Bipolar Disorder and its Characteristics
Bipolar disorder is a psychological disorder that is characterized by episodes of mania or hypomania, which involves a shift in moods, activity and energy levels (Strakowski 6).
Episodes of mania are characterized by high moods and extremely high energy levels, while hypomanic episodes are less severe episodes of mania.
On the other extreme end, patients with bipolar disorder experience sadness and low energy levels, known as depressive episodes (Bengesser and Reininghaus 18).
Several studies have been carried out to research on the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and interventions that can help manage bipolar disorder.
Further, research has also been carried out on the biological, psychological and social factors relating to bipolar.
Psychosocial Issues and Burdens
Bipolar disorder presents a number of psychosocial issues that affect the quality of life of an individual.
This includes economic and personal burdens, in terms of medical costs and occupation / familial relationships, respectively (Vieta 13).
When individuals are experiencing episodes, their personal life is affected, either their education, careers or families and the economic burden in terms of medical costs is high.
Studies have shown that bipolar individuals utilize healthcare services more than those with chronic illnesses.
Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is characterized by mania, hypomania and depressive episodes.
The symptoms of mania include extremely happy and elated moods, extremely high activity and energy level, high irritability, aggressive behavior, and poor judgment (Vieta 32).
In this mood state, individuals live in bliss and believe that everything around them is okay, and are likely to overindulge in risky behaviors.
Hypomania symptoms are similar to mania symptoms, the only difference being that they are less severe.
The depressive episode symptoms include low energy and activity levels, sadness that lasts for long, restlessness, and feeling of hopelessness and unworthiness (Vieta 33).
Individuals may have suicidal thoughts. Nothing in their life seems to be working during these depressive episodes.
Further, individuals also have psychotic symptoms which include hallucinations, overboard self-esteem, and communication problems (Vieta 34).
During psychosis, individuals are very paranoid as they see and hear things that are actually not there.
Since bipolar has similar symptoms to other disorders such as schizophrenia, and ADHD, it is important to have the right diagnosis to avoid treating the wrong disorder.
Diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder
Diagnostic scales and screening tools are used in the diagnosis of bipolar as they help in the clinical assessment of the condition (Vieta 41).
The diagnosis for the manic episode involves an episode of elevated moods that last for more than a week, accompanied by reduced sleeping, distraction and any other symptoms of manic episodes.
During diagnosis, it is important to ensure that these symptoms are not caused by substance abuse or other physiological factors.
Diagnosis of the depressive episode involves loss of interest, depression, sleeplessness or oversleeping and any other symptoms of depressive episodes, and should be present almost every day for a period of two weeks or more (Vieta 43).
These symptoms must result in a visible change in the functioning of bipolar individuals.
Bipolar disorder is likely to be accompanied by secondary disorders or other medical illnesses that are totally independent.
Comorbidity in Bipolar Disorder
Comorbidity is the co-occurrence of two or more independent medical disorders in the same patient.
In bipolar, psychiatric disorders such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), anxiety disorders and personality disorders are highly likely to co-occur (Strakowski 24).
ADHD is characterized by inattention and high impulse rate, which are also common in bipolar disorder.
However, research suggests that ADHD can be an indication that the individual will develop bipolar later in life when they start experiencing mania episodes (Strakowski 27).
In addition, the two conditions share similar risk factors and symptoms, and it is possible to over-diagnose ADHD in patients with bipolar disorder.
The second co-concurrent medical condition, anxiety disorder, is a common condition among individuals with bipolar, regardless of the moods being experienced by the individual.
According to Strakowski (26), anxiety disorder is four times more likely to occur in bipolar individuals than in the other population.
As such, although symptoms of anxiety can be managed during the treatment of bipolar, it is important to address anxiety as a concurrent condition.
Personality disorder is another condition that co-occurs with bipolar disorder.
Studies have shown high co-occurrence rates, indicating that almost half of bipolar individuals have personality disorders (Strakowski 27).
In addition to these medical disorders, there are other comorbid medical illnesses in bipolar individuals.
They include type II diabetes, migraine, obesity and cardiovascular disease (Strakowski 28).
Individuals with bipolar disorder are more likely to suffer from these concurrent illnesses, which may affect the management of bipolar.
These illnesses increase the mortality rate of bipolar individuals (Strakowski 28), and put them at greater risk, hence the need to manage the illnesses and consider preventative measures.
Bipolar is manageable and treatable through medication and different therapies.
Treatment of Bipolar Disorder
Pharmacotherapy is the most common therapy in the treatment of bipolar disorder, where antipsychotics and valproate drugs are used.
However, studies have shown that combining psychosocial interventions with pharmacotherapy will yield better results in treatment (Vieta 90).
These interventions reduce the rate of relapse and decrease hospitalization of bipolar individuals, and is known as psychotherapy.
Other recommended therapies include electroconvulsive therapy, which is recommended if pharmacotherapy fails (Vieta 90).
Encouraging Help-Seeking and Treatment
Bipolar disorder is a condition that causes affected individuals to experience episodes of highs and lows, and these individuals should be encouraged to seek help and adopt therapies that will help them deal with the condition since it is manageable.
Works Cited
Bengesser, Susanne and Eva Reininghaus. Genetics of Bipolar Disorder. Frankfurt: PL Academic Research, 2013.
Strakowski, Stepehen M. Bipolar Disorder. New York: NY: Oxford University Press, 2014.
Vieta, Eduard. Managing Bipolar Disorder in Clinical Practice. 3rd. London: Springer Healthcare, 2013.
