What is bipolar disorder?

Posted on 29 March 2018

Not easily identified, bipolar disorder is a severe mood disorder that affects between 1% and 3% of the global population.

‘People with this disorder experience unusually intense fluctuations in emotional states’, explains psychiatrist, Dr Frans Korb. ‘These emotional swings usually occur from the overjoyed highs of a manic episode to the crushing lows of depression. People with bipolar disorder swing between these two polar opposites. They may be irritable or aggressive, sad or hopeless. They may experience extreme changes in energy, activity and the need for sleeping and eating. These signs can all be part of the mood fluctuations.

Types of bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder encompasses bipolar 1 and bipolar 2 disorder.

While the depressive episodes are similar in bipolar 1 and bipolar 2 disorder, the difference lies in the severity of the manic episodes caused by each type.

Bipolar 2 causes hypomania, a less severe form of mania. The patient may be highly functional during episodes of hypomania.

Bipolar disorder is a chronic illness and generally requires long-term management. Left untreated, the disorder can worsen. It’s often misdiagnosed because it can be confused with other mood or personality disorders.

Fortunately, there are a wide variety of relatively safe medications that could treat both the depression and the mania to help the patient lead a fulfilling and stable life. The medication used will depend on the patient’s specific symptoms and needs as well as how well they respond to the medication and if they experience any adverse side effects. Counselling with a trained mental health professional can further aid their treatment.

Guidelines for supporting a bipolar sufferer

1. Acknowledge that bipolar disorder is a serious condition that needs to be addressed.
2. Recognise how crucial medication is as part of a treatment plan.
3. Determine whether the current treatment is working. Keep a ‘daily symptom journal’ and give it to the doctor.
4. Make sure your loved one continues the treatment plan. They need to know exactly why they are taking medication, what the different treatment options are available and what will happen if they discontinue the medication.
5. Don’t take it personally. Your loved one may not have control over their episodes but you do. Remind yourself that it’s the disorder talking and chat to someone neutral about your feelings.
6. Remember that a number of factors play a role in giving structure, routine and stability to your loved one’s life. Medication, therapy, sleep, eating correctly, exercising, reducing stress, a good support system, hobbies and relaxation are key.
7. Accept that recovery takes time.
8. Gain as much knowledge about the illness as possible. For information about support groups, brochures and referrals, contact The South African Depression and Anxiety Group on 0800 70 80 90 from 8am – 8pm and speak to a counsellor.