Question 1

What does bipolar mean?

Accepted Answer

Bipolar means having or relating to two poles or extremes. Similarly, bipolar disorder is typically characterised by extreme variations in mood, namely depression or lows and mania or highs.

Question 2

How is bipolar disorder different from depression?

Accepted Answer

The significant difference between clinical depression and bipolar disorder is the presence of manic or hypomanic (a milder form of mania) episodes. It is essential to understand that the presence of a depressive episode is not enough to diagnose bipolar disorder. Even the history of one episode of mania is sufficient for a diagnosis of bipolar disorder in a depressed person.

Question 3

How many types of bipolar disorders are there, and how do you characterise them?

Accepted Answer

There are three main types of bipolar disorders namely:

Bipolar I
Bipolar II
Cyclothymia

In Bipolar I, you experience one or more episodes of mania, with or without any occurrence of a depressive episode. The 2nd type, i.e., Bipolar II, includes multiple mania episodes alongside one or more episodes of depression. The person suffering from the third type, i.e., Cyclothymia, shows a regular switching pattern between episodes of mild mania and mild depression, and the symptoms usually last for a year.

Question 4

At what age is bipolar disorder usually diagnosed?

Accepted Answer

Generally, the first signs of bipolar disorder are seen between the age group of 15 and 25 and can persist through a lifetime. Though in rare circumstances, doctors can diagnose symptoms of mania, even in young children or in adults over the age of 65 years.

Question 5

How do you differentiate between the signs of Mania or Hypomania?

Accepted Answer

When an individual suffers from a manic episode, they feel euphoric and irritable for at least a week. Some of the most common symptoms of a manic episode are:

Considerable boost in energy leading to restlessness
Unable to concentrate and thus easily distracted
Visible signs of Insomnia
Racing thoughts, thus rapidly switching between ideas
Lack of judgment
Exhibits an aggressive behaviour

The symptoms of hypomania are like mania but are, in general, less severe and of shorter duration. If an individual suffers from hypomania, hospitalisation isn't required, and there's negligible functional impairment.

Question 6

What Are the Signs of Depression?

Accepted Answer

Usually, the onset of a depressive episode is characterised by an individual feeling low on energy, empty and hopeless about everything. Besides, they can also experience any of the following symptoms:

Feeling of guilt
Increased fatigue and tiredness
Loss of interest in activities they find pleasure in
Poor concentration affects decision-making ability
Restlessness and irritability
Unintentional weight gain or weight loss
An abrupt change in appetite
Suicidal thoughts

Question 7

If I am diagnosed with bipolar disorder, will I be on medication for the rest of my life?

Accepted Answer

It's not a hard and fast rule. The duration of medication required depends on multiple factors, such as the severity of episodes, the number and frequency of episodes, family history, etc. Your psychiatrist and you may work together on your individual requirements.

Question 8

Can someone have medical conditions that mimic symptoms of bipolar disorder?

Accepted Answer

Many medical conditions can affect mood, mimicking bipolar disorders. It is essential to rule out these conditions before making a diagnosis. They include:

Hypothyroidism. Thyroid dysfunction has been known to affect mood and can cause depressive episodes.
Brain tumours, especially ones that involve or compress the amygdala, the region of the brain that decides one's mood, can cause similar symptoms.
Neurological infections such as Lyme disease, HIV or syphilis should be ruled out based on associated symptoms and signs.
Treatment history of a high dose of steroids and medications for tuberculosis or HIV have been reported to affect mood.
Vitamin deficiencies, especially vitamin B12, can cause neurological deficits and affect mood.

Question 9

Is there any difference between “Unipolar depression” and “Bipolar depression”?

Accepted Answer

Individuals who encounter recurrent episodes of major depression are known to suffer from "Unipolar depression" (or clinical depression). In this state, people only experience frequent periods of low or depressed mood. When individuals who have bipolar disorder go through low, depressed phases, they are said to experience "bipolar depression".

The symptoms of both unipolar and bipolar depression are the same. However, the only difference is that an individual who has unipolar depression doesn't experience high periods of mania (if it's severe) or hypomania (in case of mild). Understanding the same is essential because the treatment is determined depending on the severity of the symptoms.

Question 10

What do I need to tell my doctor about my illness?

Accepted Answer

Before you visit your doctor, it may be advisable first to prepare a list of things that you would like to share to help them understand your condition better:

Write down the symptoms you have had
Write down critical personal information about yourself
Make a list of medications you are on
Write down all the questions and queries you have
Take a friend or family member along with you.

What does your personality look like according to the people around you? Tell your doctor how you feel you are different now and how your symptoms affect your daily life. Also, ensure you understand the various treatment options and what might be most suitable for you.

Question 11

What treatment options for bipolar disorder in India?

Accepted Answer

While there's no exclusive cure available to treat bipolar disorder, there are specific steps you can undertake to ensure there's a considerable improvement in your mental health. In general, treatment for bipolar disorder can include medication, therapy, or a combination of the two. Medications usually include mood stabilisers or antidepressants.

The combination of psychotherapy (CBT) along with medication is also known to highly benefit individuals who have bipolar disorder and helps in preventing the relapse of stabilised cases.

Apart from standard therapy, you can also rely on natural remedies like yoga, physical exercise, acupuncture, or supplementing your diet with omega-3 fatty acid foods to cure the disease.

Question 12

What’s the best diet plan I must follow if I’m suffering from bipolar disorder?

Accepted Answer

If you have bipolar disorder, you can benefit from eating plant-based foods such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, etc. It would be best to minimise salt and intake of processed foods like juices while trying to include more high-fibre foods in your diet. Including high-fibre foods, fermented foods, yoghurt, etc., helps grow good bacteria within your body, strengthening your immunity.

Bipolar Disorder: