How To Recognize And Treat Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorders affect 600,000 French people, in other words about 1% of the population of the Republic. Despite advanced medicine, the mechanism of this psychic condition is unfortunately still poorly understood, which makes the disease difficult to diagnose. What is more, there is no cure and it is rather the symptoms that doctors treat according to their intensity. So what does this type of psychosis represent and how to recognize it?

Bipolar Disorders: What Is It All About?

Formerly known as manic-depressive illness, bipolar disease represents mood disorders and most often manifests in its most frequent form which has two phases: manic and depressive. The normal state existing among these two conditions is called euthymia or normothymia. Due to the complexity of the disease, the symptoms are constantly changing and vary from patient to patient, hence the difficulty of an accurate diagnosis.

And in this context, manic-depressive illness is particularly underdiagnosed in France. According to data collected from specialists, a period of 10-12 years and the opinions of 4-5 doctors are necessary for bipolar disorders to be well detected. Experts also assume that 40% of people with depression are indeed bipolar without realizing.

The manic episode is characterized by moments of pathological excitement. The individual who suffers from it shows hyperactive and euphoric behavior, tries to carry out at the same time different projects and engages in unnecessary and thoughtless expenses.

As its name suggests, the depressive phase is defined by episodes of great sadness and is indeed intended to be opposed to the condition described above. The affected person is tired, depressed, has no desire to do anything and even wants to die. Qualified in some cases as melancholy, this phase is the most dangerous because the risk of suicide is high.

Remain vigilant about warning signs

As already mentioned above, very often individuals with bipolar disorder are completely unaware of its condition. However, several clues can alert the family of a person affected by this disease. As for manic periods, psychologists advise to watch out for symptoms related to socio-professional life such as the following: difficulty concentrating, commitment to many projects, none of which has been completed, reckless spending, reduction in diet and sleep time.

Regarding the second phase (the most dangerous), the symptoms of this one are reminiscent of depression but are much more intense so we remain vigilant!

Treatment and therapies for a bipolar condition

Considering that a curative treatment does not exist, the doctors opt for such a symptomatic whose objective is to stabilize the condition and prevent further episodes. Each treatment is individual and is prepared according to the patient's needs and the intensity of the symptoms.

Regarding drugs, lithium, thymoregulators and antipsychotics are the three most prescribed types. Once treatment is started, regular tests of kidney, heart and thyroid function are necessary due to the many side effects.

Some experts are confiding in the incredible results of light therapy combined with antidepressants.