4 minute read
bipolar disorder , formerly known as manic depression, is a medical condition that causes a person’s mood to fluctuate between high periods of great happiness and low intervals of sadness or despair. the biochemical condition, which is the result of an imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain, typically results in three states, according to the centre for addiction and mental health : a high state (known as mania — or hypomania in milder forms), a low state (depression) and a well state (during which patients may feel few to no symptoms).
although everyone goes through ups and downs in their lives, people with bipolar disorder generally deal with more extreme fluctuations between the two. when depressed, people with this condition may feel that all hope is lost and lose interest in activities they usually enjoy. during extreme manic periods, patients can experience an intense feeling of euphoria that is capable of convincing them they are famous, have special knowledge or are invincible. bouts of mania can be as dangerous as those of depression because they can lead to risky behaviour based on false beliefs. according to the public health agency of canada , this can include engaging in unwise activities, including spending sprees, excessive alcohol and drug use and risky sexual activity.
advertisement
advertisement
a trained psychiatrist is usually required to address bipolar disorder, according to the mayo clinic , with the focus placed on helping patients manage their symptoms and resume normal lives. helping them do this can include:
medication. drugs, such as mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications, may be used to immediately balance a patient’s mood. this medication will likely be a lifelong requirement because skipping treatment during periods when they may seem unnecessary only runs the risk of relapse. it can take months to find the appropriate drug and dosing for a particular person, so patience is required.
advertisement
day treatment programs. to provide support and counselling. cognitive behaviour therapy and interpersonal therapy have both proven effective.
substance abuse treatment. as bipolar disorder makes people more likely to abuse alcohol and drugs, treating any underlying addictions if they are present is a vital part of the process.
hospitalization : may be required for more severe forms of the disorder, particularly if a patient is behaving dangerously. a hospital can provide a safe setting until symptoms are stabilized.
bipolar disorder can’t be prevented, according to myhealth alberta , because experts still aren’t sure exactly what causes it. the condition is believed to contain a genetic component, however, because a person’s risk of diagnosis increases if they have a family member who has also been diagnosed.
just over two per cent of canadians will experience bipolar disorder at some point in their lives, according to the canadian psychological association . the condition, which affects men and women equally, usually starts in late adolescence but can begin in childhood. bipolar disorder is considered a recurrent condition, meaning one episode is likely to be followed by others at some point in the future.
advertisement
