1.1 Define the term ‘bipolar disorder’

This guide will help you answer 1.1 Define the term ‘bipolar disorder’.

Bipolar disorder is a serious mental health condition that affects a person’s mood, energy levels, and ability to function day-to-day. People with this condition experience intense mood changes, swinging between extreme highs (known as mania or hypomania) and extreme lows (depression). These mood episodes can last for days, weeks, or even longer.

Bipolar disorder is not just about simple mood swings or feeling happy or sad. It is a medical condition caused by changes in brain chemistry and function. Without proper management, it can significantly impact a person’s life, relationships, and ability to work.

Mania and Hypomania

Mania is a period of extreme happiness or excitement, sometimes so intense that it causes risky or harmful behaviour. During a manic episode, people may feel:

• Overly confident or powerful
• Full of energy, even if they’ve slept very little
• Restless or impulsive
• Quick to anger or irritated over small things

This high energy can lead to poor decisions, such as spending too much money, starting risky business ventures, or engaging in unsafe activities.

Hypomania is a milder form of mania. The symptoms are less severe, and although noticeable, they may not cause major disruptions. A person might feel more productive than usual and have bursts of creativity. However, untreated hypomania can develop into full mania or lead to a depressive episode.

Depressive Episodes

People with bipolar disorder also experience depressive episodes, which are periods of overwhelming sadness and low energy. Symptoms of a depressive episode include:

• Feeling hopeless or worthless
• Sleeping too much or too little
• Losing interest in things they used to enjoy
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide

These episodes can make basic tasks, like getting out of bed or going to work, feel impossible. Depression in bipolar disorder often lasts longer than mania or hypomania and may require significant support.

Types of Bipolar Disorder

There are different types of bipolar disorder, which vary based on the severity and duration of mood episodes.

1. Bipolar I Disorder: This is the most severe form. People experience full manic episodes lasting at least seven days or requiring hospital care. Depressive episodes typically last two weeks or more.
2. Bipolar II Disorder: This involves recurring depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes (milder than full mania). It is often misdiagnosed as depression because the hypomania might not be recognised.
3. Cyclothymic Disorder (Cyclothymia): This involves periods of hypomanic symptoms and depressive symptoms that last for at least two years. The symptoms are less severe than Bipolar I or II but still impact daily life.
4. Other Specified and Unspecified Bipolar Disorders: These forms are diagnosed when mood episodes do not meet the typical patterns of the above categories but still significantly disrupt someone’s life.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of bipolar disorder isn’t fully understood, but several factors play a role:

• Biological Factors: Research suggests chemical imbalances in the brain, particularly involving serotonin, dopamine, and other neurotransmitters. These are chemicals that help nerve cells communicate.
• Genetics: Bipolar disorder can run in families. If a close relative, like a parent or sibling, has bipolar disorder, the risk of developing it is higher. However, many people without a family history also develop the condition.
• Environmental Factors: Stressful events, such as trauma, abuse, or significant life changes, can trigger bipolar symptoms in individuals who are already at risk.
• Substance Use: Drug or alcohol misuse can worsen symptoms or trigger mood episodes.

Symptoms in Daily Life

Bipolar disorder affects more than just mood. It can cause disruptions in relationships, work, and daily routines. Impacts might include:

• Trouble maintaining employment due to mood swings or difficulty concentrating
• Strain on relationships due to unpredictable actions or emotional changes
• Poor financial decisions during manic episodes
• Social isolation during depressive episodes

Recognising the symptoms and seeking help is essential for managing the condition.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is made by healthcare professionals, like psychiatrists. The process might include:

• Assessing symptoms and their duration
• Ruling out other medical conditions, such as thyroid problems
• Understanding personal and family mental health history

Tests, such as blood work or brain scans, won’t show bipolar disorder directly, but they can help rule out other causes.

Treatment and Management

Although there’s no cure for bipolar disorder, it can be managed effectively with the right support and treatment. Treatment options include:

• Medication: Mood stabilisers, such as lithium, and antipsychotic medications are commonly prescribed to control symptoms. Anti-depressants may also be given but with caution, as they can sometimes trigger mania.
• Psychological Therapies: Talking therapies like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or interpersonal therapy can help people understand their condition and cope with its effects.
• Lifestyle Changes: Regular sleep patterns, healthy eating, and avoiding drugs and alcohol can improve mood stability.
• Support Networks: Support from family, friends, or support workers can make a big difference. Encouraging someone to keep up with treatment is part of this support.

Role of a Support Worker

As a support worker, your job involves:

1. Recognising Symptoms: Be able to identify warning signs of a manic or depressive episode.
2. Offering Practical Help: Assist with tasks that may feel overwhelming during mood episodes, like managing appointments or household chores.
3. Encouraging Treatment: Encourage the person to attend doctor appointments or therapy sessions.
4. Listening Without Judgement: Provide a safe space for the person to share their feelings and experiences.
5. Preventing Harm: If someone expresses suicidal thoughts or shows signs of mania that could lead to harm, seek professional intervention immediately.

Breaking Stigma

Bipolar disorder is often misunderstood, leading to stigma and discrimination. Support workers play an important role in encouraging awareness and inclusivity. Help others understand that bipolar disorder is a health condition like any physical illness.

Key Terms

Below are some terms used when discussing bipolar disorder:

• Mood Episode: A distinct period featuring noticeable changes in mood, energy, and activity.
• Euthymic Mood: A stable state with no extreme highs or lows.
• Neurotransmitters: Chemical messengers in the brain that affect function and mood.
• Stigma: Negative attitudes or beliefs about mental illnesses, often based on misunderstandings.

Final Thoughts

Bipolar disorder is a complex yet treatable mental health condition. By defining and understanding the term, you can better support those who experience it. A strong emphasis on compassion, understanding symptoms, and promoting treatment will improve outcomes for anyone affected.