Bipolar disorder generally refers to a mental disorder characterized by both depressive episodes and manic or hypomanic episodes. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and receive targeted treatment as directed by a doctor.
Bipolar disorder is a complex and severe psychiatric illness, often linked to genetic, neurobiological, and psychosocial factors. Patients may experience depressive symptoms such as low mood, lack of interest, anhedonia, self-blame, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. They may also experience manic symptoms such as elevated mood, racing thoughts, increased volition and behavior, increased energy, and decreased sleep requirements.
Bipolar Disorder
Definition: Bipolar disorder (BD) is a common mental disorder characterized by both manic or hypomanic episodes and depressive episodes. A typical manic episode is characterized by elevated mood, racing thoughts, and increased volition and behavior, representing a state of psychomotor arousal. A typical depressive episode is characterized by the "three lows" of low mood, slowed thinking and pessimism, and decreased will and behavior, accompanied by cognitive impairment and somatic symptoms, representing a state of psychomotor inhibition. Bipolar disorder presents a complex clinical presentation, characterized by recurrent, alternating, and irregular lows and highs. It is also often accompanied by anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and substance abuse. Psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, or catatonia may also occur. The course of the disease varies, ranging from episodic, cyclical, mixed, and ebb-and-flow. Intermissions can be long or short, with social functioning returning to normal, but can also be impaired. Repeated episodes can lead to increased frequency and complexity.
- Manic Episode Manifestations:
During a manic episode, patients experience elevated mood and an extremely positive self-image. They exhibit excessive optimism, exaggerated speech, high energy, decreased sleep need, a racing mind, and a tendency to be easily distracted by novel events, leading to difficulty concentrating, impulsive behavior, and reckless behavior, potentially resulting in reckless behavior.
- Symptoms of a Depressive Episode:
During a depressive episode, patients experience a low mood, endless sadness and despair, a loss of interest in their surroundings, an absence of pleasure, slowed thinking, low self-esteem, and often feelings of guilt and self-blame. They may also experience loss of appetite, sleep disturbances, and, in severe cases, even suicidal thoughts and behavior.
- Classification Characteristics:
Bipolar disorder can be divided into bipolar I and bipolar II. Patients with bipolar I primarily experience hypomania and major depression. During a manic episode, they are excited, talkative, and active, but they do not exhibit aggressive or excessive behavior. These episodes are followed quickly by a major depression.
Patients with bipolar II experience major mania and major depression. Manic symptoms are more severe, characterized by racing thoughts, elevated emotions, and increased activity. These episodes subsequently transition to major depression, often accompanied by guilt and serious suicidal attempts.
- Etiology and Pathogenesis:
The etiology of this disorder is complex, involving genetic, neurobiological, and psychosocial factors. People with a family history of bipolar disorder are at higher risk. Imbalances in brain neurotransmitters, such as malfunctioning dopamine and serotonin, as well as chronic stress and major life events, can all contribute to the development of bipolar disorder.
- Treatment:
Treatment for bipolar disorder primarily includes medication, psychotherapy, and physical therapy. Medication often uses mood stabilizers and antipsychotics to regulate mood. Psychological therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and family therapy, can help patients understand and manage their emotions. Physical therapies, such as electroconvulsive therapy and transcranial magnetic stimulation, also offer effective treatment options for some patients.
Bipolar disorder is a serious mental illness that can significantly impact a patient's life, work, studies, and interpersonal relationships. Early diagnosis and timely treatment are crucial for alleviating symptoms, reducing the severity of the condition, and improving quality of life. Patients and their families should actively cooperate with their doctors' treatment. Patients themselves should also learn to regulate their emotions and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Which department should I visit for bipolar disorder?
- Psychiatry: Bipolar disorder should initially be seen in a psychiatry department. Specialists will assess the characteristics of manic and depressive episodes through clinical interviews and mood scales. A treatment plan primarily based on mood stabilizers, such as lithium or sodium valproate, will be developed, with regular adjustments made.
- Clinical Psychology: Cognitive behavioral therapy and family therapy can reduce the risk of relapse. Clinical Psychology provides professional counseling to help patients identify emotional triggers and develop coping mechanisms, particularly for those recovering from remission.
- Neurology: If patients experience concurrent neurological symptoms such as epilepsy or Parkinson's disease, referral to a neurology department is necessary for tests such as an EEG and MRI to rule out underlying medical conditions as contributing to mood swings.