Bipolar depression is a very commonly misunderstood disorder that affects millions of people around the world. When a person hears the word bipolor, they commonly think of fluctuating moods and behaviors. When a person hears the word depression, they might resort to the idea of a person being sad constantly. What happens when the two words are put together though? The mental disorder known as bipolar depression, “is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks.” (The National Institute of Mental Health)
There are actually several types of bipolar disorder: bipolar I, bipolar II, cyclothymia, and other related disorders. They are all identified by their extreme manic and depressive episodes. Although they are categorized by different timeframes of the manic and depressive patterns, they are not related at all to major depressive disorders; which is where the confusion may come from since both are mentioned in the name. As mentioned before, bipolar disorders are identified by the extreme high and low feelings, behaviors, and emotions; whereas, depression only goes through the low and negative feelings.
What are ways to pinpoint a person with bipolar disorder? Although very many of the symptoms can appear very different, “bipolar disorder can be very difficult to diagnose, because it looks so similar to depression when someone’s in a low phase.” (Good Stress, Bad Stress – ULifeline) During a manic episode, a person may experience symptoms such as: feeling very elated, having a lot of energy, trouble sleeping, speaking quickly while jumping to different subjects, irritability, and recklessness. A depressive episode has very opposite symptoms that could include: feelings of sadness or emptiness, having little energy, sleeping too much, trouble concentrating, and thoughts of suicide. The bipolar comes in with the extreme jump or changes from the manic to depressive or depressive to manic episodes. The change in mood can be very unpredictable; making it very dangerous for the person who suffers from the bipolar depression.
How does one develop a disorder that has such strong and extreme qualities or characteristics? Although there are many studies on the particular disorder, most scientists agree that there is not a single, specific thing that causes bipolar disorder. However, there are a few factors that could increase the possibility of developing this disorder. Brain structure, genetics, and family history are the main contributors to the illness. If someone is abusing drugs or other substances, the symptoms are likely to increase as well.
Bipolar depression is dangerous and unpredictable for everyone who develops the illness, but who is most at risk? Bipolar disorder is common in people of all ages and genders and, “affects approximately 5.7 million adult Americans, or about 2.6% of the U.S. population age 18 and older every year.” (National Institute of Mental Health) Most times, the average age to develop the disorder is twenty-five years of age, but it can also develop much later. Just as there are many adults who are affected, there are also many adolescents and children. There is not a particular group of people who can be absolutely unaffected.
A person with bipolar depression can only be diagnosed by a medical professional; although, some signs and symptoms may seem obvious. In the past, bipolar depression was often misdiagnosed because of its similarities to disorders like unipolar depression or schizophrenia. Today doctors are much more educated due to more studies and are much more likely to come up with an accurate diagnosis. Contrary to popular belief, “most lab tests or imaging tests are not useful in diagnosing bipolar disorder.” (WebMD) The most vital component in the diagnoses is openly sharing symptoms of mood swing, habits, and behaviors. The doctor typically asks specific questions and takes careful notes of symptoms, “including their severity, length, and frequency… Because bipolar disorder sometimes has a genetic component, family history can be helpful in making a diagnosis.” (WebMD) Doctors also try to remove all other possibilities before resorting to bipolar such as: substance abuse, impulse control disorders, anxiety disorders, or attention deficit hyper disorder because of differing treatments. Once bipolar is properly diagnosed, it can be treated with therapy and suitable medications. Mood stabilizing drugs are normally paired with therapy to treat bipolar disorders to maintain moods, so they are not as extreme and to alleviate some of the symptoms of depression without triggering the symptoms of mania. “While depression episodes are far more common than manias and have a tremendous effect on the lives of patients, there are only a few established treatments for bipolar depression.” (WebMD)
It is an extremely delicate process in helping a loved one get through bipolar depression considering how unpredictable the symptoms can be. If someone were to say the wrong thing while trying to comfort the person, they could easily get a reaction they are not prepared for. A person going through a depressive state may easily get suicidal thoughts. However, someone going through a manic state may be easily agitated, causing a rash choice in words as defense. It is best to be patient with this person and listen to what they have to say about how they feel rather than trying to come up with solutions. A family member or loved one should offer encouragement because they are often feeling doubt along with the depression. If someone is present with them during the treatment process, they are more likely to continue regularly seeking treatment due to feeling supported. If someone is not getting proper help or treatment, “bipolar disorder results in 9.2 years reduction in expected life span, and as many as one in five patients with bipolar disorder completes suicide.” (National Institute of Mental Health) People who suffer from bipolar disorder are at risk due to the extreme states of mania and depression. The quick changes in a person’s mood and behavior can cause them to make impulsive and reckless decisions that could result in death. It is important to seek medical help right away to avoid irreversible consequence.
Work Cited:
“12 Ways to Help Someone With Bipolar Disorder.” WebMD, WebMD, www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/bipolar-life-17/slideshow-help-someone-with-bipolar.
“Bipolar Depression vs. Unipolar Depression.” Good Stress, Bad Stress – ULifeline, www.ulifeline.org/articles/399-bipolar-depression-vs-unipolar-depression.
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“Bipolar Disorder.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 31 Jan. 2018, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bipolar-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20355955.
“Bipolar Disorder.” National Institute of Mental Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/bipolar-disorder.shtml.
“Bipolar Disorder.” National Institute of Mental Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/bipolar-disorder/index.shtml.
“Suicide.” National Institute of Mental Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/suicide.shtml.
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“Treating Bipolar Depression.” WebMD, WebMD, www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/guide/treating-bipolar-medication#1.