Bipolar disorder – Affective insanity

Description of bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder – mental health, in which marked the extreme swings in mood, energy and functioning. Mood changes bipolar disorder are deeper, than its usual ups and downs. They can damage relationships and cause poor performance or school performance. Bipolar disorder is treatable.

When bipolar disorder marked two extremes in mood – craze and depression.

For mania one of the defining features is the increased energy and a decreased need for sleep. The mood may be too happy or irritable.

When depressed mood falls, enhanced fatigue, This is often accompanied by irritability.

There are four forms of the disease:

• Bipolar disorder type 1 – recurring episodes of mania often immediately after depression, attacks can be very severe;
• Bipolar disorder type 2 – episodes are accompanied by less severe mania (the so-called hypomania), that alternate with episodes of depression;
• Uncertain bipolar disorder – a person has symptoms of bipolar disorder (eg, actions are outside the normal behavior), but the symptoms do not meet certain criteria for the types of bipolar disorder 1 and 2;
• Cyclothymia – episodes of hypomania alternating with episodes of mild depression.

Causes of bipolar disorder

The causes of bipolar disorder are not known. Expected, that the cause of the disease may be of genetic character.

The risk factors of bipolar disorder

Family history of the disease increases the likelihood of its development. Tell your doctor, if you have a family member with bipolar disorder.

Symptoms of bipolar disorder

Symptoms include:

• Severe mood swings – mood can range from elevated excited, exaggerated sense of self-esteem, to a deep sense of hopelessness;
• In the ups and downs observed periods of normal mood;
• Severe changes in behavior.

Symptoms of mania They include:

• Extremely good mood;
• Increased energy and effort toward goal-directed activity;
• Restlessness and agitation;
• Jumping from one idea to another;
• Rapid speech or desire to constantly talk;
• Problems with concentration;
• Reduced need for sleep;
• Overconfidence or inflated self-esteem.

Symptoms of depression They include:

• Long periods of melancholy, hopeless mood;
• Guilt, worthlessness or helplessness;
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities, including sex;
• Decreased performance or fatigue;
• Problems with concentration, zapominaniem, and / or decision;
• Anxiety or slow motion;
• Excitement;
• Too long or short sleep;
• Unintentional weight gain or loss;
• Thoughts of suicide or death without suicide attempt.

Severe episodes of mania or depression may sometimes be accompanied by psychotic symptoms:

• Hallucinations;
• Delusional thoughts and ideas.

Diagnosis of bipolar disorder

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical examination. In some cases, laboratory tests appointed, to rule out other causes of symptoms. Diagnosis of bipolar disorder is based on the following figures:

• The presence of certain symptoms over a long period of time;
• The absence of other causes of disorder, such as the use of certain drugs and the presence of diseases;
• A family history of bipolar disorder.

Mania is diagnosed, if:

• Improved mood and there are three or more manic symptoms (listed above);
  • If irritable mood, not increased, for the diagnosis of mania four symptoms must be present;
• Symptoms observed during most of the day, almost every day, for one week or longer;
• The symptoms cause problems in daily life.

A depressive episode is diagnosed, if:

• There are five or more symptoms of depression (listed above);
• Symptoms last for most of the day, almost every day, for two weeks or longer;
• The symptoms cause problems in daily life.

Treatment of bipolar disorder

The doctor will determine the best method of treatment, which may include:

Medications for the treatment of bipolar disorder

The main method of treatment is the use of drugs, called mood stabilizers. There are many different types and combinations of drugs, who are appointed, to suppress the symptoms. Medicines, used to treat bipolar disorder include:

• Lithium – oldest mood stabilizer, It is often used as the initial therapy (It helps prevent manic and depressive episodes);
• Anticonvulsant drugs are also used as mood stabilizers in place of or in combination with lithium:
  • Lamotrigine;
  • Valproate;
  • Carbamazepine;
• Other drugs, which can be used to treat problems in bipolar mood disorder include:
  • Benzodiazepines – They can be used for treatment of agitation or sleeplessness, usually, short;
  • Antidepressants, used for the treatment of depression. Typically prescribed in combination with a mood stabilizer, such as lithium;
  • Antipsychotic drugs, used for acute manic or mixed episodes and maintenance treatment.

Treatment, perhaps, will need to continue permanently. Medication should prevent significant mood swings.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is often an integral part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Therapy may include:

• Cognitive therapy povedencheskaya;
• Counselling;
• Family therapy;
• Interpersonal and social therapy (a form of therapy, for the treatment of bipolar disorder).

Эlektrosudorozhnaya therapy

Эlektrosudorozhnaya therapy It may be effective, When medication does not bring effect. It can be used for the treatment of mania, and for depression.

Prophylaxis of bipolar disorder

There are no guidelines for preventing bipolar disorder. Medication can help prevent episodes of manic-depressive psychosis.