What it is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a serious mental illness. People who have it go through unusual mood changes. They go from very happy, "up," and active to very sad and hopeless, "down," and inactive, and then back again. They often have normal moods in between. The up feeling is called mania. The down feeling is depression.
The causes of bipolar disorder aren't always clear. It runs in families. Abnormal brain structure and function may also play a role.What are the different types of bipolar disorder?
- Bipolar I Disorder: this is defined by manic episodes that last at least seven days, or by severe manic symptoms that require immediate hospital care. Depressive episodes usually occur as well and typically last at least two weeks.
- Bipolar II Disorder: this is defined by a pattern of depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes, which are less severe than full blown manic episodes.
- Bipolar Disorder Not Otherwise specified (BP-NOS): this is diagnosed when symptoms are clearly outside the person’s normal range of behavior but don’t meet the diagnostic criteria for either bipolar I or II.
- Cyclothymic Disorder (cyclothymia): this is a mild form of bipolar disorder, in which people have episodes of hypomania and mild depression for at least two years.
- Rapid-Cycling Bipolar: this type is characterized by frequent mood swings. for some people, it may also precede a full blown manic episode.
What are the telltale symptoms of bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is marked by episodes of mania, or euphoria, and depression , or low spirits. a person might feel symptoms of both mania and depression during an episode of illness-this is referred to as a mixed state.
A. Symptoms of mania:
- Feeling “high” for a long period.
- Overly happy or outgoing mood.
- Not feeling tired and sleeping very little.
- Behaving impulsively and engaging in pleasurable, high risk behavior.
- Extreme irritability.
- Talking very fast.
- Racing thoughts.
- Being easily distracted.
- Inflated sense of self and one’s abilities.
B. Symptoms of depression:
- Feeling sad or hopeless for a long period.
- Loss of interest in activities.
- Feeling tiered or “slowed down”.
- Having problems concentrating, remembering, and making decisions.
- With drawing from other people.
- Restlessness or irritability.
- Anxiety or feelings of guilt.
- Changing eating, sleeping, or other habits.
- Experiencing suicidal thoughts or being preoccupied with death.
What are common triggers of mood swings?
- Certain medications, such as anti-depressants & steroids
- Significant stres.
- Drug abuse.
- Major life changes.
- Insomnia.
- Not taking medication prescribed for bipolar disorder.
How is bipolar disorder diagnosed?
An experienced doctor will carefully examine your child. There are no blood tests or brain scans that can diagnose bipolar disorder. Instead, the doctor will ask questions about your child’s mood and sleeping patterns.
The doctor will also ask about your child’s energy and behavior. Sometimes doctors need to know about medical problems in your family, such as depression. The doctor may use tests to see if something other than bipolar disorder is causing your child’s symptoms.How is bipolar disorder treated?
A. Medication:
- Mood stabilizers (such as lithium and anticonvulsants).
- Antidepressants.
- Atypical antipsychotics.
Drug classes include:
B. Psychotherapy:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy.
- Psycho education.
- Family therapy.
- Group therapy.
Types of therapy include:
Does my Insurance Policy cover bipolar behavior treatment?
Yes. According to CCHI unified Policy terms and conditions, health insurance policies in Saudi Arabia cover bipolar behavior treatment (only acute or exacerbation or severe attack).
Please Click Here to access the Unified CCHI Policy Wordings.References:
"Bipolar Disorder." Bipolar Disorder. N.p., n.d. Web. 4 Oct. 2016."Bipolar Disorder." Diseases and Conditions. N.p., 6 July 2016. Web. 4 Oct. 2016.
"Bipolar Disorder” Rules. N.p., n.d. Web. Aug. 2016.