Bipolar disorder or also called manic-depressive illness. It is a brain disorder that causes an unusual shift of your moods from one extreme to another. People with this kind of condition tend to have periods of:

• Depression – lethargic and feeling low
• Mania – a feeling of overactive and very high

Bipolar disorder can occur at any age. It often develops between the ages of 15 to 19. It happens rarely after 40. Both men and women from all backgrounds are equally likely to develop this condition. This condition, like all other mental health problems, can get more even worse during pregnancy.

Symptoms of Bipolar disorder

During the period of depression, the symptoms may include:

• Feeling sad or irritable most of the time
• Lacking energy
• Difficulty in remembering and concentrating things
• Loss of interest in everyday activities
• The feeling of worthlessness, guilt, despair, and emptiness
• Self-doubt, suicidal thoughts, lack of appetite

During the period of mania, the symptoms may include:

• Feeling overjoyed, full of energy, very quickly
• Feeling self-important, having great new ideas
• Not feeling like sleeping and not eating
• Being delusional, having hallucinations and disturbed
• Saying things that are out of character or making decisions that others see as being risky or harmful
• Being easily distracted, irritated or agitated
  

Causes of Bipolar disorder

• Environmental factors such as abuse, mental stress, traumatic event, or a significant loss.
• Biological differences
• Genetics – more common in people with the first-degree relative.
  

Risk factors of Bipolar disorder

• Periods of high stress like the death of a loved one
• Having a first-degree relative like parent or sibling
• Drug or alcohol use
  

Diagnosis of Bipolar disorder

To identify if you have this condition, here some tests that will be given to you:

• Physical exam
• Lab tests
• Psychiatric assessment
• Mood Charting
• Criteria for bipolar disorder
  

Treatment of Bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder is being treated in main classes of medications such as:

• Mood stabilizers
• Antipsychotics
• Antidepressants
• Lifestyle advise – regular exercise, planning activities you enjoy, and getting more sleep
  

Complications of Bipolar disorder

If bipolar disorder is left untreated, it can result in a serious problem that affects every area of your life.

• Problems related to drug and alcohol use
• Suicide or suicide attempts
• Legal or financial problems
• Damaged relationships
• Poor work or school performance