Bipolarity is the name given to a psychiatric diagnosis Bipolar Affective Disorder, which is a psychiatric disorder related to mood. Disorder associated with mood swings ranging from depression to obsessional problems. The exact cause of bipolar disorder is not known, but it is believed that it is influenced by a structuring of factors such as genetics, the brain's chemical environment and is a frequent and treatable condition. SYMPTOMS OF BIPOLARITY Bipolar disorder is characterized by the alternation, sometimes sudden, of depression and euphoria, of variables. Manic disorders include symptoms such as euphoria, difficulty sleeping, and loss of contact with reality. Desperate people are motivated by a lack of energy and daily activities, as well as a loss of interest in daily activities. Associates of mood months can last for days or they can also be suicidal. WHAT IS THE MANIA EPISODE OF THE BIPOLAR PERSON? In episodes of mania, we can mention symptoms of: inflated self-esteem (grandiosity); reduced need for sleep; excessive spending; talk more than usual; present pressure in the speech, being difficult to interrupt; distraction, involvement in risky activities such as substance abuse and risky physical activities. The physical phase of mania is a very psychic state. During this phase, it is very difficult to maintain functionality, as there is an increased need for sleep, risky behavior and intensified compulsions (food, games, shopping and sexual desires). Its duration varies from weeks to months. WHAT IS THE EPISODE OF DEPRESSION IN A BIPOLAR PERSON? In depressive episodes, the main symptoms are: decreased disposition for life; increased need for sleep; retraction and isolation; deep sadness; unwillingness to carry out activities and pessimistic thoughts, of less value and that bring an environment of worsening and risk. In episodes of depression, the person tends to avoid the social environment, becoming more withdrawn and isolated. It is a period marked by lack of personal hygiene care and with the environment, deep sadness and unwillingness to carry out activities. They become less sensitive to events around them. They often become pessimistic and hopeless for the future, with a risk of suicidal ideation. The duration of these episodes can be weeks, months or years.
HOW IS THE TRANSITION BETWEEN MANIA AND DEPRESSION IN THE DISORDER? What stands out most in Bipolar Affective Disorder is the person's ability to transition between two mood states. And, to certify understanding, at this point it is important to differentiate between mood and affect (mood). Affects are unstable, volatile, oscillate between happy and sad and refer to the person's momentary state of mind. This is normal and expected in all people. For example, if we get something we wanted, we are very happy. However, if something bad happens, we are sad. Mood is usually more stable, perennial, lasting and its extremes are euphoria and depression, which are linked to the disposition for life. So if we occasionally have a lot of good things going on, we tend to have the highest mood. In bipolar disorder, the oscillation occurs between mood states, that is, there is a change in the disposition for life. HOW IS BIPOLARITY DIAGNOSED? In order to diagnose the disease, it is necessary to carry out a medical investigation through the anamnesis of a psychic examination, which is used to try to identify the condition early on, assessing whether there is really a manic event in that person's history. If confirmed, it determines that the changes are both on the side of depression and on the side of euphoria, diagnosing bipolarity. HOW TO KNOW IF A PERSON HAS BIPOLAR DISORDER? The diagnosis must be made by a psychiatrist, it requires a good anamnesis, a very detailed clinical history and a very detailed psychic examination. Some clinical laboratory tests, such as blood tests and imaging tests, may be requested only to rule out other pathologies that could generate doubts. For a lay person, what can draw attention is the alternation between periods of depressive symptoms and periods of impulsivity, with many sexual desires, excessive spending and reduced need for sleep.
WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF BIPOLARITY? In psychiatry, there is only one type of Bipolar Affective Disorder, but it can have episodes of mania, depression, or a mixed state. Some clinics and colleges use the more detailed classification system, where they divide into different types of Bipolar Affective Disorder. This is not the usual diagnostic classification, being more regional and specific. What we do know about this classification is that it is divided into type 1, type 2 and type 3. Type 1 is one in which the patient has episodes of mania and has many expressive and psychotic symptoms (disconnected from reality). In type 2, the patient has low or moderate episodes of mania, which do not cause major changes in the person's life. Type 3 are manic episodes caused by medication. In this classification, the most serious is type 1. In the classification used in psychiatry, we can say that the most serious would be the manic episode with psychotic symptoms or the depressive episode with psychotic symptoms (disconnected from reality). WHAT ARE THE DANGERS OF BIPOLARITY? Dangers occur when the condition is accompanied by psychotic symptoms, as the person can make life-threatening decisions or become stuck in what we think is life-threatening. So, when it comes to psychotic mania, it is possible that the patient thinks he is invincible, exposing himself to dangerous situations. We can cite as other dangers that, in episodes of mania, the person can create debts, break cards and spend excessively, in addition to excessive sexual activities that can generate an incurable communicable disease. In a severe depressive episode, the person can stop eating, stop taking care of hygiene, lose weight in an unhealthy way and be affected by infections caused by lack of hygiene and even attempt to kill themselves.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO LIVE A NORMAL LIFE WITH BIPOLAR DISORDER? For sure! Bipolar Affective Disorder, when well treated, does not prevent a person from having a completely normal life. We can say that this disorder presents with any chronic disease, such as diabetes for example. Crises can occur for some reason, but, if treated well, with medication and adequate doses, it will not generate further complications and everything will be fine. HOW IS THE TREATMENT? HAVE A CURE? Bipolar disorder requires a medical diagnosis from a qualified professional. Treatment is often lifelong, as bipolar disorder is initially incurable, chronic, and usually involves a combination of medication and psychotherapy. After the initial phase of identification for a correct diagnosis, treatment with medications begins, and it is necessary to regularize them so that they bring stability in the mood without generating side effects for the patient. For this reason, drug exchanges may occur during the process, in order to maintain mood stability. The absence of depressive symptoms is always prioritized, ensuring that the patient is not heading for mania. Once the condition is stable, it is possible to have a normal life. The suspension or reduction of medication must be carried out exclusively under medical supervision and there will always be a risk of, eventually, changes in mood. In addition, the line of reasoning is not linear, branching out a lot of what you want to talk about, but never getting to the goal. In relation to healing, it is difficult to say, because it depends on the environment and the difficulties that this person may eventually go through.
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