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.