Undertanding bipolar affective disorder

Bipolar affective disorder or manic disorder, have millions of people suffering from this mood disorder. It is natural to have mood swings, but this mood disorder is way beyond the normal experiences of people. Such a disorder is characterized by extreme low depression and highs of an elated mood or mania. The frequency normally varies from one individual to another.

The real cause of bipolar affective disorder is not yet established although experts claim that it has something to do with hormonal levels and genetics. There are also a few cases when other acquired illnesses of an individual cause bipolar disorder.

A person experiences different emotions and events each and every day, and oftentimes these things trigger the mood swings. Coping up with happy events and unpleasant ones can put you in greater threat for manic and depressive episodes.

The triggers therefore cause your mood swings. These are also called stressors, and it includes the following:

  1. Regular lack of sleep
  2. Alcohol or drug misuse
  3. medication stoppage
  4. starting herbal products or depression medicines
  5. having medical conditions like thyroid problems
  6. seasonal changes
  7. illnesses
  8. holidays
  9. disagreements between friends and family
  10. - work problems
  11. - death of family member, loved one or friend
  12. - Personal problems
  13. - starting college or a new line of work

You should be able to identify the triggers,if you're diagnosed with bipolar affective disorder. This can be done by having your very own mood chart. It is important for you to record all your emotions and the corresponding events that took place. Later on, you may now notice certain patterns.

It is not that easy to make your own mood chart. The best things is to have a helpful talk with your family and trusted friends. You must also try to consult your healthcare provider or therapist. They may be able to help you more since they are not part of your life. It would be better for you to see things through their professional help.

After figuring out all the possible triggers for mood swing , you have to learn to evade them. This involves avoiding some of your bad habits. Your family and friends members should also be made aware of the triggers so that they can assist you in your struggle.

Bipolar affective disorder cannot be detected so easily. As a result, many people may go for many years without being diagnosed. unlike other disorders and illnesses ,bipolar does not entail any laboratory test. The health care provider will simply use the MDQ. This is a questionnaire used for bipolar disorder; and based on the symptoms exhibited ,the person conducting such questionnaire fills up the checklist. The checklist,however, can only be used and given the right diagnosis by a medical provider.

There are a few medications that can be used for treating bipolar affective disorder, including the following:

  1. Mood Stabilizers to can relieve or delay depression and mania episodes.
  2. Antidepressants for those having a depressive episode can use a mood stabilizer together with an antidepressant. The chance of switching into a mania episode is increased,if this medicine is used alone, .
  3. Antipsychotic for those having mania episodes can use this medication; severe depressive or manic episodes can lead to psychosis, and this can be treated with antipsychotic. You can use the medication alone or your provider can also use it together with other medications especially if the patient feels nervous or is unable to sleep.
  4. Electroconvulsive therapy or ECT to help people suffering from severe depression or mania episodes. This therapy can be used by those individuals who don't respond to medications .

The ECT is a therapy to control acute depressive and manic symptoms. It can reduce effectively mood instability and cycling and at the same time minimizing bipolar symptoms and treatment side effects. The bipolar patient can return to his normal life through a management plan.

Although the bipolar medications are not guaranteed to remove such condition, but your mood swings can be stabilized. You can very effectively control symptoms and easily cope with certain problems.

This will not affect only the individual but their families also. Fortunately,with proper medications and treatment, bipolar affective disorder can be stabilized and controlled. Consult your medical provider now.