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Bipolar disorder is called the disease of the century. After some stars, for example, actress Catherine Zeta-Jones or writer Stephen Fry, publicly admitted to the disease, society began to be more tolerant of this disease. But, despite the fact that we often hear about bipolar disorders, what do we really know about them?
“Bipolarity is a sudden mood swing – when you cry, you laugh.” Mood swings are also common in healthy people. But if a person is characterized by sharp transitions from euphoria to all-consuming sadness, and he experiences difficulties in everyday life from this, it is worth consulting with a specialist. Any bipolar disorder causes some inconvenience, and to a greater or lesser extent, it depends on the person himself. Most often, in people with such a diagnosis, the mood does not change in the blink of an eye, but at the same time it is quite unstable and often becomes a serious obstacle to a fulfilling life: difficulties arise at work, in relationships, and an increased thirst for risk appears.
Pass the tests
- Are you sad: is it blues or depression?
After the period of excitement and euphoria passes, depression usually sets in. It is known that severe forms of the disorder can end sadly: 5% of people with bipolar disorder commit suicide. Bipolarity is a serious mental illness and should always be accompanied by appropriate care and therapy.
At our request, Christian Gay, psychiatrist and author of Les troubles bipolaires (Dunod, 2013), comments on the most common beliefs about bipolarity.
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- Why Bipolar Disorder Is So Popular
If the mood changes for no reason, then the person suffers from bipolar disorder?
Christian Gay: It is not that simple. Bipolarity is primarily characterized by manic arousal followed by episodes of depression. That is, at the center of bipolar disorder is a state of arousal that is different from the “healthy” state of euphoria. A person develops the following symptoms over several days: insomnia, disinhibition, racing thoughts, rapid change of objects of attention, hypersociality, increased thirst for communication with people, hypersexuality … Bipolarity is a complex disease, the intensity and manifestations of which vary depending on individual temperament , frequency and intensity of episodes of excitability or depression in each individual patient.
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- “I have bipolar disorder”
Early diagnosis of bipolar disorders
The World Health Organization has classified bipolarity as one of the ten most common causes of disability. Health authorities around the world are committed to early detection of bipolar disorder in order to prevent suicide attempts as early as possible (according to statistics, each patient tries to commit suicide at least twice in his life). In adolescence, bipolarity is almost impossible to diagnose. The most productive strategy in identifying bipolar disorder is education.
Are all people potentially bipolar?
K.G.: The global prevalence of bipolar disorder is 1-2% of the population. If you take into account the mild form of bipolar disorder, as well as cyclothymia, then the ratio will be slightly higher – about 5% of the population. According to the latest data, this is little more than the rate of schizophrenia, which affects 1% of the population.
Read more:
- Depression: how to get away from black thoughts?
Is Bipolar Disorder the Disease of the Century?
K.G.: Such a judgment is widespread, but absolutely wrong. Bipolar disorders have existed since time immemorial and were previously known as “manic depression”. The disease affects all sectors of society and is inherent in both sexes. That is, bipolarity is not something new and is not characteristic of any particular class (“disease of scientists”, as it is sometimes called). Bipolarity is a consequence of neurobiological dysfunction, the causes of which are numerous and highly intricate. Nevertheless, it cannot be denied that there is a certain predisposition – genetic and psychological. In such cases, the environment acts as a trigger for bipolar disorder, and any stressful situation can serve as a catalyst (death of a loved one, breakup, stress).
If someone close to you is sick…
The roles of everyone in the family should be clearly defined. Relatives should show love and show a desire to help, but in no case should they become overseers or strict teachers for the patient. Therefore, it is important that families are well informed about the characteristics of the disease and participate in the development of a patient care plan. And even in the most difficult moments, relatives should not forget that a person with bipolar disorder does not do what he wants at all, or “on purpose” – his behavioral characteristics are a consequence of the disease.
Read more:
- Depressive personality type: who sees life in black?
Bipolar disorder cannot be cured.
K.G.: Bipolar disorders respond well to treatment with mood-stabilizing drugs, anticonvulsants, and some antipsychotics. Along with drug treatment, it is important for a person to take care of themselves – to avoid excessively stressful situations, lead a healthy lifestyle, and monitor their reactions every day. Helps to cope with the disease and participation in special support groups. The positive impact of meditation, some types of behavioral and cognitive psychotherapy has been noted.
If I had bipolar disorder, I would definitely know about it!
K.G.: Some forms of the disease may go unnoticed for a long time. The so-called hypomanias are characterized by periods of moderate arousal and are not so obvious, and can also be disguised as other disorders – alcoholism, anxiety, and the like. It is not uncommon for us to find bipolar disorders in people who seek treatment for depression. Cyclothymia in terms of intensity of manifestations is a moderate disorder, but due to frequent relapses, it can qualitatively affect the patient’s life and, in some cases, without proper therapy, it can also turn into bipolar disorder.