Bipolar Disorder/Bipolar Affective Disorder(BPAD)

Bipolar Disorder(formerly called Manic-Depressive Illness or Manic Depression) is a mental illness that causes unusual shifts in Mood, Energy, Activity Levels, Concentration, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks.

It involves clear changes in Mood, Energy, and Activity Levels. These moods range from periods of extreme “Up,” Elated, Irritable, or Energised behaviour(known as Manic Episodes) to very “Down,” Sad, Indifferent, or Hopeless Periods(known as Depressive Episodes). Less severe Manic Periods are known as Hypomanic Episodes.

Signs & Symptoms of Manic Episode/Mania

BPAD occurs in episodes, which may last from weeks to months. Sometimes patients may remain symptom free for Years in between Episodes. But research shows as the disease progresses, these episodes can become severe or the time between successive episodes may reduce, if left untreated.

  • Decreased need for sleep with little apparent fatigue
  • Sudden increase in goal-oriented activities(such as a project that needs to be done to the exclusion of other activities)
  • Persistent and often purposeless movement
  • Restlessness and an inability to remain still
  • Rapid thoughts
  • Increased talking, lack of connection between thoughts/ jumping from one topic to another
  •  Increased energy
  •  Intrusive thoughts
  •  Reckless behaviour such as gambling or spending money recklessly.
  • Elevated cheerful mood
  • Extreme excitability
  • Sudden shifts to extreme irritability, hostility, or even anger
  • Inappropriate humour and brash behaviour
  • Hypersexuality and sexually provocative behaviours
  • Reckless and extravagant spending (including the lavishing of gifts on friends, casual acquaintances, and even strangers)
  • An increased focus on religious activity

Treatment options for Bipolar Disorder/BPAD

Certain medications can help manage symptoms of bipolar disorder. Some people may need to try several different Treatment Options for a better cure.

Treatment through Medications:

The most common types of medications that doctors prescribe include Mood Stabilizers and Atypical Antipsychotics. Medications that target sleep or anxiety are sometimes added to mood stabilisers as part of a treatment plan.

 People taking Medication should:

  • Talk with their health care provider to understand the risks and benefits of the medication.
  • Tell their health care provider about any prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, or supplements they are already taking.
  • Report any concerns about side effects to a health care provider right away. The health care provider may need to change the dose or try a different medication.
  • Remember that medication for bipolar disorder must be taken consistently, as prescribed, even when one is feeling well

 

Other Treatment Options:

Some people may find other treatments helpful in managing their bipolar symptoms, including:

 

    • Electroconvulsive Therapy(ECT) – A brain stimulation procedure that can help relieve severe symptoms of bipolar disorder. ECT is usually only considered if an individual’s illness has not improved after other treatments such as medication or psychotherapy, or in cases that require rapid response, such as with suicide risk or catatonia (a state of unresponsiveness).
    • Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation(TMS) A type of brain stimulation that uses magnetic waves, rather than the electrical stimulus of ECT, to relieve depression over a series of treatment sessions. Although not as powerful as ECT, TMS does not require general anaesthesia and presents little risk of memory or adverse cognitive effects.