Bipolar disorder is a disorder of the in which the patient suffers through erratic mood shifts and changes in energy levels. Many doctors also refer to the bipolar disorder as ‘maniac depressive illness’. This problem leaves the life of the patient in disarray and his/her relationships, a career as well as academics suffer because of changing energy levels and moods. The National Alliance on Mental Illness discloses that more than 10 million people suffer from the bipolar illness in the United States alone. According to the trends seen in the United States, more than a handful of cases of the bipolar disorder starts from 15-25 years of age.
Even though debate has been progressing as regards to the conditions and circumstances that lead to the developments of the bipolar disorder in patients, experts have come to the consensus that it stems from a combination of circumstances; a few of which are explained as follows. The first very obvious reason that explains the trend is genetics. A few studies have presented evidence that genes are a very major reason for the development of the bipolar disorder in an individual. People who have blood relatives suffering from this disorder are at a greater risk of being plagued by the ailment themselves.
Another cause of the disease is the imbalance of the chemicals in the brain. The neurotransmitters that control the emotional activity in the brain when deregulated result in mood disorders, depression and other various mental illnesses. Hormonal problems are another reason that the researchers have identified to play a part in the development of the bipolar disorder. Environmental factors are a further feature that is mostly seen to be in common in many of the sufferers of the bipolar disorder. Conditions like abuse, mental stress or any traumatic occurrences may increase the risk of bipolar disorder.
People who suffer from this mental disturbance find a number of ways to cope with it. They tend to form support groups where they seek help and advice from those suffering from the same problem. They learn to manage their symptoms in a better manner and cling to as much knowledge that they can seek on the subject so that they can cope better with the symptoms and learn about techniques that may possibly result in unforeseen mood swings. Dealing with the symptoms may not be an easy task, but a little help from friends and family may lend a hand in coping with it. Eating healthy and avoiding alcohol and drugs are also a few measures that could go a long way in helping with the difficulty.
The diagnostic process that relates to the disorder involves going through a list of criteria to find out whether the symptoms that the patient suffers through are that of the bipolar disorder. The diagnosis is also based on the symptoms and conditions reported by the patient himself/herself and those reported by their family members and friends. There are also a few signs that the healthcare professionals look for in a patient with the bipolar disorder. The treatment of the illness is no less simple. The aim of this treatment is primarily to reduce the frequency of the depression and elation episodes. The treatment also incorporates a number of therapy techniques a few of which include prescription medications, depression and mania triggers which help the patient deal with the root causes of the issue, improvement in the patient’s lifestyle and in some cases even hospitalization and close monitoring of the patient.
It may be a challenge to deal with this mental issue, but there is little that a supportive and healthy support system cannot fix. It would for this very reason prove useful to keep close friends who are supportive and helpful so that the symptoms can be kept at bay and any risk of suffering from the issue can also be brought down to a minimum.
List of References
Melinda Smith, M. J. (2015, June). Bipolar Support and Self-Help. Retrieved from Help guide: http://www.helpguide.org/articles/bipolar-disorder/bipolar-support-and-self-help.htm
Nordqvist, C. (2015, June 10). What is a bipolar disorder? What causes bipolar disorder? Retrieved from Medical News Today: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/37010.php
