Psychiatrists state: manic depression is a type of mood disorder, also known as bipolar affective disorder in clinical settings. Its main manifestations are depressive and manic episodes. The depressive episodes involve the patient feeling low, slow thinking, decreased will activities, low self-evaluation, difficulty concentrating, suicidal thoughts, self-blame, decreased sleep, weight loss, decreased libido, etc.
In real life, some people cannot control their emotions well, experiencing extreme mood swings from happiness to excitement and then despair. Unknowingly, they might be at risk of developing depression. Today, we uncover the mystery of bipolar affective disorder.
I. Bipolar Affective Disorder, 2 terrifying conditions
1. Manic State
(1) Racing thoughts: accelerated thought processes, rapid succession of concepts, loud and abundant speech, grandiose self-perception, and high self-esteem, among other symptoms.
(2) Elevated mood: characterized by ease, joyfulness, enthusiasm, optimism, high spirits, jesting, complacency, etc.
(3) Psychomotor agitation: broad range of interests, fondness for noisy scenes, increased socialization, starting tasks enthusiastically but having difficulties finishing them, excessive mental energy.
2. Depressive State
(1) Lack of energy, low self-esteem, psychomotor retardation, suicidal thoughts, and behaviors.
(2) Depressive mood is the main feature of depressive disorder with emotions being gloomy, sad, distressed, from slightly bad mood to restlessness, worry, sadness, despair, with anxiety and excitement possibly occurring. Facial tension, restlessness, loss of interest in activities, inability to experience pleasure.
Medical specialists point out that bipolar affective disorder often occurs for the first time between the ages of 16 to 30, with more female patients than male. The onset is typically in young adulthood, with each episode lasting around 2 to 6 months. As age increases, the duration of each episode also tends to lengthen.
During illness, it not only affects the patient’s productivity but also burdens the mental and daily lives of their loved ones.
II. Why do people develop bipolar affective disorder? The real cause is “it”!
Genetic factors play a significant role, supported by evidence:
â‘´ Lifelong prevalence of emotional disorders in first-degree relatives (parents, siblings, children) is 12%-15%, much higher than the general population (1%-2%).
Current data suggest a link between emotional disorders and genetics, but there is insufficient evidence to classify it as an inherited disease.
2. Psychosocial factors
For instance, Paykel suggests that individuals experiencing significant life events within the past 6 months have a 6-fold increased risk of depression and a 7-fold increased risk of suicide. The severity of life events is correlated with the onset time; facing serious threats to personal safety and life events within a year may increase the likelihood of depression.
There is no sufficient evidence to support the hypothesis that emotional disorders are influenced by childhood experiences or that childhood relationships with parents are definitively related to the onset of the disorder.
III. 3 warning signs of bipolar affective disorder to be wary of!
1. Elevated mood
At the onset, the person may experience headaches, insomnia, followed by heightened emotions, feeling exuberant and joyous, highly active in conversation, seeking new and exciting things relentlessly, sometimes becoming irritable.
2. Racing thoughts
Accelerated thought processes, diverse and changeable thoughts, responding to external stimuli with changes in thoughts. The rapid thought transitions lead to a variety of behaviors, constantly changing activities without completion, resulting in unproductivity.
3. Increased activity
Feeling energized, excessively high levels of energy, broad interests, active engagement in various activities, but easily shifting focus, unable to finish tasks properly, leading to a sense of busyness without accomplishment.
IV. 4 complications of bipolar affective disorder, all harmful!
1. Asthma
Research indicates that individuals with a history of asthma are 5 times more likely to develop manic depressive disorder compared to the general population. Correspondingly, the prevalence of asthma is significantly higher in individuals with bipolar disorder.
2. Migraines
The likelihood of suffering from migraines is significantly higher in individuals with bipolar affective disorder than in the general population, particularly among low-income individuals, with females and individuals affected by bipolar type II being more prone to experiencing migraines.
3. Cardiovascular diseases
Studies show that patients with manic-depressive disorder have a higher relative risk of developing various fatal cardiac events compared to healthy individuals. This includes arrhythmias, stroke incidence, hypertension, and peripheral vascular disease.
4. Multiple sclerosis
As a neurological disorder, at least 10% of multiple sclerosis patients are diagnosed with manic depressive disorder. Medical evidence suggests a link between manic depressive disorder and nerve damage caused by multiple sclerosis. When multiple sclerosis occurs, symptoms of manic depressive disorder may appear before other neurological symptoms.
V. Regarding bipolar affective disorder, 6 things to consider!
1. Self-awareness and acceptance
Failure to correctly understand oneself is often a key factor in developing psychological disorders. To maintain mental health, individuals must not only recognize their strengths, interests, abilities, and personalities, but also acknowledge their shortcomings and deficiencies.
2. Acknowledge reality and face adversity
People interact with objective reality, not subject to individual will. It is necessary to fully understand and adapt to reality to unify personal thoughts, desires, and requirements with societal values.
3. Establish a correct outlook on life and the world
Forming a proper outlook on life and the world is essential in preventing psychological abnormalities and ensuring mental health. It enables individuals to understand their relationships with the external world, utilize their capabilities effectively, and maintain balance in all aspects.
4. Cultivate good interpersonal relationships
Good interpersonal relationships are not built through flattery and insincerity, but through honesty, kindness, discipline, and helpfulness. Individuals should develop good qualities through social interactions, build confidence, respect others, and assist where needed.
5. Maintain healthy emotions and overcome adversity
Emotions play a crucial role in physical and mental well-being. It is important to control emotions effectively, not letting them override rationality. Individuals should contain and redirect negative emotions to relieve mental stress.
6. Balance work and rest, use the brain scientifically
A certain level of academic pressure can stimulate interest and improve efficiency, benefiting mental health. Therefore, a balanced approach in using the brain is recommended.
Patients with bipolar affective disorder need to approach their condition with a positive and healthy mindset, engaging in activities that bring success and joy. Communication with family and friends, adequate exercise, ensuring normal sleep patterns, and a combination of medication and therapy by a mental health professional play significant roles in recovery. Cooperation with therapy sessions and psychological guidance is also crucial for recovery.
Untreated bipolar affective disorder can cause significant harm to health. When it disrupts normal functioning and life, individuals should have the courage and confidence to combat the disorder and overcome its challenges promptly!
