Bipolarity is the term used to refer to a person who presents a behavior with opposite characteristics in which moments of euphoria alternate with moments of depression.
Bipolarity is a mood disorder and is also called bipolar disorder or bipolar affective disorder.
Causes of bipolarity
According to psychiatry, bipolarity can be linked to a genetic inheritance, which means that a person is more likely to have the disorder if he has other cases in his family.
It is also known that some changes in the brain may be responsible for the manifestation of bipolarity.
Types of Bipolarity
There are four variations of bipolarity, depending on the type of symptom onset. Some will manifest in the euphoric (manic) phase and others in the depressive (hypomanic) phase.
Look:
- Type I: Bipolarity is type I when the manifestations of euphoria and depression are intense. The manifestation of symptoms can be so strong that it can be reflected in all of the patient's relationships and activities.
- Type II: in type II the symptoms are the same as in type I, the difference is that they usually manifest in a lighter way.
- Mixed: in the mixed type there are more intense episodes of depression and euphoria as in the type alternating with others that are lighter, as in type II. Because of this variation in intensity, it is not possible to place bipolarity in any of the other types.
- Cyclothymic: This type is considered the mildest manifestation of bipolarity. Symptoms still exist, but in a weaker form and do not usually bring great difficulties or damage to the patient's life and personal relationships.
Bipolarity symptoms
Bipolarity has different symptoms depending on the stage of the disorder. In addition to the phases of depression and euphoria, there are also times when the patient does not have symptoms.
Some common characteristics of bipolarity are:
- thoughts and mind fast or very slow,
- feeling of anxiety,
- humor and overreactions,
- crying and sadness,
- changes in sleep (excess or lack),
- sudden changes in appetite,
- unwillingness to do common activities,
- thoughts of suicide.
Meet these 6 symptoms that help identify a bipolar person.
Treatment of bipolarity
Bipolarity is an incurable but treatable disorder. If done properly, the treatment can ensure that the person with the disorder has a healthy life.
Treatment is carried out with a set of measures that include psychological and psychiatric monitoring and the use of drugs called mood stabilizers.
It is also part of the treatment to make lifestyle changes that can bring more balance to the patient. For example: regular physical exercise, integration into social groups, healthy eating and the pursuit of pleasurable activities.
See also the meanings of Bipolar and Bipolar disorder.