Last Updated on 22 February 2024 by Vanessa Thoko
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings, including emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression).
These mood swings can affect sleep, energy, activity, judgment, behavior, and the ability to think clearly.
Bipolar Disorder, It’s important to understand this condition because it impacts the lives of many individuals, and awareness is the first step towards better mental health.
Key Facts
- Bipolar disorder involves extreme mood swings, including highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression).
- There are four main types of bipolar disorder: Bipolar I, Bipolar II, Cyclothymic Disorder, and Rapid Cycling Bipolar Disorder.
- Common symptoms include mania (increased energy, racing thoughts), hypomania (milder than mania), and depression (sad mood, loss of interest).
- Treatment options include medication (mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and antidepressants), therapy (CBT, IPSRT, psychoeducation), and lifestyle changes.
- Understanding and awareness are essential to address bipolar disorder in South Africa and reduce stigma.
Types Of Bipolar Disorder
There are four main types of bipolar disorder:
Bipolar I Disorder
This is the most common type of bipolar disorder. It is characterized by at least one manic episode.
A manic episode is a period of abnormally elevated or irritable mood and increased energy that lasts for at least one week (or less if hospitalization is required).
Bipolar I disorder may also be characterized by depressive episodes, but this is not required for diagnosis.
Bipolar II disorder
This type of bipolar disorder is characterized by at least one major depressive episode and at least one hypomanic episode.
A hypomanic episode is less severe than a manic episode, but it still causes significant changes in mood and behavior.
Hypomanic episodes last for at least four days and are characterized by abnormally elevated or irritable mood and increased energy.
Cyclothymic Disorder
This type of bipolar disorder is characterized by many mood swings, with hypomanic and depressive symptoms that occur frequently.
However, the symptoms do not meet the full criteria for a manic or hypomanic episode.
Cyclothymic disorder must last for at least two years to be diagnosed.
Rapid Cycling Bipolar Disorder
This type of bipolar disorder is characterized by four or more episodes of mania, hypomania, or depression in a 12-month span.
Symptoms
The symptoms of bipolar disorder can vary widely from person to person and can change over time.
However, some of the most common symptoms include:
Mania:
- Increased energy and activity
- Reduced need for sleep
- Racing thoughts
- Grandiose ideas
- Impulsive behavior
- Irritability and agitation
- Distractibility
- Increased talkativeness
Hypomania:
- Similar to mania but less severe
- Symptoms last for at least four days and are not severe enough to cause significant impairment in social or occupational functioning
Depression:
- Sad mood
- Loss of interest in activities
- Changes in appetite and sleep
- Fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
- Thoughts of death or suicide
Treatment Options
There are a number of treatment options available for bipolar disorder, including medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes.
Medication
Medications are the most common and effective treatment for bipolar disorder.
A variety of medications are used to treat bipolar disorder, including:
- Mood stabilizers: These medications help to stabilize mood and reduce the frequency and severity of manic and depressive episodes. Common mood stabilizers include lithium, valproic acid, lamotrigine, and carbamazepine.
- Antipsychotics: These medications are often used to treat manic episodes and can also be used to prevent manic episodes from recurring. Common antipsychotics include olanzapine, risperidone, and quetiapine.
- Antidepressants: These medications are used to treat depressive episodes in bipolar disorder. However, antidepressants should be used with caution in people with bipolar disorder, as they can increase the risk of manic episodes.
Therapy
Therapy can be a helpful addition to medication in the treatment of bipolar disorder.
Types of therapy that may be helpful for bipolar disorder include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT helps people to identify and change negative thoughts and behaviors that can contribute to their mood swings.
- Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT): IPSRT helps people to establish regular sleep-wake cycles and social routines, which can help to improve mood stability.
- Psychoeducation: Psychoeducation provides people with information about bipolar disorder, including its symptoms, causes, and treatment options.
Conclusion
Bipolar Disorder is a real and challenging condition that affects people right here in South Africa.
By understanding its different forms, recognizing the symptoms, and knowing the available treatments, we can help ourselves and others who may be struggling.
Let’s break the stigma, raise awareness, and work towards a healthier, happier South Africa.
