Coping with BIPOLAR DISORDER

This is a mental health condition with extreme mood swings and energy level changes

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Previously known as manic depression, bipolar disorder affects people of all ages, backgrounds, genders and ethnicities. The exact cause is unknown. There's a genetic link, although it's not directly inherited. Risk factors include family history, childhood trauma or abuse, stressful events, relationship problems, bereavement, recreational drug use and previous toxoplasmosis infection. Affecting over a million people in the UK, and around 1 to 5% worldwide, symptoms are usually first noticed in young adults.

The main symptom is extreme changes in mood, although mood can be stable with no symptoms for months, even years, but can then go low or high. Episode patterns vary, often including high moods (mania or hypomania), such as feeling happy, excited, energetic, irritable, aggressive, restless, not sleeping, overly confident, experiencing increased libido, hallucinations, delusions or paranoia. Then low moods (depression), such as feeling sad, tired, worthless, self-harm or suicidal thoughts, for days or weeks at a time. Manic and depressive symptoms can occur at the same time.

The condition has a big impact on sufferers and those close to them, ranging from short-lived disruptions to ongoing challenges. If untreated, they may regret actions during both manic or depressive episodes, such as spending their savings, having affairs or damaging family relationships, misusing substances, not sleeping or making impulsive decisions with lifelong consequences. During depression, they may find work or looking after family impossible, stop washing, eating properly or going out, or attempt suicide. Guilt and shame are common, with intense anger, grief and frustration. If extreme mood changes are impacting your everyday life, see a GP, who will refer you to a mental health specialist (psychiatrist).