BIPOLAR
DISORDER
What is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar Disorder is a mental health problem where your mood becomes very high or low. It’s also known as “manic depressive disorder”.
Each episode can last longer than a week and you may experience cycles between high and low episodes many times a year.
Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder involves symptoms of extreme highs or lows.
A manic episode can last up to a week and a person can go through several of the following symptoms:
- Speaking very quickly
- Less need for sleep
- Short attention span
- Racing thoughts
- Planning more activities in a day than possible
- Agitated
- Easily distracted
- Bad decision-making (e.g. impulsive spending)
Someone having a hypomanic episode will experience similar symptoms but are less severe. They will be able to continue working and lasts only four days in a row.
A major depressive episode can last up to two weeks and consist of five symptoms, including the first two:
- Intense sadness
- Feeling hopeless or overwhelmed
- Feelings of guilt
- Difficulty sleeping (too much/not enough)
- Restless or agitated
- Changes in appetite (loss of, or eating more)
- Unable to concentrate
- Thoughts of death or suicide
- Lasts for 2 weeks
Different types of Bipolar Disorder
You may have Bipolar I if you experience an episode of mania (feeling very high) for a week with symptoms of depression. On the other hand, you may have Bipolar II if you experience an episode of depression with symptoms of hypomania.
Who is at risk?
1% of the population will have a bipolar episode in their lifetime.
Both men and women are equally affected.
The first episode takes place in early adulthood.
You may be at increased risk of having bipolar if you have immediate family with the same condition. Other environmental factors may contribute towards having an episode, such as a traumatic and highly stressful event, or drug or alcohol abuse.
What can I do if I have Bipolar Disorder?
If you feel that you experience some of the symptoms described above, visit a professional therapist.
Extreme mood swings can be controlled with an anti-psychotic drug. Once your mood is stabilised, you can look for talking therapy to help manage your bipolar disorder in the long-term.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) looks at how your feelings, thoughts and behaviours influence each other. You’ll learn coping mechanisms to deal with recurring patterns.