In Bipolar Disorder, mood changes from moment to moment, symptoms are different for each type.

Bipolar disorder is a mental problem characterized by extreme mood swings. In this highly sensitive disease, the patient suffers from both depression and mania. That means when you are sad, all your hopes are shattered. Whereas when your mood changes to mania or hypomania, you remain very happy, excited and full of energy. These mood swings affect your sleep, energy, activity, behavior and way of thinking. Bipolar disorder patients may have episodes of both these diseases once a year or they may occur again and again.

Although this disorder is a lifelong condition but treatment can give you relief from it. In most cases, health experts treat bipolar disorder patients with talk therapy, also known as psychotherapy, in addition to medications.
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Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

Mayo Clinic (Reference) Symptoms that occur during a manic episode (mood disorder) include:

• increase energy level
• upbeat mood
• Increase in physical and mental activity
• fast thinking and speech
• make a wrong decision
• lack of sleep
• overestimated feelings

Symptoms that occur during a depressive episode

• lack of energy
• irritability and sadness
• feelings of anxiety and anger
• lack of concentration
• Feeling sleepy or having difficulty sleeping Excessive hunger or no appetite at all
• meaningless feelings
• feeling suicidal
• Loss of interest in activities that bring you pleasure

Mania and hypomania

Mania and hypomania are different but their symptoms are the same. Mania is more serious than hypomania. You may also have to be admitted to hospital for the treatment of this disease. Hypomania lasts for a short period, usually a few days. However its time duration may vary.

Symptoms of bipolar disorder in children

Like adults, children can also have bipolar disorder. However, the symptoms of children are somewhat different as compared to adults. The most common symptoms seen in children include mood swings that are not like normal mood swings.

treatment of bipolar disorder

Your doctor may give you some medicines to control the symptoms of bipolar disorder. Apart from this, psychiatrist and clinical psychiatrist can help you in keeping the patient normal during seasonal episodes. Apart from therapy, in some cases counseling is also taken.

Ways to prevent bipolar disorder

There is no prescribed solution to prevent bipolar disorder, but you can avoid it by keeping some things in mind.

• enough sleep
• learn to deal with stress
• Avoid excessive consumption of drugs and caffeine
• exercise daily
• have a healthy diet
• Avoid alcohol consumption

If someone close to you has bipolar disorder, then make him/her/her aware about its symptoms.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It cannot in any way be a substitute for any medicine or treatment. Always consult your doctor for more information.