Bipolar Disorder: Meaning, Diagnosis and Overview

What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks. A person with this condition has periods of depression and periods of being extremely happy or being cross or irritable.
There are multiple types of bipolar disorder:

• Bipolar I Disorder
• Bipolar II Disorder
• Cyclothymic Disorder
• Bipolar Disorder Not Otherwise Specified
• Rapid-Cycling Bipolar Disorder

Recovery Time

Bipolar disorder requires a lifelong treatment it is a chronic condition where the person has frequent mood swings.
Both the manic and depressive periods can be brief, from just a few hours to a few days, or longer, lasting up to several weeks or even months. The periods of mania and depression vary from person to person. 

Diagnosis

A doctor does diagnosis by

• Physical examination
• Lab tests (blood and urine tests)    
• Psychological evaluation
• Mood charting- daily record of your moods

FAQs prepared by doctor

1. What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is characterized by unpredictable swings in mood from mania (or hypomania) to depression. Also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks. A person with this condition has periods of depression and periods of being extremely happy or being cross or irritable.

2. What is the exact cause of bipolar disorder?
The exact cause of bipolar disorder is unknown, but several factors seem to be involved in causing and triggering bipolar episodes:

• Genetics
• Biological differences
• An imbalance in naturally occurring brain chemicals called neurotransmitters
• Stress, abuse, significant loss or other traumatic experiences may play a role in bipolar disorder.

3. What shall one do when suffering from bipolar disorder?
Try to take rest and have enough sleep and adopt lifestyle habits which help get good quality sleep, eat healthily, and become more physically active. Keep a regular routine, such as eating meals at the same time every day and going to sleep at the same time every night. Stay on your medication. Learn about warning signs signaling a shift into depression or mania.

4. When shall one visit a doctor?
Consult a doctor if one experiences symptom like Feeling hopeless, sad, or empty, Irritability, Fatigue or loss of energy, Physical and mental sluggishness, Sleep problems, Concentration and memory problems, Feelings of worthlessness or guilt, Thoughts of death or suicide or binge drinking or drug use.