Experts define mood as a feeling or emotion that permeates and sustains, governs a person’s behavior, and influences their perception. Affective disorders are another name for mood disorders that include Major Depressive Disorder and bipolar disorder.
The prevalence rate of Bipolar disorder is around 1 percent for Bipolar disorder I in the general population. A cross-sectional survey conducted in 11 countries showed that the overall lifetime prevalence of Bipolar Disorder was 2-3%, of which the pervasiveness of Bipolar Disorder II was only 0.4%.
Studies have listed bipolar disorder as the sixth leading cause of psychological disparity in the world. They reported the recurrence rate within the first year to be as high as 37%, and the recurrence rate within five years is as high as 73%
Even though some findings suggest a later onset (>25 years of age), the average age of onset of bipolar disorder is in early adulthood (18 to 20 years of age).
Mania/hypomania is the characteristic feature of diagnosing bipolar disorder. People in a manic state are energetic or irritable, may sleep much less than usual, and may dream of big plans that can never be worked out.
People may develop thinking that does not keep pace with real-life and have psychotic symptoms, such as irrational beliefs (delusions) and misconceived notions (hallucinations).
Psychiatrists refer to this as “hypomania” or a hypo-manic episode when a person has milder symptoms of mania but no psychotic symptoms.
Mood swings can occur infrequently or frequently throughout the year. While most people will experience some emotional symptoms in between episodes, some will not.
Even though bipolar disorder is a chronic condition, you can regulate your mood swings and other symptoms by adhering to a treatment plan. Psychotherapy and medications are employed to manage Bipolar Disorder.
Mania vs Hypomania
Mania
Mania is a mood episode characterized by an exaggerated episode of emotions and behaviors that lasts for several days (one week or more). This mental health condition causes an individual to be overly energized, both physically and emotionally. In most cases, especially in patients with bipolar disorder, manic episodes co-occur with depressive episodes.
Hypomania
It’s a milder form of mania. It contains episodes of extreme behavior but in a more subdued tone. A person’s energy levels are higher, but not abnormally so, as in mania. In bipolar disorder II, patients also linked hypo-manic events with depressive disorder.
Bipolar Disorder/ Bipolar Mania
Overview:
Bipolar Disorder I
Manic or mixed episodes that last at least a week classify this type. Severe manic symptoms may also occur, causing immediate hospitalization.
When you have a depressive episode, it usually lasts at least two weeks. The symptoms of both depression and mania must be markedly different from the person’s normal behavior.
Bipolar Disorder II
A pattern of depressive episodes mixed with hypo-manic episodes that lack “All-in” manic (or mixed) episodes characterizes this type.
To be identified with BD II, a person must have at least one hypo-manic episode with no history of mania.
Cyclothymic Disorder (Cyclothymia)
In terms of pervasiveness, the cyclothymic disorder is more similar to a personality disorder.
Cyclothymic disorder is a milder version of bipolar disorder characterized by mild depression interspersed with hypomanic episodes lasting at least two years.
Rapid-Cycling Bipolar Disorder
It affects more women than men and is more common in people with severe bipolar disorder and those who were diagnosed at a younger age (often in their mid to late teens).
Patients who have this disorder have four or more episodes of major depression, mania, and hypomania.
Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder/ Bipolar Mania
A person with bipolar disorder may not always have mania or a depressive episode. They can also have long periods of mood instability. The mood swings caused by bipolar disorder are not the same as these “highs and lows.”
Bipolar disorder frequently leads to poor job performance, academic difficulties, or strained relationships. People with severe, untreated bipolar disorder sometimes commit suicide.
Symptoms of Depression
Among, the symptoms of a depressive mood episode are:
- Persistently low mood
- Lack of enjoyment in daily activities
- Feelings of guilt and/or worthlessness
- Irritability and agitation
- Feelings of helplessness
- Lack of energy
- Moving or talking more slowly
- Problems with attention, concentration, and short-term memory.
- Difficulty falling asleep, early morning awakening, or conversely, excessive sleeping.
- Loss or increase of appetite and weight changes
- Morbid thoughts about death or dying or suicidal thoughts that may lead to a suicide attempt.
- Depression may also manifest as physical symptoms such as stomach issues, frequent headaches, or unexplained aches and pains.
Symptoms of Mania
Manic events are on the other end of the spectrum. Mania symptoms may include:
- Feeling euphoria and have a sense of wellbeing
- High levels of sexual energy
- Extremely irritated and have constant agitation
- Full of confidence and adventurous
- Easily distracted and have a sense of being untouched (superiority)
- Visual and auditory hallucinations
- Being more active and talkative
- Being rude and aggressive
- Indulge in substance abuse and alcoholism
Symptoms of Hypomania
The symptoms of hypomania are like those of mania, but you should not ignore them.
- Speak slowly and quickly
- Feeling euphoria and have a sense of wellbeing
- High levels of sexual energy
- A dynamic aura of physical and mental satisfaction
- Extremely irritated and have constant agitation
- Extremely friendly
- Lack of sleep
Without treatment, the symptoms of bipolar disorder will get worse. If you believe you are suffering from bipolar mania, it is critical that you consult with your primary care physician.
What Triggers Bipolar Disorder/ Bipolar Mania
Although the exact cause of bipolar disorder is unknown, several factors, such as:
Genetic Factor
When one parent has a mood disorder, the risk of developing bipolar mania increases by 10-25 percent. Bipolar disorder is most probably prevalent in people who have a first-degree relative with this disorder, such as a sibling or parent. Researchers are looking for genes that may be involved in the development of bipolar disorder.
Biological Factor
Bipolar disorder patients appear to have physical modifications in their brains structure. The significance of these changes is still unknown, but they may eventually aid in the identification of causes.
Treatment for Bipolar Disorder/ Bipolar Mania
Bipolar mania is incurable. It is classified as a chronic illness, similar to diabetes, and must be carefully managed and treated for the rest of your life. Medication and therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, are commonly used in treatment. Among the medications used to treat bipolar disorders are:
Mood stabilizers and antipsychotics are the cornerstones of acute bipolar mania and depression management.
In the acute phase of mania, anti-anxiety medications such as benzodiazepine are sometimes used.
For maintenance, mood stabilizers alone or in combination with antipsychotics or antidepressants plus tailored psychosocial interventions can reduce the risk of relapse, improve patient compliance, and reduce the number and duration of hospitalizations.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy, personal and group therapy, and family-focused therapy are all beneficial treatments for patients. Bipolar disorder is a highly treatable illness. If you suspect you have bipolar mania, make an appointment with your mental health care provider and have yourself evaluated. Bipolar disorder symptoms will worsen if left untreated. It is estimated that approximately 15% of people with untreated bipolar mania complete suicide.
