Bipolar Disorder: 10 aspects and curiosities that you did not know

The Bipolar disorder it is one of the best known psychological disorders. However, the null or little information to which some people have had access means that they do not really know what bipolar disorder is or have the wrong idea about its characteristics.

For example, there is a myth that bipolarity It has to do with showing multiple personalities over time, constantly changing tastes and hobbies or, in general, having a chaotic behavior. Of course, the concept of bipolar disorder has nothing to do with this very ambiguous conception of this mental disorder.

Therefore, in today's article, we have proposed to draw up a list of 10 characteristic points of this pathology that, in general, people are unaware or confused.

What is Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder, as already mentioned, is one of the mental disorders best known by the population (if only by name), and it is a pathology that affects how an individual feels, thinks and acts. Its characteristic feature is exaggerated changes in mood, since, generally, a person goes through a manic and a depressive phase. These changes occur cyclically, going through stages of

mania Y depression to the point of leaving the person partially incapacitated for certain things and / or with a seriously compromised quality of life.

And is that bipolar disorder is a serious disorder, which has nothing to do with simple emotional ups and downs, as is often heard. The cycles of this pathology can last days, weeks or months, and seriously damage the health, work and personal relationships of the person who suffers from it.

Bipolar Disorder is a serious psychopathology

Due to its severity, this pathology can rarely be treated without medication, as it is necessary to stabilize the patient's mood. Treatment is usually characterized by the administration of Lithium, although other drugs may be used for treatment such as valproate, the carbamazepine wave olanzapine.

In the mania phase, the person is capable of going into debt, leaving his job, feeling very energetic and sleeping alone for two hours a day. The same person, during the depressive phase, may feel so bad that they cannot even get out of bed. There are several types of bipolar disorder that exist, and its mildest form is called cyclothymia.

• You can read more about cyclothymia if you visit our post: " Cyclothymia: the mild version of bipolar disorder”

10 characteristics that you do not know about Bipolar Disorder

That said, there are certain beliefs about this disorder that are not true and that, to better understand this pathology, you can find in the following list.

1. Bipolar disorder is not emotional instability

It is possible that at some time, before a fight with your partner, he has told you that "you are a little bipolar" because you have changed your mood suddenly. Well, you should know that this behavior is quite common, especially in relationships. Emotions are running high in these situations, and since no one is perfect, you can react impulsively.

It can also happen that you are in a period of your life when everything changes very quickly and you don't really know what you want. So it is important not to confuse emotional instability with bipolar disorder, because the latter is a really serious disorder that must be treated as soon as possible.

2. The disorder may be genetic... or not

When a family member has bipolar disorder, there are more likely that another member of the family will also suffer. Now, several studies carried out with identical twins have shown that if one of the two suffers from bipolar disorder, the other does not necessarily suffer as well. Both men and women can suffer from this psychopathology, which is commonly diagnosed around the age of 20.

As almost always happens in cases of mental health disorders, not all causes are environmental, nor are all causes genetic, and Furthermore, even if we focus on the genetic component of bipolarity, we will not be able to find a single gene that is responsible for this phenomenon. There are several genes that, working together, raise or lower your chances of having bipolar disorder. Perhaps, in the future, knowing these genetic elements will allow us to offer more effective treatments.

3. Different substances can cause this disorder to develop

The previous point shows the importance of genetic factors as one of the causes of bipolar disorder. But environmental factors, such as the use of psychoactive and pharmacological substances can cause this disorder to develop. Among the use of medications and drugs that can cause bipolar disorder are:

• Drugs such as cocaine, ecstasy, amphetamines, or marijuana
• Medicines for the treatment of thyroid and corticosteroids

4. People with bipolar disorder are more likely to suffer from other illnesses

Thyroid problems, headaches, migraines, diabetes, heart problems and obesity are some of the negative consequences associated with bipolar disorder. Diseases that, in addition to the symptoms of mania and depression characteristic of this disorder, can increase the suffering of the patient.

However, it is not clear if these health problems are the result of the same genetic variations as favor the appearance of bipolarity, or if they are a consequence of the lifestyle of the average person with disorder bipolar. It is very possible that it is due to a combination of both factors.

5. There are different variations of bipolar disorder

There are different types of bipolar disorder. They are as follows:

• Cyclothymia: The less severe version of this disorder. Its symptoms persist for at least two years, and it is characterized by mild phases of depression and hypomania.
• Type I bipolar disorder: It is characterized by the presence of manic or mixed episodes. It is not essential that the subject suffers from depressive episodes, although approximately 90% of cases the patient goes through both phases.
• Type II bipolar disorder: This type of bipolar disorder is defined by the existence of depressive episodes and hypomania (less severe).
• Unspecified bipolar disorder: It is characterized because there are disorders with bipolar characteristics that do not meet the criteria for any Type I or II bipolar disorder, such as: episodes relapsing hypomanics without breakthrough depressive symptoms or a manic or mixed episode superimposed on delusional disorder, residual schizophrenia, or non-psychotic disorder specified.

There is also a subtype of bipolar cycling disorder Rapid (or cycle), in which people experience four or more episodes of major depression, hypomania, mania, or mixed states in a period of one year.

6. Mania and depression states can occur simultaneously

The states of mania and depression can occur simultaneously, which is called a "mixed episode.", so they do not need to appear separately to make the diagnosis. For example, a person may have bouts of tears and sadness during a manic phase.

7. A person with bipolar disorder can be happy

Bipolar disorder is a serious pathology, and the person who suffers from it can see their quality of life diminished as a result of it. But despite this, thanks to the correct treatment, it is possible to live a full and happy life. The administration of mood stabilizers and a control of the individual's lifestyle can significantly help their general well-being.

8. Bipolar disorder is not dissociative identity disorder (or multiple personality disorder)

These two disorders can be confused by the element of "different personalities." But what characterizes the dissociative identity personality disorder is that there are two or more different identities or personalities in the person who suffers from this pathology.

You can learn more about this disorder in our article: "Dissociative Identity Personality Disorder (DIDP)"

9. Bipolar disorder can get seriously worse if left untreated

It may sometimes be the individual himself who seeks help, but it can be difficult for him to carry out drug treatment during the manic phaseas you usually feel full of energy. The patient is usually admitted when he is in the acute phase to keep him under control. If the person with bipolar disorder is not treated, their symptoms will get worse.

10. Celebrities who have suffered from bipolar disorder

Famous people are not exempt from suffering from this disorder. In fact, several celebrities have made their bipolar public. For example, Catherine Zeta Jones, Demi lovato, Jim Carrey or Macy gray.

Bibliographic references:

• American Psychiatric Association. (2000). Diagnostic criteria from DSM-IV-R. Washington, D.C., American Psychiatric Association.
• Altshuler, L., L. Kiriakos, et al. (2001). The impact of antidepressant discontinuation versus antidepressant continuation on 1-year risk for relapse of bipolar depression: a retrospective chart review. J Clin Psychiatry 62 (8): 612-6.
• Mondimore, F. M. (1999). Bipolar disorder: a guide for patients and families. Baltimore, Johns Hopkins University Press.
• Torrey, E. F. and Knable, M. B. (2002). Surviving manic depression: a manual on bipolar disorder for patients, families, and providers *. * New York, Basic Books.