What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder (BPD) is a mental illness that includes extreme behavior and mood swings. Once called manic-depressive disorder, those with BPD go back and forth between mania and depression. These changes can happen rapidly or over the course of several weeks or months and one has to take bipolar disorder treatment in Mumbai.
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- Is there more than one type of bipolar disorder?
The most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (known as the DSM for short) lists four types of BPD:
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- Bipolar I has one or more episodes of mania, with or without a swing into a depressive episode.
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- Bipolar II includes more manic episodes as well as one or more episodes of depression.
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- Cyclothymia is a pattern of switching between mild mania and mild depression that lasts for at least a year.
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- Bipolar disorder NOS (Not Otherwise Specified) includes a range of typical bipolar symptoms that may not fit standard definitions. For example, rapid cycling in episodes that last less than a day can occur.
What causes bipolar disorder to develop?
The main cause for BPD is thought to be an imbalance in neurotransmitter levels. Neurotransmitters are chemicals within the brain that seem to affect a number of mood disorders. However, other factors may lead to the onset of BPD as well. These can include a physical difference in the brain, hormone levels, genetics, and significant stress, abuse or trauma.
What are some common bipolar disorder symptoms?
The main characteristic of bipolar disorder is a swing in moods from high (mania) to low (depression). Sometimes these may be mild but noticeable shifts. Other episodes can be extreme in nature. BPD patients in a manic episode may make impulsive decisions and engage in dangerous behavior. Or, they may simply experience an upswing in creativity and energy level. During a depressive episode, feelings of extreme sadness and worthlessness may interfere with work or home life. Suicidal thoughts may also occur. Just check our blog how to control bipolar disorder.
