Bipolar Disorder: A Complex Dance of Emotions

Author: Anqi Qinghai University Affiliated Hospital

Reviewer: Gao Qian, Chief Physician, Qinghai University Affiliated Hospital

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is an extremely complex mental disorder. Its special feature is that patients alternate between manic episodes and depressive episodes. During a manic episode, the patient may appear energetic and in high spirits, as if he has endless energy; while during a depressive episode, he will fall into extreme depression and malaise. This rapid switching between the two extreme emotions has a serious impact on the patient's daily life, interpersonal relationships, and work and study abilities.

Figure 1 Copyright image, no permission to reprint

1. Various symptoms show clues

1. Appearance of a depressive episode

During a depressive episode, the patient's mood is like falling into a dark abyss, and he or she is in a low state for a long time. He or she loses interest in everything around him or her, and the activities that he or she once loved become boring. He or she will feel extremely tired and weak, as if his or her energy has been drained. The quality of sleep will seriously decline, and he or she will often suffer from insomnia or wake up early. He or she will become slow in doing things and be extremely inefficient. His or her thinking will also become slow, and it will be difficult to concentrate. At the same time, his or her willpower will decline, he or she will be unwilling to interact with others, and he or she will feel hopeless about the future. He or she may also experience physical changes such as loss of appetite and weight loss.

2. Manic Attack

During a manic episode, the patient's mood is extremely high, as if he is on top of the world. He is full of endless interests and motivation, and may start multiple projects or activities at the same time, but they are often difficult to sustain and tend to be anticlimactic. He speaks more and speaks faster and more incessantly. He needs less sleep, but he is still energetic. His behavior may become reckless and impulsive, such as squandering money and engaging in inappropriate social behavior. He is also prone to irritability and will fly into a rage once he encounters something unsatisfactory.

3. The Strangeness of Mixed Seizures

In mixed episodes, manic and depressive states alternate very quickly. The patient may be in a manic state for a few hours, with high spirits and active behavior, and then suddenly turn into a depressed state with low spirits and low will. This rapid transition is extremely torturous for the patient and those around him.

2. Tracing the origin and exploring the causes

Figure 2 Copyright image, no permission to reprint

1. Genetic factors dominate

Genetic factors play a leading role in bipolar disorder, with a heritability of 40% to 70%. This shows that genes have a significant influence on the pathogenesis of bipolar disorder. People with bipolar disorder in their family have a relatively higher risk of developing the disease.

2. Influence of biological factors

Abnormal neurotransmitter function is an important biological factor. For example, an imbalance of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine may affect the brain's emotional regulation function. Changes in the neuroendocrine system are also related to this. Abnormal secretion of hormones such as cortisol can also affect emotional stability.

3. Psychosocial factors

Negative life events are a trigger for bipolar disorder. For example, major blows such as the death of a loved one, unemployment, and a broken heart may trigger a patient's depressive episode. Positive life events may increase the risk of manic episodes, such as suddenly gaining a huge fortune or achieving great success. Poor interpersonal relationships can also easily lead to the occurrence of bipolar disorder.

4. Hidden dangers of drug abuse

Long-term abuse of certain drugs, such as alcohol and drugs, can damage the nervous system. These substances interfere with the normal physiological functions of the brain and change the balance of neurotransmitters, thereby increasing the risk of developing bipolar disorder or aggravating existing conditions.

3. Comprehensive treatment to find hope

Figure 3 Copyright image, no permission to reprint

1. The importance of drug treatment

Medication is an important means of treating bipolar disorder. However, it needs to be used with caution, and patients must strictly follow the doctor's instructions during medication, because the drugs may cause some adverse reactions, such as nausea, vomiting, weight gain, etc.

2. Effects of physical therapy

Physical therapy has unique effects in some cases. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and modified electroconvulsive therapy (MECT) have good effects on patients with severe conditions or poor drug treatment. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can stimulate specific areas of the brain through magnetic fields, improve the brain's neural activity, and also help relieve the symptoms of bipolar disorder.

3. The need for psychological treatment

Psychotherapy is also indispensable for patients with bipolar disorder. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help patients recognize their own thinking and behavior patterns, change irrational cognition, and thus better cope with emotional fluctuations. Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) focuses on improving patients' interpersonal relationships, helping patients deal with interpersonal conflicts, and improving social skills. Different patients can choose appropriate psychotherapy methods according to their individual characteristics and needs.

Although bipolar disorder is complex and difficult to cure completely, through comprehensive treatment methods, patients can still effectively control symptoms, improve their quality of life, and gradually move towards recovery. At the same time, society should also give more understanding and support to patients with bipolar disorder and reduce discrimination and prejudice against them.