BIPOLAR MOOD DISORDER (BMD)
BMD is a disorder in which an individual experiences alternate cycles of mania and depression.
Depending on this, BMD is of two types –
BMD-I -> The individual has one manic episode which can be followed or preceded by a major depressive episode or a hypomanic episode.
BMD-II -> The individual has one major depressive episode which can be preceded or followed by a hypomanic episode. There is no manic episode.
Symptoms of Manic Episode :
For the diagnosis of manic episode the individual must show some of the following symptoms for a duration of atleast a week, nearly every day and throughout the day :
1) Elevated or irritable mood
2) Excessive talking, high talks
3) Flight of ideas
4) Distractibility
5) Increased psycho-motor activity
6) Grandiosity
When an individual shows the above mentioned symptoms for a duration of atleast 4 consecutive days but less than a week, continuously everyday, then it is diagnosed as a ‘hypomanic episode’.
Symptoms of a Major Depressive Episode :
1) Sadness or low mood.
2) Hopelessness/worthlessness/Helplessness.
3) Reduced Psychomotor Activity/Psychomotor Agitation.
4) Loss of appetite, in some cases increased appetite.
5) Suicidal/self harm thoughts
6) Loneliness
7) Lack of attention and concentration
8) Lack of interest
9) Work impairment
10) Crying spells
11) Insomnia or hypersomnia
12) Memory impairment
Causes :
While the causes are unknown, individuals of a family history of BMD are more prone to developing BMD. Environmental factors like separation, divorce, death, etc. are likely to have a significant effect.
Treatment :
BMD is a chronic condition, but with proper medications and help, the severity of episodes can be controlled, and also the inter-episodic period can be increased.
The sad irony though is that mostly people come for help when one has a manic episode and the individual gets very aggressive and harmful. Most of the time a depressive episode goes unnoticed unless it is a major one. The main thing to remember is that BMD can be controlled to an extent with proper and regular medications.
Vidhi Pipara Adolescent Psychologist – Guidance on personal or psychological problems in Ahmedabad,Gujarat and India.