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“In the blink of an eye, heaven and hell alternate, portraying a real reflection of bipolar disorder.
This condition, as its name vividly reveals, embodies a duality of mania and depression.
In the fields of medicine and psychology, it is more rigorously referred to as bipolar disorder, emphasizing the extreme fluctuations of emotional states.
Different from the continuous inner gloom of depression and distinct from the endless excitement and restlessness of mania, individuals with bipolar disorder seem to be on an emotional roller coaster, experiencing rapid changes from soaring heights to deep abyss in an instant.”
During a bipolar episode, thoughts and emotions float lightly, examining everything from a god-like perspective, involuntarily igniting a surge of heroic ambitions within.
While engulfed in depression, the world instantly loses its colors, leading to lamentations like, “What is happening to me? It feels like everything has lost meaning; I am nothing but a useless existence, akin to waste.”
According to the latest data from the 2019 China Mental Health Epidemiological Survey, the incidence of bipolar disorder (or bipolar depression) in our country has been showing an increasing trend year by year, with the current number of patients reaching around 8.4 million.
Bipolar disorder is particularly prevalent in certain age groups, especially in teenagers (15-19 years old) and early adulthood (25-29 years old), highlighting the need to pay special attention to the mental health of individuals in these age brackets, timely identifying and intervening in the risk factors of bipolar disorder.
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Bipolar disorder is renowned for its unique bipolar features, where manic and depressive episodes alternate.
During a manic phase, individuals experience significant changes:
Elevated mood: Extreme excitement with heightened irritability, even minor issues can trigger anger even amidst heightened emotions.
Racing thoughts: Abnormally active thought processes, rapid and erratic thoughts that often surpass the speed of verbal expression, swiftly switching between multiple topics.
Increased activity: Exhibiting increased speech, accelerated talking pace, often exaggerated content, displaying a strong urge to talk excessively.
Inflated self-esteem and impulsive behavior: Excessively high self-evaluation, even delusions of grandeur, possibly leading to impulsive actions without considering consequences.
Reduced need for sleep: Full of energy, can maintain high efficiency for long durations without feeling fatigued, significantly reduced or complete elimination of the need for sleep.
In contrast, during depressive episodes, individuals are deeply immersed in:
Intense emotional lows: Emotions shift from mild displeasure to severe despair, potentially leading to suicidal thoughts or actions.
Impaired cognitive function: Declined memory, difficulty concentrating, hindering learning and work efficiency, making individuals feel inadequate.
Inhibited behaviors: Loss of interest and motivation, reduced daily activities, social withdrawal, tendencies towards isolation and staying away from crowds.
Sleep disturbances: Manifested as difficulty falling asleep, early waking, excessive sleepiness, severely affecting sleep quality.
Appetite changes: May include decreased or increased appetite, binge eating, or abnormal increases, closely linked to emotional states.
Physical discomfort: Often accompanied by various functional pains, such as nausea, dry mouth, headaches, or muscle and joint pains, without clear organic pathology.
Especially noteworthy is the high heritability of bipolar disorder, with a heritability rate of up to 80%. Experts emphasize that if one parent has bipolar disorder, the risk of their offspring developing the condition is ten times higher than the average person, underscoring the significant role of genetics in the onset of bipolar disorder.
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Bipolar disorder and depression are fundamentally distinct psychological disorders.
Depression, as the name suggests, is characterized by prolonged or recurrent depressive episodes, where patients experience symptoms like persistent low mood, loss of interest, and lack of pleasure, without any history of manic symptoms.
In comparison, bipolar disorder exhibits more complex emotional fluctuations, encompassing not only depressive symptoms but also the presence of manic symptoms.
During manic phases, individuals may display features such as elevated mood, racing thoughts, increased activity, whereas during depressive phases, they sink into emotional lows, diminished interest, and reduced activity levels.
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The exploration of the etiology of bipolar disorder has revealed its intricate and diverse pathogenic mechanisms, primarily focusing on three main aspects:
Genetic factors: The age of onset of bipolar disorder in families shows a trend of advancing across generations, and the severity of the disease may escalate through generations, further reinforcing the crucial role of genetic factors in the occurrence of bipolar disorder.
Biological factors: Neuroimaging studies have provided vital clues to understanding the biological basis of bipolar disorder. Dysregulation of neuroimmune function, dysfunction in the neurotransmitter system, and abnormal changes in the neuroendocrine system are considered key factors that may trigger bipolar disorder.
Psychosocial factors: Prolonged stress events, unfavorable living environments, interpersonal tensions, etc., can all act as triggers for bipolar disorder episodes. These factors affect an individual’s psychological state, exacerbating the abnormalities in neurobiology, ultimately leading to the onset and progression of bipolar disorder.
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Facing the challenge of bipolar disorder, every patient needs invaluable courage, often derived from the presence and understanding of those around them.
In real life, not all family members and friends of bipolar disorder patients can be their strong support; sometimes unintentionally, they become exacerbators of the ailment.
This ignorance of the essence of the disease and underestimation of its severity not only intensify the loneliness and helplessness felt by patients but may also increase their psychological burden, making their struggle against the illness even more arduous.
Enhancing public awareness of bipolar disorder, fostering understanding and support among family and friends, is crucial for the recovery journey of patients.
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Currently, the clinical treatment strategies for bipolar disorder mainly focus on drug therapy, as the most direct and potent means to effectively alleviate depressive symptoms.
When the patient’s condition is relatively stable, combining psychological therapy as an adjunct aims to address conflicts deep within, enhance cognitive abilities, and comprehensively promote recovery.
Here are some key life management suggestions that can help bipolar disorder patients better cope with the illness:
Self-emotional monitoring: Recognizing warning signs before manic or depressive episodes is crucial. These signs may include changes in sleep patterns, appetite, and daily behaviors. Once these signs are detected, alertness and corresponding measures should be taken promptly.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle: Regular routines, balanced diet, adequate sleep, and regular physical activity are essential foundations for maintaining physical and mental health. Meanwhile, attempting relaxation techniques such as mindfulness meditation, cultivating interests and hobbies, and engaging in social activities can effectively relieve stress and enhance quality of life.
Valuing social support: Connecting with individuals who have similar experiences can provide you with an environment of understanding, resonance, and support. Sharing your emotions, feelings, and thoughts not only alleviates psychological burdens but also inspires and aids you through others’ experiences.
May every bipolar disorder patient find a light through the darkness, may love and care surround every struggling soul in pain like warm sunlight, guiding them towards the path of recovery and hope.
