can be treated.
Steps to Treat Bipolar Disorder
Treatment for bipolar disorder includes a combination of pharmacotherapy (drugs) and psychological therapy. Here are some commonly used methods:
- Providing support and education about bipolar disorder and its treatment can help sufferers or their families or partners in dealing with bipolar.
- Adopting a healthy lifestyle such as maintaining a regular sleep pattern and schedule, a balanced diet, exercise, and avoiding alcohol or drugs can help manage bipolar symptoms.
- Psychological therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy, and family therapy can help individuals understand and manage their symptoms.
- Medication is done with mood stabilizer drugs that are adjusted to the episode (mania, hypermania, depression, there are psychotic symptoms), antidepressants, and antipsychotics. The use of these drugs must follow the instructions of the treating doctor.
If you or someone you know is showing symptoms of bipolar disorder, it is important to consult a psychiatrist for appropriate advice and treatment.
Article written by Dr. dr. Surilena, Sp.KJ, Subsp.AR(K) (Mental Health Specialist / Psychiatrist, Grha Kedoya Hospital).