Bipolar affective disorder
Bipolar affective disorder
A large percentage of people suffer from psychological disorders. These disorders can be very difficult to manage and need special care and treatment by specialised mental health professionals. One such disorder is the Bipolar Affective Disorder. Bipolar Affective disorder is a mood disorder which affects both men and women and is a universal phenomenon. As the name suggests, Bipolar Affective disorder is one in which the person experiences extreme mood swings between mania and depression which are polar opposites on the mood spectrum. These mood shifts are unlike the normal mood changes people go through. Unlike others, those with Bipolar Affective disorder have mood fluctuations that last for abnormally extended periods of time and which are inappropriate for the specific situation the person is in. Bipolar Affective disorder can make normal functioning very difficult for the person in every field of life. Bipolar Affective disorder is quite difficult to diagnose as the symptoms are often considered to be indicative of some other disorder or not felt to be serious enough. However it is important to recognise the symptoms of Bipolar Affective disorder so that the correct treatment can be started. In the manic state of Bipolar Affective disorder the person is in a state of euphoria and feels overly optimistic about life. He or she has an inflated sense of self esteem and self worth. Judgement is impaired along with increase in impulsive behaviour which exposes the person to several risks. There is decreased sleep and increase in energy levels leading to hyper-activity. The person’s speech is very rapid and there are racing thoughts. The person can also feel more irritable and jumpy. In severe cases the person may exhibit psychotic symptoms of hallucinations and delusions (of grandeur and fame) leading him to believe that he is the ‘chosen one’ or has great power etc. In the depressive state of Bipolar Affective disorder the person experiences the opposite of mania. The person is constantly tired and lethargic even though he may be sleeping a lot more than usual. There is constant worry and a feeling of being low and sad. The person loses all interest in activities like sex, meeting other people, etc. There is a drop in appetite and the person is always feeling restless and irritable. The person has difficulty concentrating, paying sustained attention, remembering things and is easily distracted. In severe cases the person may show suicidal ideations. Causes of Bipolar Affective disorder are not specifically known but are considered to be a combination of genetics, brain structure, imbalance of neurotransmitters and stressors in the person’s life. Treatment involves counselling and therapy along with medication.
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