Navigating The Unpredictable Waves Of Bipolar Mood Disorder
What are the common symptoms of bipolar mood disorder, and how do they affect the treatment options available for individuals experiencing this condition? Get help from qualified counsellors.
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Bipolar mood disorder used to be known as “manic-depression.” The condition is categorised by elevated (high) and severely low mood swings, either together or separated by months or even years. No specific timeframe exists within which these mood swings can and will be experienced and can last for minutes or hours and can initiate without any warning at all.
While no conclusive proof exists, there are indications that bipolar is genetic. Other causes include the existence of chemical imbalances, as well as, faulty stimuli from a dysfunctional area of the brain.
The highs – the following are indications of a high experienced by those who suffer from a bipolar mood disorder:
- Increase in physical and mental activity and energy
- heightened mood
- exaggerated optimism and self-confidence
- excessive irritability
- aggressive behaviour;
- decreased need for sleep without experiencing fatigue
- grandiose delusions
- racing speech
- impulsiveness
- reckless behaviour
- delusions
- hallucinations.
The Lows – the following are indications of a low experienced by those who suffer with bipolar mood disorder:
- prolonged sadness
- changes in sleep patterns
- Irritability
- Anger
- Worry
- Agitation
- Pessimism
- loss of energy or extreme fatigue
- feelings of guilt or worthlessness
- inability to concentrate
- unexplained aches and pains
- suicidal thoughts.
Bipolar mood disorder can cause these extreme mood shifts that affect daily life. Understanding depression causes can help distinguish between persistent low mood and the alternating highs and lows of bipolar. For insight into how biology and environment combine to influence mental health, see what causes a mood disorder. If symptoms are triggered by specific life changes, consider adjustment disorder, and explore how ongoing worry can overlap with anxiety disorder. For further reading, compare your experiences with bipolar disorder insights.
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