Symptoms of Mania and Depression
If you have bipolar disorder, you will experience episodes of highs and lows known as depression and mania. The severity and frequency of these mood fluctuations can help your doctor determine the type of bipolar disorder you have.
In a manic episode you experience abnormally high levels of activity and energy that can impact your thinking and cause issues with relationships. Medications called mood stabilizers can aid in reducing the symptoms.
The mood swings
Some people experience mood changes at times. However if they are frequent and affect your daily routine, this could be a sign you are suffering from mania or depression. These mood shifts could be caused by big events stress, stress, lack sleep, or even travel. It could also be caused by medications or other health issues. It's essential to consult a doctor when your mood becomes more severe over time.
If someone experiences an episode of manic, they can feel incredibly exuberant and energized. They may have grandiose ideas about their abilities and feelings of euphoria or invincibility. They might be very active and sleep little. Sometimes symptoms are severe enough that they require hospital care to ensure their safety. They may be afraid, hear or see something that others cannot (hallucinations), and believe in things that seem irrational to others (delusions).
During a depressive phase one may feel sad, empty or depressed. They might lose interest and have trouble thinking clearly. Depression can also lead to suicide-related thoughts or attempts however it is important to seek help if you're experiencing these thoughts.
Sometimes, a person may be afflicted with both depressive and manic episodes at the same time. This is called an episode with mixed characteristics. In this scenario, the person will have similar symptoms to someone who is depressed however, they also feel energized.
Bipolar disorder is characterised by episodes of mania or depression that can occur quickly, much like the rollercoaster that can go from high to low within several hours. This is called rapid cycling, and is a crucial warning sign to seek treatment.
It is essential to speak with an expert in mental health when you notice sudden and drastic changes in your mood. There are a variety of methods that can help you improve your mood and lead to a happier life. BetterHelp also offers a free online service to connect with a licensed psychotherapist who can assist you to manage your symptoms and increase your quality of life.
Insomnia
Insomnia is a common sign of depression, but it could also indicate hypomania or mania. In a manic phase, you might have difficulty sleeping due to hyperactivity and racing thoughts. A manic episode that is severe can cause you to lose your perception of reality (psychosis), which includes delusions and apparitions.
Hypomania is less intense and can feel more like an ordinary high. It may feel euphoric and you may feel more productive. It can also lead to reckless actions, like investing your savings in gambling or having sex without security. You may also become angry and irritable, or even aggressive.
In extreme episodes, you could start to think irrationally, believing things that aren’t true or seeing things that don't exist (delusions, hallucinations). You may also act in a manner that's harmful to yourself or others. These incidents may require hospital treatment to ensure your safety.
It's important to get treatment if you are suffering from depression or mania. Your doctor can help you manage your symptoms with medication and psychotherapy. In certain situations your doctor might recommend electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), a brief electrical shock that is delivered to the brain. ECT is most commonly used in cases of life-threatening depression which haven't responded to other treatments.
You can manage your mood swings with the proper treatment. Make sure to adhere to the prescribed dosage and speak to your doctor regarding any concerns you might have. If you're taking other medicines, such as antidepressants or stimulants, consult your healthcare professional to make sure they won't interfere with the treatment for bipolar disorder.
Sleep loss can trigger a manic episode however, you can lower your risk by maintaining an established schedule and getting enough rest. Try to get up and go to bed at the same time each day. Avoid alcohol and other substances that can interfere with your sleep. If you experience an episode of manic, contact 911 or your local emergency services immediately. They will check you for signs of suicide or other mental health problems.
Anxiety
The feeling of being in a state of alert and tense could be an indication of depression or mania. If you experience these symptoms, it's essential to speak with your doctor or a mental health specialist. You may be referred for an evaluation of your mental health by a psychiatrist or prescribed medication to help stabilize your mood.
A manic episode can cause an individual to become irrational and impulsive and may lead to reckless behavior. You may spend money recklessly, or engage in sexual activity that is reckless. If the manic episodes are severe, you might require hospitalization for your own security. A manic episode may also include hallucinations, delusions, or disorganized thought.
During a manic phase you might believe that you're powerful and unstoppable. You may feel elated or creative. You could also sleep a little and be hyperactive. You may speak so fast, that others cannot follow you or change topics rapidly. Some people with bipolar disorder experience milder manic-like symptoms, called hypomania. These episodes can last for a week or two and make you feel extremely good, but they don't affect your daily routine. They usually occur after severe depression.
If you're experiencing these mood changes, you might be diagnosed with a bipolar disorder, such as Bipolar I or II or Cyclothymia. Bipolar I disorder involves periods of both mania and depression, while Bipolar II features alternating periods of hypomania and severe depression. You might also be diagnosed with unspecified bipolar disorder if you've had several episodes of mania and depression but the symptoms don't fall into other categories.
People with bipolar disorder exhibit a pattern of rapid cycles, which means they cycle from high to low frequently throughout the day. This is dangerous and requires to be treated.
Your doctor may recommend electroconvulsive therapy or ECT to treat your mania. During the procedure, your doctor uses general anesthesia to keep your sleeping while an electrical current is passed through your brain. The ECT treatment causes an instant seizures and is very efficient for those suffering from severe mania or depression that isn't responding to other treatments.
The following are the ways to reduce your risk of contracting a disease:
Bipolar disorder can trigger periods of depression or mania However, it can also cause episodes that are neither manic or depressive. This is known as rapid cycling. It can be dangerous, so it is essential to adhere to your treatment plan carefully.
A manic episode occurs the time when you feel extremely joyful, euphoric, and are filled with energy. It's a shift in your mood that usually lasts for a minimum of several days, but can last longer. Other symptoms include racing thoughts speaking so fast that other people can't keep up, feeling invincible, inflated self-esteem reckless behavior, and delusions.
The beginning of a manic episode can be difficult to identify. You may appear to be on top of everything and be capable of doing whatever you want, however, this can quickly spiral out of control. For www.iampsychiatry.com may spend or gamble away large amounts of money or drive recklessly. It could also lead to problems at work or school, when you get angry and aggressive, or begin throwing a fit or blame others for your problems.
If your mental illness is severe enough, you may require hospitalization in order to protect your family or friends or if you have psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions. In some cases, your doctor might prescribe antipsychotic drugs such as ariprazole (Abilify) or lurasidone (Latuda), olanzapine (Zyprexa) or quetiapine (Seroquel).
A depressive episode can last for a long period of time and is more severe than normal sadness. It could be accompanied by physical symptoms such as a fatigue, loss of appetite or difficulty thinking or concentrating. Other symptoms could include feelings of hopelessness or guilt or suicidal thoughts, as well as physical discomfort.
Depression can be triggered by events like the loss of a loved one or relationship issues or financial difficulties, and sometimes due to medical conditions like surgery or illness. It can also be the result of a chemical imbalance in the brain, or as a reaction to certain medications such as antidepressants. It can be exacerbated by stress and substances, such as alcohol or recreational drugs. Talk therapy can help alleviate symptoms, such as psychotherapy, light therapy and electroconvulsive treatment (ECT). Ask your family members and close friends for support if you are suffering from depression. Find treatment as quickly as you can to improve your health.
