General Information About Bipolar Affective Disorder
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
It is a mental illness where the person makes sharp transitions between a 'Mania' episode, where their mood is very high, energetic, and exuberant, and a 'Depression' episode, where they are extremely unhappy, unmotivated, and lacking in energy.
It includes extreme joy or uncontrollable anger, a decreased need for sleep, speaking very fast, overconfidence (delusions of grandeur), spending money rapidly, and a tendency to engage in risky sexual/social behaviors.
A deep sense of sadness, inability to get out of bed in the morning, inability to enjoy anything, feelings of worthlessness, moving slowly, oversleeping, and in advanced cases, suicidal thoughts.
Although the exact cause is not certain, genetic inheritance is the biggest risk factor. An imbalance of chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine, noradrenaline) forms the fundamental mechanism of the disease.
The medical history recounted by the patient and their family is evaluated by a psychiatrist. For a diagnosis, the person must have experienced a distinct 'manic' or 'hypomanic' episode at least once in their life.
It is a lifelong treatment. Mood stabilizers like lithium and antipsychotics are the primary medications. With cognitive behavioral therapy, the patient learns to maintain a sleep schedule and anticipate the onset of an episode.
Our health library contents are prepared for informational purposes only and with scientific data available at the time of recording. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your health, please consult your doctor or a healthcare institution.
