Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder, previously known as manic-depressive illness, is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings. These mood swings include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). Let’s break down the symptoms in simple language using an example of someone named Rajesh.

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Manic Episode

During a manic episode, Rajesh might experience:

1. Euphoria or Overly Happy Mood:

• Rajesh feels extremely happy and excited for no clear reason, much more than usual.

1. Increased Energy:

• He feels full of energy and might not feel the need to sleep much, if at all.

1. Rapid Speech and Thoughts:

• Rajesh talks very quickly, jumping from one idea to another, making it hard for others to follow.

1. Grandiosity:

• He might believe he has special powers or abilities, or that he is destined for great things.

1. Impulsiveness:

• Rajesh might make impulsive decisions, like spending a lot of money, quitting his job suddenly, or engaging in risky behaviors.

1. Distractibility:

• He gets easily distracted and finds it hard to focus on one task at a time.

1. Decreased Need for Sleep:

• Rajesh might feel rested after just a few hours of sleep, or even stay awake for days without feeling tired.

Hypomanic Episode

Hypomania is a milder form of mania. Rajesh might still feel very good and energetic, but his symptoms are less severe and don’t cause significant problems in his daily life.

Depressive Episode

During a depressive episode, Rajesh might experience:

1. Prolonged Sadness:

• Rajesh feels very sad or hopeless for a long time, often without a clear reason.

1. Loss of Interest:

• Activities he once enjoyed, like playing cricket or watching movies, no longer interest him.

1. Fatigue:

• He feels tired all the time, even if he hasn’t done much.

1. Sleep Problems:

• Rajesh might sleep too much or have trouble sleeping at all.

1. Changes in Appetite:

• He might lose his appetite and eat very little, or eat much more than usual.

1. Difficulty Concentrating:

• Rajesh finds it hard to concentrate or make decisions, even about simple things.

1. Feelings of Worthlessness or Guilt:

• He might feel worthless or excessively guilty about things that he wouldn’t normally worry about.

1. Suicidal Thoughts:

• In severe cases, Rajesh might think about death or suicide.

Example of Rajesh’s Experience

Rajesh is a 30-year-old man from Mumbai. During a manic episode, he might stay up all night working on a new business idea, feeling incredibly confident that it will succeed. He might spend all his savings on a lavish party, believing it’s a great investment in his social life.

During a depressive episode, Rajesh might struggle to get out of bed, feeling overwhelmed by sadness. He might cancel plans with friends, lose interest in cricket, and have trouble focusing on his work.

Conclusion

Bipolar disorder involves extreme mood swings from highs (mania or hypomania) to lows (depression). Recognizing these symptoms is the first step toward getting help. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms like Rajesh’s, it’s important to seek support from a mental health professional. Early diagnosis and treatment can help manage the symptoms and improve quality of life.